Reading Groups

Reading groups are booming business, enjoyed by everyone from young children to older people. Promotions such as the Richard and Judy book club and Chatterbooks have popularised the concept and ensured that libraries across the country are able to capitalise on the trend.

Orange Chatterbooks Reading Groups now run in around 130 library authorities in the UK. There are over 320 active Chatterbooks groups involving over 6000 children.

Overlooked in the first phase of reading group development, young people are also getting in on the act; many libraries now realise that young people love talking about reading too and that reading groups are an excellent way for them to share their enthusiasm with their peers.

All in all, as community venues with access to a wide range of literature, libraries have never been in a better position to provide a service that the public really wants.

By using the Reading Groups section of TRF you will

• Be able to plan and set up reading groups for children and young people
• Get some ideas for group activities
• Think about how to evaluate the impact of your groups