Spotlight 8. Hope

Poems of Hope and Resilience

In this selection of poems compiled by the Poetry Foundation, hope takes many forms: an open road, an unturned page, a map to another world, an ark, an infant, a long-lost glove that returns to its owner. Hope is deeper than simple optimism, and more mysterious, delicate, and elusive. It is a feeling we must develop and cultivate, yet worth the effort, for it can also foster the determination and grit to see us through difficult times, both now and ahead.

Read the collection

Book of Hopes

Completely free for all children and families, the extraordinary collection of short stories, poems, essays and pictures has contributions from more than 110 children’s writers and illustrators, including Lauren Child, Anthony Horowitz, Greg James and Chris Smith, Michael Morpurgo, Liz Pichon, Axel Scheffler, Francesca Simon and Jacqueline Wilson.

The collection, published by Bloomsbury, is dedicated to the doctors, nurses, carers, porters, cleaners and everyone currently working in hospitals.


Read the Book of Hopes

May the Fourth be with you!

Sorry, we just couldn't resist.  It is Star Wars day!  Check out Star Wars Episode 4 (A New Hope), from our huge collection of free eComics available to Sheffield library members.

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Anything but Silent - The British Library Podcast

Buzzing, creative, brave. Places of sanctuary, freedom, and hope. Libraries don’t just keep our stories safe; they’re where new stories begin. Why not dip into this series of podcasts from the British Library and meet people around the world making amazing things happen in them.  It’s full of stories about how books, libraries and community can change the world for the better.  It’s full of hope and humanity, and well worth exploring.

Listen to the podcasts

Creativity during Corona - Hope

Each morning during lockdown, we’ve been posting daily creative prompts on Facebook and we’ve been overwhelmed by the response from people creating their own poetry and artwork.  We look forward to showcasing some of this work during an exhibition at the Central Library when life returns to normal.

Today, Claire from the Central library has picked a poem about hope that speaks to her.  Perhaps it will speak to you too.

You could simply read the poems then close…or take a look at the prompts on our Facebook page and send us your own thoughts, notes, journal piece, poem, short story,  drawing, paintings, photographs, knitting, sewing, or  songs….  Enjoy.

Molly and Mr Minto's Lockdown

Finally, check out this video of author Wendy Meddour reading her brand new story, Molly and Mr Minto's Lockdown.  It's a story about hope, creativity and community.  We love how it reflects some of the wonderful true stories of people coming together in their communities across the country.

Watch the video