We’ve had a fascinating collection of new books arrive in our library recently, donated by the Chinese Embassy, including some that are bilingual. Many of them feature wonderful works of art, there are some poetry books, and an absolutely beautiful book about the giant panda, which will likely become a firm favourite in the library; the photos of the pandas in their natural environment are stunning.

These books were donated to us because there is a link between China and a citizen of Harpenden. George Hogg was born in Harpenden in 1915, and studied at St George’s School. During the second Sino-Japanese war, in 1944, he led 66 orphaned boys 700km across a mountain range to safety in the Gansu province. Much of the journey was completed on foot through snow-covered mountain passes.

In China, he is now regarded as a friend of the country, and in his memory we have been gifted these lovely books. The 66 young boys were saved, but George himself came to quite a sad end. Having heroically rescued the boys, he hurt his toe whilst playing basketball with them. The wound became infected and he died. Legend has it that as he lay dying of a stubbed toe, the boys sang him the nursery rhymes and poems that he had taught them. Maybe some of those very poems are in the books we now have on offer in the library…

Also this week, in our wonderful library, we are celebrating Diwali. We have a display of books connected to Diwali, including one written by the family of one of our teachers – Mrs Rauniyar; so do drop in and have a search through to see if one appeals!