Reading

For a list of Poetry Groups, Readers Groups or Writers Groups, please visit the What's on in Libraries page.

Readers' groups (16+)

Do you love reading and long to discuss the books you have read? Whether you loved or loathed a book, why not join one of Coventry Libraries Readers' Groups to share your opinions.

• Free to attend
• Suitable for adults (16+)
• Open to everyone

Readers' groups are great places to meet other people who love to read, talk about books and discover new authors and genres that you may not have thought of trying. Our groups across libraries in Coventry are friendly and informal. New members are always welcome. You do not need any literary knowledge to join a readers' group, you just need to enjoy reading! There is no need to worry if you haven't finished the book or didn't like it, you can still come along and join in. Please contact your local library for more details of their Readers' Group.

Some Groups read the same title as each other to discuss at their meeting each month; others read something different each time. You don't have to be an expert, just willing to chat about what you've read. We are sometimes able to arrange for authors to visit readers' groups to talk about their books. We also keep group members up to date about book news and author events with our regular email.

We have a readers' pack for you to take a look at if you would like to set up your own readers' group. Library based readers' groups are not always run by staff but you can use the library as your meeting place. We will promote your group in the list below and on our monthly events leaflets.

If you would like to share your thoughts about a particular book from one of your meetings, you can submit a review by emailing libraries247@coventry.gov.uk

Register your readers' group

If you would like to receive titles from our readers' group collection, you will need to register your readers' group with us. Titles you request will be delivered to the library of your choice for collection.

• Complete the online form
• Contact your local library

Titles available for loan to readers' groups

There are over 150 titles available for the exclusive use of readers' groups registered with the library service. Books are usually supplied as mixed sets of hardback and paperback copies. Other formats are available on request but please note that these formats will be loaned from normal circulating stock and may already be out on loan.

View the book list

Request a title for your next readers' group

If you are registered with us you can request any title from the readers' group collection. You should ensure you have submitted your request at least two weeks before your next meeting to ensure we can supply your title on time. You should also provide us with at least two titles so we can ensure we can supply one of them and will be in contact if we cannot supply either title.

If your group reads a mixture of titles at each meeting you can borrow titles from the general library stock, check the catalogue and reserve your title. Struggling to find an author? Check out "Who Else Writes Like" or browse through our booklists at Discover More Reads

You will need to provide the author, title and number of copies for two books along with the date of your next meeting.

• Complete the online form
• Contact your local library

Earlsdon Literary Magazine

Earlsdon Literary Magazine is the monthly newsletter of the Avid Readers at Earlsdon Library.

• Download editions of Earlsdon Literary Magazine

Readers' groups online

Can't make it to any of these readers' groups? You can chat about your favourite books and review them online by joining the following free book group forum Goodreads groups. You can also suggest new titles to other readers groups and apply for offers for your group through Readers Groups for Everyone, you will need a special code to do so, once you have signed up for a free account.

If you are a Facebook user, join the Coventry Libraries Online Readers Group

For specialist reader development advice, contact our Reading and Literacy Coordinator, Lesley Martin: lesley.martin@coventry.gov.uk or call 024 7697 2677

For general Readers Group enquiries please email libraries247@coventry.gov.uk

Play readers' groups (16+)

The play readers’ groups based in libraries are open to everyone, free to attend, with new members always welcome.

Register your play readers’ group

If you would like to register your play readers’ group, you can do so online or in person. You will have access to the playset collection held at Central Library for the exclusive use of play readers’ groups. The library service can also help promote community-based groups, who do not meet at their local library.

• Complete the play readers' online form
• Contact your local library

Request a title for your next play readers’ group

If you would like to request titles from us for your next play readers’ group, you can do so online, over the phone or in person. You will need to provide the playwright, title, number of copies required and the date of your next meeting

• Complete the play readers' online form
• Contact your local library

Titles available for play readers’ groups to loan

View the play readers' list

Poetry groups

Poetry Workshops at Central Library on the last Sunday of the month 1pm - 3.10pm. Coventry's own Poet Laureate, Emilie Lauren Jones, leads this poetry session consisting of fun writing activities inspired by example poems, with time for sharing your written poems. Whether you have been writing for a long time or are new to writing, why not join this friendly and inclusive group? For more details contact Emilie by telephone on 07805 104743 or e-mail. These sessions are supported by the Positive Images Festival.

Creative writing groups

If you enjoy writing, join one of our creative writing groups where you can share your passion for telling stories, in a supportive environment, with like-minded people.