Book chains

A Book Chain is a group of people who enjoy reading and want to have a go at something different, but without the regular commitment of joining a reading group.

Here is one way it can work:

• You can join a book chain as a group or on your own. The chain usually consists of three or four people. Each chain is identified by a letter, say B; and each person within that chain is given a number, for example, B3.  

• You choose and read a library book - anything you like. Then, you write a few words on a comments sheet to describe the book and say what you thought about it.  

• You return your book and the comments sheet to the library, and collect a book chosen by another member of your chain. Just ask at the library counter, giving your Book Chain identification number (such as B3).  

• Then you read the next book (chosen by another reader), put some more comments on that book's sheet, and then return it and collect another book.  

• Each chain lasts for about two months. You will probably read two or three books other than your own choice in that time.  

• Your librarian will give you the start and finish dates for your chain, and sometimes at the end of a chain, the "links" in the chain (readers) get together at the library over a coffee to disucss what they have read and meet up face to face for a change!  

• Sometimes Library staff arrange special Book Chains to coincide with particular events - like the Derbyshire Literature Festival - or as part of a Reading Promotion - such as the Orange Prize for Fiction - or to encourage people to read particular types of writing - eg crime or travel books.  

• Book Chains can also work very well for readers who access the Mobile Library Service - it's a way of sharing your reading with people in another village or area.  

• Please ask at your library if you'd like to know more about The Book Chain