Share this page |
Books and readingJoining a reading group is a great way of enhancing your enjoyment of reading and improving your reading skills. Many reading groups have been set up in North Yorkshire in the last ten years. People meet (usually monthly) to discuss a book chosen in advance.
There are over 100 reading groups in North Yorkshire. All are different; ask in your local library for details of groups in your area. For articles and information on books and book related events visit our library Facebook page. Setting up and running a reading groupThere are no rules for setting up and running a reading group. A reading group is simply a group of people who meet regularly to discuss books that they have all read, for enjoyment and relaxation. Reading groups can be made up of friends, colleagues or acquaintances, or if you want to set up a group you could put up a poster in libraries or bookshops etc. asking for members. The average group has six to ten members, any more than 12 can mean that not everybody has the chance or confidence to put forward their opinions. Groups meet in a variety of places, for example in members' homes; cafes; pubs; rooms in local libraries; or village/church halls. Many North Yorkshire libraries have meeting rooms for hire at reasonable rates. Groups can meet as often as they wish, but need to make sure that all members have time to read the chosen book between meetings; most groups meet on a monthly basis. Help and support from your local libraryUsing your local library can help you gain access to the titles you want to read as a group or provide advice to help you choose. An annual reading group subscription (see the library charges page) entitles groups to request up to ten copies of a title, subject to availability. For your benefit, titles should be requested a minimum of two months in advance of the meeting date. Each reading group needs a contact person to be responsible for registering the group with the library; keeping the ticket; and requesting, borrowing and returning books. We would advise you to let your library have a proposed list of your chosen titles well in advance. If your group decides on its chosen titles for the year ahead it helps us to ensure that you have a constant supply of books. We regret that your group will not be able to request titles which are on current promotion within the service until after the promotion ends, or until three months have elapsed following the announcement of a prize winner. Examples could be Man Booker or Orange Prize nominees or winners, or titles in current major promotions. The loan period for books issued on the library ticket is three months. If you find you need to have the books for longer, contact your local library who will arrange an extension. Books are available in alternative formats for those people who find conventional books difficult to read. To discuss arrangements for borrowing books in large print or Braille, on CD or audio tape, contact your local library. Books can be requested by individuals or for whole groups. Choosing books for your reading groupWhether your group is going to buy the books it reads or borrow them from your local library, there are many sources of information to help you to choose your next book:
A Discussions at reading group meetingsYou may want to choose a person to lead the discussion at the meetings; it could be a different person for each meeting. As a minimum the leader will start the conversation at the beginning of the meeting, make sure that everyone has had the opportunity to contribute and keep the conversation going if it flags. Some people like to prepare for the meeting by reading reviews, preparing notes, discussion points and questions. The most enjoyable meetings are usually when some people loved the book and others hated it! Online reading group - North Yorkshire library book groupWe run an online reading group, the North Yorkshire library book group, which is ideal if you cannot get to a local group or don't have a group near you. A different book is discussed each week and suggestions for future titles are encouraged. To join the group go to the Goodreadswebsite and sign up, it's a quick and easy process. Then you can join our group and take part in the book discussion for the month. Reading groups for childrenLibraries around the County run reading clubs for children between eight and 12 years of age. Please check with your local library for what activities are available, as details may vary between libraries. Some of the most popular reading groups are: Chatterbooks groups Stories from the web Other library events If you have a suggestion for a reading group or a new way for children to enjoy reading, please contact us using the details below.
|
Ask a librarian
 Library news and events
 Local libraries
 |
