Discover Stories That Feel Like Us: Student Reads Collection
If there’s one thing that can crack open your world in the middle of a busy semester, it’s a book that feels like it sees you. That’s the heart behind the Student Reads Collection—a growing, student-selected shelf of fiction at Stauffer Library that celebrates diverse voices, global perspectives, and stories that matter.
This year, the AMS Social Issues Commission and Queen’s Library have once again teamed up to bring this collection to life. And the best part? It’s for students and by students—a space where our campus community can explore novels that reflect a huge range of identities, histories, and lived experiences.
The collection features everything from contemporary and historical fiction to genre staples, literary favourites, and classics alongside works from new and emerging authors. You’ll find prizewinners, international bestsellers, quiet gems you’ve never heard of, and bold narratives that push your understanding of the world just a bit further. And if you’re itching to explore even more, you can browse additional titles through Omni, Queen’s academic search and discovery tool.
A Little History: How This All Started
The Student Reads Collection began a few years ago under Ruth’s term as SIC-Internal, who later became the Vice President of University Affairs, as a collaboration with Stauffer Library. The idea was simple but powerful: build a curated selection of fiction that centers equity, representation, and student voice. From day one, the vision was to bring together titles that reflect experiences across cultures, identities, and communities around the world.
The project kept growing.
Last year, President Jana Amer expanded the collection by adding 20–30 new books in her term as SIC-Internal. This year, the initiative continues—another set of student-chosen titles is joining the collection, bringing it to 95 books and counting, with even more arriving in the winter semester.
Every book on that shelf was chosen with intention. Every story plays a part in making our campus literary landscape richer, more inclusive, and more reflective of who we are.
Where to Find It
You can explore the full Student Reads Collection here.
Prefer to browse in person? The display is directly to the left of the service desk when you walk into Stauffer Library—you can’t miss it. Take a book, flip through a few pages, and maybe leave with something that pulls you in.
Whether you’re looking for a cozy read, a book that challenges your thinking, or just something new to fall in love with, the Student Reads Collection is here for you. Built by Queen’s students, shaped by our voices, and meant to be explored by every member of our campus community.
Come discover a story that feels like yours.
For any questions, concerns, or media inquiries, please contact the Communications Office, at . We’re here to help.