We are running two new reading groups and meet in the Library of Birmingham once a month.

Initially there will be two groups:

• eBooks (Saturdays 2pm to 4pm)
• Non-Fiction (Saturdays 2pm to 4pm)

Each group will be moderated by a member of library staff and books will be supplied from library stock. The groups will be free to join. It will be necessary for you to have an active library card. If you wish to apply, email us.

You must specify which of the groups you wish to join. If you do not have an email address, you are welcome to come to Floor 2 of the Library of Birmingham and speak to a member of staff who will be able to take your details.

We will then contact you directly with further details. Be aware that places will be limited and assigned on a first-come, first-served basis.

Dates for the Diary: The next meeting is on Saturday 11 January 2020 at 2pm. Go to the Service Desk on Level 2. You must register ahead of the date.

Guidance Notes:

The aim of all of the Library of Birmingham reading groups is to read, to get together and to talk about the books. And that’s it. Along the way, if you’re encouraged to use the library more and to read more, then so much the better. The point of the discussions will be to talk about your thoughts about the books and issues they might raise. Everyone will have different opinions, and while you’re not obliged to agree with anyone else we expect everyone to be able to have their say and the discussion to be friendly and respectful. Inappropriate behaviour and/or language will not be tolerated. All meetings will start on time. When you speak, please state your name.

What to consider

Fiction

• Did you enjoy the book and why?
• Did you think it was well written?
• How would you describe the book / What was the plot / What were the book's themes / How important were they?
• Did you find it easy to read or was it a struggle / What was your favourite part of the book?
• How realistic were the characters / Would you want to meet any of them / Did you like them?
• How does the setting figure in the book / How would the book have been different if it had taken place in a different time or place?
• Have you read other books by the author?
• Would it make a good movie? And if it already is, which is better?

Non-Fiction

• Did you enjoy it and why?
• Was it well-written?
• Were you familiar with the subject beforehand / Did it make it interesting / Was it a good introduction / Did it make you want to find out more?
• Would you read other books by the same author?
• Would you recommend this book to other readers?

The Moderator

The moderator will be a member of library staff. Their main task is to keep the conversation going and to ensure that everyone has a chance to speak. They’re also the people that will be able to supply the books for the group and help you get the best use out of the library. They may or may not have read a particular title; they may or may not have knowledge of a particular area of literature or of a particular subject area. Needless to say they will almost certainly have their own opinions.

The main thing to remember is that it’s your group, not theirs.

Article posted 21 October 2019