Shared Reading

Shared Reading

Our Shared Reading groups are here to bring people together, ease feelings of isolation, and support well-being through the joy of literature and words.

These welcoming sessions offer a warm, friendly environment where everyone is invited to join the conversation or simply sit back and listen.

Our free Shared Reading groups meet regularly to explore various kinds of writing - stories, poems, letters, quotations, and more. Whether you'd like to read aloud or just listen, you’re always welcome.

What Can You Expect at a Shared Reading Session?

In each session, you’ll enjoy a range of material: poems, short plays, comedy sketches, song lyrics, diary entries, letters, and short stories—just to name a few! These relaxed, inclusive gatherings are guided by trained volunteers, and there’s never any pressure to read or speak unless you’d like to. Many people come along simply to listen and be part of the experience.

How is the Reading Material Chosen?

Both our volunteers and participants contribute ideas for the reading material, making each session unique and engaging.

Who Would Benefit from Shared Reading?

Shared Reading is for everyone! It’s a great opportunity to enjoy literature, find a sense of community, make new friends, and join an enriching weekly/monthly routine.

Find a Shared Reading Group Near You

Below are details of our free, regular Shared Reading groups across Derby. Drop-ins are welcome, no need to book in advance just pop in and join us.

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Artcore Café
8 Albert St, Osnabruck Sq., Derby, DE1 2DS
Weekly: Every Thursday (except Christmas Day & New Year's Day), 11:30am - 12:30pm, upstairs room.

Upcoming sessions:

• 22nd January
• 29th January
• 5th February
• 12th February
• 19th February
• 26th February

More information about Artcore Café

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Allestree Library

Park Farm Centre, Park Farm Drive, Allestree, DE22 2QN

Fortnightly: On the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of the month, 11:30am - 12:30pm

Upcoming sessions:

• 28th January
• 11th February
• 25th February
• 11th March
• 25th March

Parking information: There is time limited free parking at the Park Farm Shopping Centre.

More information about Allestree Library 

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Mickleover Library
Holly End Rd, Mickleover, Derby, DE3 0EA
Fortnightly: Tuesdays, 2:00pm - 3:00pm

Upcoming sessions:

• 20th January
• 3rd February
• 17th February
• 3rd March
• 17th March
• 31st March

Parking information: There is free parking for library customers in the adjacent community centre car park.

More information about Mickleover Library

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Alvaston Library
1252 London Road, Derby, DE24 8QP
Fortnightly: Thursdays, 10:30am - 11:30am
Upcoming sessions:

• 22nd January
• 5th February
• 19th February
• 5th March
• 19th March

Parking information: There is a free car park behind the row of shops where the library is located.

More information about Alvaston Library 

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Spondon Library
Sitwell Street, Spondon, Derby, DE21 7FG
Monthly: On the 3rd Thursday of the month, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
 

Upcoming sessions:

• 15th January
• 19th February
• 19th March
• 16th April

Parking information: There is a free car park adjacent to the library.

More information about Spondon Library 

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Beyond Words Book Group - for adults (18+) with learning disabilities and their companions or carers
Mickleover Library, Holly End Rd, Mickleover, Derby, DE3 0EA
Monthly: On the 1st Tuesday of the month, 2:00pm - 3:00pm

Upcoming sessions:

• 3rd February
• 3rd March
• 7th April
• 5th May

Parking information: There is free parking for library customers in the adjacent community centre car park.

More information about Mickleover Library

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NEW: Online Group - starting on 21st January 2026!
Online via Zoom
Fortnightly: Wednesdays, 7:00pm - 8:00pm

Upcoming sessions:

• 21st January
• 4th February
• 18th February

Register your interest here to receive details for the online group sessions as soon as they're available. 

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Have Questions?

We’d love to hear from you! Email us at shared.reading@derbybookfestival.co.uk for more information.

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Everyone is welcome—come along and experience the joy of Shared Reading with us!

SUPPORT OUR MISSION:

We invite you to join us on this journey by participating in our Shared Reading groups, volunteering your time, partnering with us to develop a new Shared Reading group, sponsoring our community project or collaborating with us to support our mission. Together, we can build an empathetic, compassionate, and inclusive community, improving Derby's wellbeing and ensuring one can thrive.

Interested in partnering with us? Email us shared.reading@derbybookfestival.co.uk to connect and support our mission.

Our Values:

Accessible
Enriching
Inclusive
Inspiring

Our strategic plan for Shared Reading harnesses the transformative power of reading together to enhance wellbeing, reduce isolation, and strengthen community bonds. This plan outlines our commitment to creating a welcoming space where community members connect through shared stories, engage in meaningful conversations, and build connections. Through our Shared Reading groups, we aspire to foster a sense of belonging and support that uplifts our community and enriches quality of life. 

See our one page Strategic Plan by clicking here.