Shared Reading
A Project by Derby Book Festival

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.

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Artcore Café
8 Albert St, Osnabruck Sq., Derby, DE1 2DS
Weekly: Every Thursday, 11:30am - 12:30pm Upstairs.
No booking needed—just pop in and join us.

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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:

• 23rd April
• 14th May
• 28th May
• 11th June

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Riverside Library
Council House, Corporation Street, Derby, DE1 2FS
Monthly: 2nd Wednesday of each month, 10:30am - 11:30am
Upcoming sessions:

• 14th May
• 11th June
• 9th July
• 13th August

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Mickleover Library
Holly End Rd, Mickleover, Derby, DE3 0EA
Fortnightly: Tuesdays, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Please email shared.reading@derbybookfestival.co.uk to secure your place.
Upcoming sessions:

• 29th April
• 20th May
• 3rd June
• 17th June
• 1st July

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

• 1st May
• 15th May
• 29th May
• 12th June
• 26th June

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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 our Strategic Lead Rose at rose@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.