EAST MIDLANDS READING GROUP PROJECT

How it works

East Midlands’ public libraries support local book groups through their regional network. The nine public authority library services in the region have developed a minimum 'offer' to all reading groups, or people wanting to start groups, which includes advice about how to set up a group, a Reading Pack of ideas and handy tips, access to website resources, contact with existing local book groups, suggestions for book loans and help from library staff.  

Some authorities provide sets of books for reading groups to borrow, either from special collections, or general stock, including CD or Audio tape where these are available.  Most libraries provide lists of recommended books, or Top Ten selections, themed collections like prize-winning books or crime writing.   Others offer reader newsletters, online information/reviews, staff support and library venues for book groups. By sharing their expertise and ideas they aim to improve services right across the region.

The British Council Literature Department are very pleased to be able to offer links and resources for reading groups via the www.encompassculture.com website, enabling readers to communicate virtually whether in East Midlands or other parts of the globe.

To find out more about linking your reading group with a group in the East Midlands, please contact kristina.hedderly@britishcouncil.org

Events and projects

Earlier this year a regional author tour took place across the East Midlands. Sponsored by Harper Collins, six writers visited library venues to meet with readers and reading groups.  In the autumn a local crime writers’ tour will take place.  

The East Midlands Reading Group Network is offering innovative creative opportunities to readers through a series of artistic projects.  For example, Writer2reader - nine regional authors will be matched with a reading group in one of the nine local authorities. They will meet several times between October 2006 and April 2007 to discuss the author’s work, recommend books to each other and generally explore the creative process.

At present there are over 530 reading groups in the East Midlands and the numbers continue to rise.  Access to books and reading is widening all the time with groups for young people, teenagers, Visually Impaired people, book groups in prisons, community centres and care homes. Not all groups read the same book but choose to explore a theme or interest instead; some read magazines or graphic novels, Quick Reads or poetry. 

The project is supported by Museums Libraries and Archives East Midlands, the Reading Agency and Arts Council East Midlands. Working with Reading Partners, the BBC RaW campaign, Vital Link initiative encouraging Skills for Life learners to enjoy reading, and many other agencies at local level – Help the Aged, Surestart, social services and education departments.

The project runs for three years from 2005 – 08 and is a pilot for a proposed national model, and framework for progression underpinning public library support for reading groups.

To find out more contact:

Priscilla Baily
East Midlands Regional Reading Group Project Co-ordinator
MLA East Midlands
56 King Street
Leicester
LE2

Tel: 0116-2851364
Email: Priscilla.baily@mlaeastmidlands.org.uk

To read online updates on the project, download a Books Connect Reading Pack, or the Quality Framework for Progression, visit:

http://www.mlaeastmidlands.org.uk/museums_libraries_archives/libraries/regional_reading.html

Information can also be found at:

www.readingagency.org.uk
www.liem.org.uk

The nine public library authorities in the East Midlands are:

Derby City
Derbyshire
Leicester City
Leicestershire
Lincolnshire
Nottingham City
Nottinghamshire
Northamptonshire
Rutland