Step inside a Shared Reading session with our new videos

How do you explain Shared Reading to someone who has never been to a session?

You can tell them that it’s relaxed, welcoming and open to everyone. You can explain that people read stories, poems and other texts aloud together, pausing along the way to chat about whatever comes up. You can describe the conversation, the connection, the laughter, the thoughtful pauses, and the way a piece of writing can lead people in all sorts of unexpected directions.

But sometimes, the best way to understand Shared Reading is simply to see it in action.

You can watch the videos here:

Shared Reading Session: Spring

https://youtu.be/mOQBATRM3_M?si=m8pQfpQYf8-o5Qu4 

Shared Reading Session: Travel

https://youtu.be/w0u3WT7R07A?si=F3huqtZtPHucIE1s 

Each video includes the full Shared Reading session, followed by individual reflections from volunteers and participants.

That’s why we recently spent a day at Dubrek Studios filming two special Shared Reading sessions, designed to give people a real feel for what happens in a group. The sessions were led and attended by Shared Reading volunteers and participants, who generously gave their time, energy and voices to help us capture the spirit of the programme on film.

We filmed two different sessions, one exploring the theme of Spring and one exploring the theme of Travel. Each session shows the group reading together, pausing to reflect, and sharing thoughts, memories and ideas prompted by the texts. The videos also include short reflections from some of the volunteers and participants who took part, sharing what Shared Reading means to them.

The aim of the videos is to help more people understand what Shared Reading is, and why it matters.

We know it can sometimes feel daunting to come along to something new, especially if you’re not sure what to expect. These videos give potential participants a chance to see what a session looks and feels like before joining a group. They also help potential volunteers see what it’s like to lead our groups, and help partners and funders see the warmth, care and connection that sit at the heart of Shared Reading.

Shared Reading is one of Derby Book Festival’s community programmes. Sessions take place in a range of community settings across Derby, including open groups that anyone can attend and closed groups delivered in partnership with local organisations. You don’t need to be a confident reader, and there is no pressure to read aloud or speak if you would prefer to listen. The focus is on sharing words, thoughts and time together.

A huge thank you to everyone who took part in the filming day, including our brilliant volunteers and participants. Thank you also to Dubrek Studios for kindly hosting us in their café space.

Would you like to find out more?

You can find details of our Shared Reading groups here

If you’re interested in volunteering with us drop us an email to: shared.reading@derbybookfestival.co.uk to find out more or complete the application form here

We also share details of upcoming Shared Reading sessions each week on our social media channels, so do follow Derby Book Festival to stay up to date.