Relax & Read at Concordia Library
Did you know the Library has non-academic materials that are just for fun? We have books, graphic novels, DVDs, streaming videos, and music. You can also find games, puzzles, and colouring books in our Leisure and Wellness Spaces at Webster Library and Vanier Library.
Explore the links on this page for recommendations, as well as tips for searching for more materials in Sofia, the Library's Discovery tool.
Webster Library’s Leisure and Wellness Space has moved!
Come explore and unwind with the leisure books, boardgames, puzzles or colouring books in a new, cozy setting on the first floor of Webster Library, right across from the Course Reserves room. Use the links below to learn about the relocated space at Webster Library, and the Leisure and Wellness Space at Vanier, and to get tips for finding the book collection in Sofia.
Our recommendations
Tips for Searching in Sofia
You can search the Library’s Discovery tool (Sofia) to find books (including ebooks), DVDs, music, and other fun materials.
You can search by author or title if you already know what you are looking for.
You can search by genre by using the search code ge: followed by the genre. For example, find:
After your initial search, using the panel on the left side of the screen, you can limit your search to “fiction” (under Content Type).
If you find a book that interests you in Sofia, you can click on the author’s name or on one of the book’s subjects to find other items like it.
For more information on finding specific formats, see our help pages on how to find books, how to find videos, and our music subject guide.
Looking for more advanced searching tips?
Reading for courses and research projects is an important part of your studies, but reading for pleasure is also important for your health and learning! Leisure reading (or recreational reading) can help improve reading comprehension and communication skills, reduce stress, and promote relaxation.
Looking for more?
View the latest literature news coming from Concordia, including holiday and summer book recommendations from the Concordia community.
Here are some more websites to help you find books to read:
Can’t find the book you want at Concordia? If you live in Montreal, you can get a library card from the Bibliothèques de Montréal and the Bibliothèque et Archives nationales du Québec (BAnQ) for free to access even more books, movies, magazines, games, and more. You can find an extended list of other library catalogues here.
Read a good book recently?
Do you have a favourite book you want your fellow Concordians to read? Share it via Bluesky @concordialib.bsky.social, or Instagram @concordialib.
Credit: The title of this reading guide was inspired by the University of Manitoba Libraries' Relax ‘n Read leisure guide. This guide was also inspired by many other excellent leisure reading guides, including those from Lancaster University Library, Queensborough Community College, University of Exeter, University of Notre Dame Hesburgh Libraries, and University of Tennessee Knoxville Libraries.