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Reading groups in Portsmouth

Portsmouth Library Service runs several library based reading groups across the city. The groups meet every 4 weeks for lively discussion about the book we've read - all the books are supplied by the library. Titles are chosen collectively with an aim to widen and share our reading experiences.

The groups currently meet at:

• Beddow Library
  Monday 6.30 to 8pm and Thursday 10 to 11.30am
• Central Library
  Tuesday 6.30 to 8pm and Wednesday 10 to 11.30am
• Cosham Library
  Thursday 6.30 to 8pm
• John Pounds Centre Library
  Thursday 9.45 to 11.15am

Please email libraries@portsmouthcc.gov.uk to find out more about the groups, when the next meeting is and what the next read will be.

If you want to start a reading group yourself, or wish to borrow books for your own group we can help. We offer sets of multiple copies to reading groups in the city. To arrange for these book loans please telephone 023 9268 8063.

What we read

To get a flavour of the kind of books we read, please see a list on our book review website 'The Book Case' using the external link. As well as a book list you can also find reviews that reading groups leave on the books they read together.

Useful websites

If you would like to find a Reading Group near you, or add details of your own group, please see the Read website. 'Read' is a great place to start to get into books and reading, and helps bring readers together, either to meet up face to face or on the web. There are also some great websites for all types of readers featured in reading links to help turn everyone onto books. The site offers recommendations and reviews to help you choose what to read next, or what readers think should be avoided.

Teen Readers' Group

This reading group meet at Elm Grove Library once a month on Wednesdays from 5 to 6pm. It is aimed at young people between 14 and 17 who enjoy reading and sharing ideas. Refreshments, books and friendly company provided. If you are interested please telephone Dave Percival on 023 9229 7072 or email johnpounds.library@portsmouthcc.gov.uk.

Reading Groups for the visually impaired

We are launching a new book group for blind and vision impaired readers. This group will listen to books on mp3 players. The new group will begin on Thursday 30th October 2008 at 2pm, and there will be 10 places.

Calibre, the National charity providing audio books to print disabled readers are helping by allowing us to borrow their recorded books on mp3 and downloading them onto mp3 players for the group to listen to. Our partner is the Portsmouth branch of the Macular Disease Society. People can use their own mp3 device or we can loan them one of ours for a 3 month period and then offer help and advice if they wish to purchase an mp3 player of their own.  

For further information, please contact Community Library Services on 023 9275 1737 or email community.library@portsmouthcc.gov.uk