Fireside and fallen leaves at Gladstone's Library in Hawarden

Gladstone's Library, Hawarden

By Rhian Waller - Gladstone's Library PR and marketing

It is the season of crunchy leaves and woodsmoke, and we have both in Hawarden.

The leaves have been supplied by the horse chestnut trees lining the gates leading to Hawarden Old Castle. They lie like forgotten copper quills on the pavement.

The woodsmoke is ambient, drifting in from the farmer's fields around the village. Gladstone's Library adds a little to the sweet scent as we light the fire in the Gladstone Room lounge when guests request a warming blaze.

Gladstone Room hearth.

This time of year, we see a lot of students and academics making headway on their projects ahead of the Christmas break, and we also welcome visitors on seasonal visits to the area.

There are worse ways of spending the dark hours than sitting in a library as the nights draw in.

Some of our registered Readers and guests stay in the Reading Rooms until 10pm, when they are gently ushered out by our night porters.

There are also worse ways to warm up than sitting in a comfy chair in the lounge while cupping a hot mug of coffee and leafing through one of the contemporary books on the shelves in the lounge - or bring your own book.

But what to read?

Sophia statue head and shoulders at Gladstone's Library.

Liz, PA to the Warden, said: "My next read is on my desk called The Queen's Knickers! It's a sweet children's book and its quite comforting. Recommended by our new warden. It's an excellent read and just my level."

Louisa, Director of Collections Research recommended dipping into the Gothic genre with We Have Always Lived in the Castle or Rebecca.

Caroline, one of our Receptionists, said: "I'm still reading the A Discovery of Witches, which I started a while ago, but I'm tempted by The Shardlake series by C. J. Sansom, which is set in the time of Henry VIII."

As for me? I think you should read the first book on your to-read pile, whatever it happens to be. Snuggle up and enjoy it!