Between my finger and my thumb
The squat pen rests.
I’ll dig with it.
Seamus Heaney, Digging

READING and a love of the spoken word might not always be a favourite of everyone. Indeed, in an age where txts may b the way 4ward (lol), some traditionalists worry that literature is an art form that increasingly needs protecting.

However, every year, World Book Day – which took place today – is held to celebrate the vast array of literature at our fingertips in all its shapes and forms, written, spoken or electronic, from the ancient classics through to the works of the 21st Century poet laureates.

Annually, this is also a day celebrated locally by Exeter College’s English, Languages and IB Faculty, and this year was no exception.

At lunchtime, new collections of Seamus Heaney poetry were given away to students from across the College from the foyer of the Tower Building in Hele Road on a first come, first served basis in the Great Book Giveaway.

Other activities planned to take place during lessons included the 40 Books in 40 Minutes challenge, during which volunteers read a favourite extract from their favourite book to an audience of fellow book lovers in class, and the Fiendishly Difficult Quotations Quiz, for which the top prize was tickets to see Hamlet at the Northcott Theatre, with all donations received to be given to the College’s chosen charity this year, ELF (Exeter Leukemia Fund).

English Lecturer Richard Davies arranged the Great Book Giveaway after seeing it advertised during a BBC Four promotion for World Book Night, a UK-wide initiative taking place this year as part of World Book Day.

Speaking after the last copy of Seamus Heaney New Selected Poems 1966 to 1987 had been handed out, he said: “All our lessons are about capturing and encouraging our students’ enthusiasm for literature. Today’s events were our way of recognising people’s passion for it, not only here in the Department, but across the College.

“At the same time, a day like today gives us an opportunity to open up poetry and literature to a new audience, for example those who may have chosen to study very different subjects. It is our big chance to show them what literature can offer them.”

The first student to collect their free poetry book was Lauren Boston, aged 16, of Chudleigh. She said: “I’m really lucky to be able to have this book for free today. I love poetry and I already have a collection of poetry books, so this will be a nice addition to them.

“I think World Book Day is really important, as it is a way of letting everyone experience the joy of reading. You don’t need to be studying English to enjoy reading.”

Jane Russell, Head of the English, Languages and IB Faculty, added: “We embrace all kinds of modern technology here at Exeter College, but there will always be something special about reading from a book, from its texture, feel, and appearance to its content, which has the power to let us explore words through our own imagination.

“For centuries, books have helped us to transcend our thoughts beyond our worries and the daily trivia of our lives. Today has been a fantastic celebration of the power of literature, and we look forward to celebrating World Book Day again next year.”

Combining a passion for reading with a spot of environmentally-friendly recycling as part of the College’s ongoing Sustainability programme, a Big Book Swap is planned for later in the term where students and staff will be able to bring in books they have already read from home and exchange them for someone else’s ex-reads for free.