Contact: [email protected]

In Stockport we have 17 library based adult reading groups and we support around 50 other, private groups.  Our library based groups are mainly general contemporary fiction groups, but we also have some 'specialist' ones - crime, sci-fi, non-fiction and poetry groups.

We have a collection of about 150 different reading group packs - these are made of between 10 and 15 copies of a title. The collection has a wide range of titles in it.  They are mainly contemporary fiction, but there are also some narrative non-fiction, crime fiction and sci-fi titles.

Groups are encouraged to choose titles from the list but if there is something they would like that isn't on the list we try to get hold copies for them.  If it is the type of thing we think other groups might want we may buy a new set of it, otherwise we try to gather copies from the general library stock.

We select titles for reading group packs by various means.  In order of frequency (most frequent first) they include:
1. Requests/recommendations from reading group members
2. Prize-winning/shortlisted titles
3. Reviews from magazines etc
4. Visits to bookshops
5. Titles discovered through our own general reading
When selecting we give priority to first novels, local and lesser known writers and try to maintain a range of writing from different cultures, gay & lesbian fiction etc.

We have recently added a selection of titles chosen specifically for ESOL readers.

To maintain interest and choice, we are constantly updating and editing our collection.  When sets come to the end of their useful life we either distribute them into normal library stock or withdraw them depending on their condition.  As these are sets are very well used it is usually the latter.

We don't have a written reading groups' strategy, however plans for further development of our services to Reading Group services are accounted for in our annual business planning.

Each staff member is provided with the training and support they need – obviously the exact nature and level of this differs with each individual.  So although the answer is yes, we do provide specific training, we do not have a generic ‘package’ we deliver to everybody, more a checklist of things to make sure the individual understands and is confident about and the use of judgment as to how much support to give in each aspect.   Occasionally (approx once a year), we provide all our reading group facilitators the opportunity to meet up and share information, ideas and examples of best practice.

Although by no means the largest, our poetry reading group, ‘Wax…’, is probably the most varied.  There is approx 50/50 split in terms of gender, a broad range of ages, background and members come from locations spread throughout the borough.  There is also a huge range in terms of members ‘knowledge’ of poetry.

We have consulted with some of our young people’s (teenage) reading groups about various aspect of the library service and have also taken them on stock buying visits to local bookstores.  When planning any significant changes in a library – rearranging of layout etc – the reading group at that branch will usually be of the groups we consult, using them as a ‘captive audience’ of enthusiastic readers.

Currently we  have two young people’s reading groups, both of which have around 8 members.  We have also had others which were successful for a time but seemed to ‘die off’.  The key to making these successful we have found is to involve young people in the planning, setting up and running of the group.  What we read and what we do in meetings is very much led by the group members.

We have created promotions/displays of recommendations from reading group members, and one of our groups have a blog which is regularly updated by members.