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Setting up a reading group

Reading groups meet in a wide range of spaces and circumstances. You can choose a traditional setting like a library or in group members’ homes, or consider a more unusual venue. 


Some of our favourite ideas are a walking reading group, where you can discuss your chosen reads out in the open air while enjoying a stroll, or start a pudding club where you can sample sweet treats you've bought or made while you discuss what you've been reading.

Some other ideas are:

  • in your workplace
  • in a pub or bar
  • in a café
  • your local sports club or community centre
  • in the local park or at your allotment

Groups can be as small or large as you want as long as everyone gets the chance to air their views.

When to meet

Your group could meet on a regular or occasional basis or change with the seasons, a lot will depend on what you're reading and how much time you have.

Why not try meeting:

  • monthly or bi-monthly
  • quarterly or seasonally
  • term time only for parents and carers
  • daytime or evening
  • early morning or afternoon, ideal for shift workers

Opportunities for your reading group

There are lots of opportunities for your reading group to get more involved. Your group could:

  • enter competitions on Reading Groups for Everyone to win sets of books or even author visits for your group.
  • invite a local author to visit your reading group and discuss their book with them.
  • visit a museum or gallery with pieces related to the title or titles you're reading.
  • watch a film or theatre adaption of the title you're reading, just for fun or compare and contrast the book and the film or play