“It can be daunting setting up a new library teen book club and it can take a while to become popular, so hang on in there. Begin by publicising it; talk to teens in your library and local schools, use social media and produce attractive flyers too. Once the club gets going then give the kids control and listen to them, give them snacks. Make it fun and enjoy it yourself too!” Andy Hodgkinson, young people’s librarian, Gateshead Libraries
Whether you are an old hand who would like some new ideas to use in your group or if you are thinking about setting up a young people’s reading group for the first time, then our guide to running a reading group for teenagers should help.
Reading groups for young people can be run in all sorts of places most frequently in libraries and schools but also youth clubs, book shops, village halls and other places where young people come together to meet and share interests.
Here are some of the things that young people involved in a reading group in Warrington that meets in the library, at school and at a youth project called LaunchPad say about their reading group and the books they have read.
What’s the best thing about being in a reading group?
“You get to read books you haven’t read before” (Lewis)
“Listening to the way different people read and how they use different voices for plot or character changes” (Jade)
What us the best book you have read so far and why?
“The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night Time – it’s by my favourite author – it is well written and interesting” (James)
“Water Horse – is cool and cool” (Tom)
“The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas. I had seen the film first, but the book made it come to life more” (Jade)
