Wolverhampton's Library Service is about to launch three new 'relaxed' reading groups.
They are designed to encourage people to share their joy of reading with others – with participants invited to read what they want, discuss the books with others and generally relax in their local library. They will be launched next week with sessions taking place at Wednesfield Library, Well Lane, on Monday 12 May from 5.30-6.30pm, the Bob Jones Community Hub, Bromley Street, on Tuesday 13 May from 6-7pm and Low Hill Library, Showell Circus, on Friday 16 May from 3.30pm-4.30pm.
Organiser Charlotte Woodcock, Senior Library & Information Assistant, said: "I was inspired by the idea of Silent Book Clubs where people meet, chat for a bit and read.
"Some of our libraries already have established, more formal groups with a set book each month but for some people this can either be a little intimidating or they aren’t keen on the types of books being read. The 'relaxed' aspect allows each group to be tailored to the people who come along, whether they want to read and discuss the same book or simply share a joy of reading."
Councillor Bhupinder Ghakal, the City of Wolverhampton Council's Cabinet Member for Resident Services, said: "We want to encourage more reading across our libraries and these relaxed reading groups will be open to anyone who has an interest in books, and a love of reading.
"The relaxed nature of the groups means that there isn’t a limit on genre, whether fiction or non-fiction, page length – you could even discuss newspaper or magazine articles or blogs. The great thing about reading is it can be accessible to anyone and everyone."
