The Reader Organisation – Shared Reading

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Group reading online or outdoor. 

Weekly groups

Jump to non-reading activities | Time Travellers Shared Reading | Sci-fi Shared Reading | Relaxed Reading for Parents and Carers | Pride on Page | What is Shared Reading?

See the website for one-off reading events.

Cabinet of Curiosities 

• Mondays 10am – 12pm drop in
• From off-beat classics to the very edge of the cutting-edge. A relaxed Monday morning Shared Reading session that’s sure to get the cogs turning. 
• This session takes place in the Blue Reading Room, and tea and coffee will be provided.

Shared Reading at Mansion House

• Monday 2pm – 3pm drop in
• Wednesday 11am-12pm drop in
• Thursday 10-11am drop in
• Saturday 10am & 1pm drop in
• Relax into an hour long reading session lead by one of our friendly trained Reader Leaders. The groups will share, read and enjoy poetry and small extracts of literature together. No prior reading experience is required and everyone is welcome. There is no pressure to read aloud – it’s fine to just sit back, relax and listen.

Time Travellers Shared Reading back to jump to

• Tuesdays 10 – 11.30am drop in
• Join us for a new Shared Reading group where we’ll be transported into the past by great stories and poems. Together, we’ll go on a journey of discovery through time to discover what life was like in this place for those who came before us. 

Sci-Fi Shared Reading back to jump to

• Tuesdays 4 – 5.30pm
• Free  No prior reading experience is required and everyone is welcome. There is no pressure to read aloud – it’s fine to just sit back, relax and listen.

Relaxed Reading for Parents and Carers back to jump to

• Wednesdays 10am – 11.30am 
• A free Shared Reading group for parents and carers who’d like to spend some time reading grown-up stuff, with a little one in tow.
• We’ll choose the book or poem and read aloud above the noise and through the feeds.
• Bring your baby along, enjoy the stories and the chance to meet others. No need to read aloud. 
• We’re based in the Old Café, along the main corridor, opposite the Heritage Room. It’s on the ground floor, so buggy and pram friendly. There are baby changing facilities on-site too.
• This group is suitable for parents and carers who are with babies and children who aren’t yet at the walking stage. If you’ve got any questions about whether this group will suit you please email hopemcgarry@thereader.org.uk

Pride on the Page back to jump to

• Wednesday 2pm – 3:30pm
• Join us at the Mansion House in our tranquil Blue Reading room as we explore stories and poems from the LGBTQIA+ experience.
• For more information contact: stephenporter@thereader.org.uk

What is Shared Reading? back to jump to

Shared Reading is a powerful group experience that sparks connection, reflection and discovery. By providing a creative and safe space to explore our inner lives and develop meaningful relationships with others, Shared Reading improves wellbeing and builds community.

What happens at a Shared Reading group?

In Shared Reading, a Reader Leader shares a piece of great literature with a group of people, bringing the words to life through live reading aloud and discussion. We choose great poems, stories and plays because they offer a powerful language with which we can explore our inner lives.

Who is Shared Reading for?

Absolutely everyone! We read with people all ages, backgrounds and abilities, everything is read aloud, all our groups are free to attend and everyone is welcome to join in. Whether you’ve been reading all your life or have never picked up a book before, you’ll find a warm welcome in a Shared Reading group.