Young people taking part in our Reading Activists project get up to all kinds of amazing things, including running #teenreadinggroups in their libraries. We caught up with the four – yes four – teen reading groups that meet in Birchwood library.
How often do you meet and where?
We have four different groups involved in reading and reviewing books, some of whom also take part in other areas of library volunteering.
All of the groups meet in the library
Bibliotekz meet once a week on Mondays
Year 7 to 9 Reading Group meets once a month on Wednesdays
Thursday Club meet once a week on Thursdays (hence the name!)
Cheshire Book Quiz reading group meets weekly from September to March
In addition to the four groups above, we also participate in the Carnegie / Kate Greenaway Shadowing Scheme with students from Birchwood Community High School and University Academy Warrington. This scheme runs from April – June and is delivered at times agreed with teaching staff.
How do you recruit new members?
Advertisements in the library and local schools, posters, leaflets. Word of mouth is always successful as friends of current members often join as a result, curious to know more. For certain groups that are also going to be helping out in the library (Bibliotekz), there is an informal application process.
What do you do when you meet?
We select and review books, but may also be involved in other activities such as book buying for local libraries, organising book displays and art work, hosting author events. We also love the free juice and biscuits! (Alex)
How do you choose your books?
Hannah – ‘Anything that looks interesting… I’m quite open minded, but often ask for help when choosing a book in general and speak to staff who know what to recommend. When we choose a book for the group, we are guided by each other.’
Charli – ‘I would also choose a certain author such as Cathy Cassidy or Jacqueline Wilson, so it’s nice to have the chance to explore other authors I’m not familiar with’
Alex – ‘We sometimes look at online recommendations to see what other people are reading. This can be quite useful if you’re stuck for ideas.’
Tyler – ‘I read the blurb and look at the cover first. I love funny books or anything with adventure in’.
What’s the best thing about being in a reading group?
Tyler – ‘Meeting authors’
Hannah – ‘Making links with the library and other organisations such as the Reading Agency’
Charli – ‘Exploring new books that we wouldn’t have otherwise read’
Grace – ‘Making new friends and being sociable’
Alex – ‘Being able to collaborate and share ideas’
Best book you’ve read so far and why?
Grace and Tyler – ’Diary of a Wimpy Kid because it talks about the kind of stuff you go through in real life’
Alex – ‘Zero Hour by Mark Waldon. It is exciting and drove the HIVE series towards a conclusion, though left some questions unanswered.’
Charli – ‘Hunger Games. It is more detailed than the films. I love fantasy and escapism and this provided both.’
Hannah – 1984 is my favourite as it is so unpredictable.’
Any advice / tips for setting up a reading group?
* Explore different genres as you may come across something you had never considered before;
* Let the group members decide what to read, take a vote if necessary.
* Use online sites like What should I read next..?, Which Book, or Who else writes like..? if you’re stuck for ideas.
* Choose a regular time to meet – once a month is good as it keeps thing fresh, allows you time to read, review and discuss before moving on to the next one.
* Have refreshments available for members, particularly if they have just come out of school!
Get involved
We are running a campaign celebrating young people’s reading groups starting on 17 June and ending on 29 June – National Reading Group Day. Each day we will be giving away free books, visits from authors and other freebies for young people’s reading groups.
So make sure that you join Reading Groups for Everyone and then add your teen reading group to be in with a chance of winning.
