Are you sitting comfortably?

I realise as I type that question that the reference - to a radio show called Listen with Mother from last century - is ridiculously fusty and antique! [Cue jokes about librarians...]

But, as the gentle voice of my childhood used to continue "Then, I'll begin".

Bedford Library has swish new chairs for the new academic year. Unfortunately, Hurricane Bertha has made the skies so black I can't take a decent shot of Level 1 (or the Training Suites on the top floor). Here's a picture of Luton instead. When the IT Suite there was gutted and refitted, they bought new chairs. And they've proved so popular and robust, we've bought the same ones for Bedford, as well.

IT Suite, Luton

If you're a returning student, you may have had the misfortune last year to find the only spare chairs were permanently locked at an angle more popular on sun loungers. This kit has stood up to heavy traffic at Luton - which is 24/7/365 like Bedford - so your long sessions in the library this year should be a lot more comfortable.

If you're feeling nostalgic for yarns of pirates, steam trains to boarding schools and talking mammals...I direct you to the Teaching Practice room on the Third Floor. We've got everything from hungry caterpillars to high-school vampires.