Looking for a bit of fun reading? The Hesburgh Libraries’ new Popular Reading Collection has you covered. 

“Unlike the research collections that make up the majority of our holdings, this collection focuses on high-interest, contemporary works curated for enjoyment and relaxation,” Helen Cawley, reference services coordinator, said. “The books are obtained through a prominent library book-lease vendor, with the aim of ensuring our readers have access to the most up-to-date leisure reading titles.”

The Popular Reading Collection is a replacement for the previous Leisure Reading Collection, which held titles provided by the St. Joseph County Public Library. 

“The former Leisure Reading Collection consisted of titles that circulated well in their system but were often several years old,” Cawley said. “All books in the Popular Reading Collection are of current copyright date. They are included on the book vendor’s website hot lists based on reviews from multiple sources.”

Currently, the collection holds about 50 titles, but another 60 will be added in the coming weeks. Eventually, the library plans to add 450 new titles per year to ensure fresh content.

“Books will be added throughout the year to keep up with the newest popular titles,” she said. “The footprint of the collection, once established after the first year, will remain at 450 volumes, with 20% of the most circulated books being permanently added to our general collection.”

The books can be found on the first floor of the Hesburgh Library near the north entrance. The titles span a variety of genres to appeal to a broad range of readers.

“At the Ask Us Desk, we frequently receive requests for help finding ‘fun’ reading,” Cawley said. “While there is plenty of recreational material within our general collection, it can often be tricky to find without assistance, which is why I have maintained the Leisure Reading subject guide for many years in order to provide those pointers and suggestions, as well as links to genre and book award websites.”

As the Popular Reading Collection grows, Cawley hopes that it will excite readers all across campus.

“I hope the Popular Reading Collection will become a vibrant part of the Hesburgh Libraries for the Notre Dame community,” she said. “I want this to be not just a few shelves of books, but a destination for our students, faculty and staff to find new stories that contribute to their personal growth, mental well-being and joy. Supporting reading for pleasure is one of my professional passions, and it is truly my own pleasure to introduce our community to ‘fun’ books that are current, interesting and thought-provoking in a non-academic sense.”

Titles in the Popular Reading Collection are available to students, faculty and staff. They can be checked out for a 28-day loan period with no renewals. Because this is a leased collection, books cannot be placed on hold, in course reserves, delivered to branch libraries or sent through Interlibrary Loan. Want to add a title or genre to the collection? Fill out our Google Form to submit suggestions.