How to set up a Reading Group
Advertise
Choosing a Venue
Frequency of Meetings
Length of Meeting
How Many Readers
Group Discussion
Stimulating Conversation
Tips on Leading Discussion

How to set up a Reading Group

The easiest way to start a new group is to encourage your friends to join in. Reading Groups often develop by word-of-mouth and you may find that you already have enough interest. All you will need to do is name a time and place.

Advertise

If you need more members, think about ways in which to publicise the group. The obvious place to start is the local library. You may also want to approach bookshops, colleges, or even advertise in your local newspaper.

Think about the type of reader that you want to attract. You may want to give an idea of the type of books you will be reading. This will insure that the group has compatible reading tastes.

Once you have interest in the group, you will need to plan the first meeting. The following guidelines will help you.

Choosing a Venue

The choice of a venue depends very much on the members of the group. A group of friends may want to meet in each other’s houses. However, if the group have not met each other before it may be best to meet in public venue. Your first point of contact should be your local library. The librarians may already have experience of assisting book groups and will be able to tell you about the services they offer.

When choosing a venue make sure:

• You can use the venue regularly in future.
• That the room can accommodate your group. Make sure that there is enough space, regulated heat, good light, enough chairs etc.

Other possible venues include bookshops, cafes or pubs.

Frequency of Meetings

Each group is different and so there is no correct way of establishing a meeting pattern for a new reading group. However, there are a few things to bear in mind:

• Make sure there is enough time between meetings for all members to read the chosen book
• Don’t leave too much time between meetings – this could lead to forgetfulness
• Try to be consistent. Schedule meetings for the same day each week / fortnight / month

Length of Meeting

Again, there is no set time limit on meetings. Most groups find that an hour long discussion is ideal. If you are booking a venue it may be a good idea to reserve it for 2-3 hours per meeting until you settle into a routine. This will also give you time to welcome each other and say your goodbyes!

How many Readers

Depending on the response to your initial advertisement, you may want to consider how big you want your reading group to be. If there are too many people you may find the experience overwhelming, and the shy members of the group may not feel able to share their views. If the group is too small, there may not be a broad enough range of opinion to provoke discussion.

Again, there are no set rules but most groups have between 5 and 10 members who attend most meetings.

Group Discussion

The first meeting of your Reading Group should be a general one. This will help people to get to know each other and allow time for decisions to be made on the form and content of the group. Some areas to focus on are:

• Members – Take some time in the first meeting for members to introduce themselves to the rest of the group. Perhaps talk about what they enjoy reading and what they would like to get out the group.
  Organisation – How should the group be run? Discuss how the sessions will be led. Some groups like to have one facilitator; others take it in turns to lead the group. Also decide whether you need anyone to source out any information and keep people up-to-date.
  Book Choice – Decide whether you all want to focus on the same book, or review a title each. You may want to read a particular genre, have a session on several books by one author, or look at particular themes.

Decide how you will choose the books. Will you operate a rota system where you take turns to choose? You could read prize-winning novels; follow Radio 4’s Book Club choice or draw up a list for the coming year. Don’t forget to choose the book for your next meeting.

Stimulating Conversation

Future meetings will centre on a discussion of the book(s). It is a good idea to establish how the group would like to structure this part of the meeting as it will be vital in everyone's enjoyment of the group. Ask yourselves:

• How long do you want the discussion to last?
• Do you want to prepare points beforehand?
• What sort of themes would you like to talk about?
• Is there anything that members would be uncomfortable discussing?

You may decide to begin each session by talking about your general reactions to a book. This could extend into a discussion of the characters and themes. You may want to pick out passages that you found memorable. Some groups like to get background information on the author.

It is also useful to discuss the book in a wider context. Does it remind you of anything else? Can you recommend further reading on a similar theme/subject?

Don’t be afraid to talk about a book you didn’t like. Disagreement amongst the group always makes for a more stimulating conversation.

Tips on leading the discussion:

• It may help to read sections of the book out loud – this will focus discussion.
• Ask open-ended questions
• Remember there is no right or wrong answer – listen, take turns, share, and enjoy!