We know that Shared Reading makes a real difference to people.
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90%
It helps me to connect with others in a deeper way
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97%
I look forward to this group as an important part of my week
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93%
We have conversations that matter
What is Shared Reading?
Each week, The Reader brings people together at Shared Reading groups across the UK. These groups are free, and for everyone.
At Shared Reading groups, a trained Reader Leader selects wonderful stories and poems to read aloud together. Everyone is welcome to share how the words make them feel, as well as their thoughts, ideas and memories. There is no pressure to talk or read aloud.
Everyone experiences what is read in their own way, but the shared language found in literature can help us to understand ourselves – and others – better.
Find a group near you.
Why Shared Reading is needed
For thousands of years, literature has helped humans to find meaning and connection by providing a powerful language to explore our inner thoughts and feelings.
We are experiencing an epidemic of poor mental health, stress and depression, and despite technological advances, many of us feel disconnected from each other.
We believe that literature’s unique power has the potential to connect individuals, help us feel better and to rebuild lost social bonds.
The Reader brings people together and books to life in order to make warmer, healthier, stronger communities.
Reader Stories
Patricia: ‘Even if I do not understand all the words, I feel the rhythm’
The Reader’s weekly Monday Shared Reading Group at Toxteth Library is one of 15 projects with an ESOL focus run…
Cynthia’s Reader Story – ‘It’s given me a new stride in my step’
Volunteer Cynthia leads a Shared Reading group in Kingston Library which is part of an innovative Arts Council England funded…
‘I thought, that’s it, we can make it through this.’ Daphne’s Reader Story
Daphne lives in a sheltered accommodation and before lockdown used to attend the Shared Reading group that meets in the…
Who we read with
We read with schools, families and looked-after-children, adults in community spaces, people in care homes, people with physical and mental health conditions, those coping with or recovering from addiction, and people in the criminal justice system.
Shared Reading in Communities
Community Shared Reading groups are free and for everyone. They happen in all kinds of places: libraries, community centres, shops...
Shared Reading in Health and Social Care
Shared Reading is proven to improve mental wellbeing and physical health. Our work supports people living with conditions including dementia,...
Shared Reading With Children and Young People
Our work aims to inspire a lifelong love of reading among children and young people.
Criminal Justice
Our work spans all sectors; we deliver in various settings including prison, probation and mental health services, with consistently impressive...
International Shared Reading
The Shared Reading movement can now be found in countries including Sweden, Norway, Switzerland, Denmark, Germany, Belgium, the Netherlands, New...
Visit the Home of Shared Reading
Everything we do – from our global Shared Reading movement to the events, activities and social businesses on offer at Calderstones Park – builds warm and lively communities by bringing people together and books to life.
Our home in Liverpool’s beautiful Calderstones Park is open to everyone, all year round. Explore our What’s On guide to discover regular reading groups, activities and events. And for families, don’t miss The Storybarn our dedicated play space where young imaginations run wild.
Visit Calderstones
The Reader is a national charity which brings people together and books to life. Our home in Liverpool's beautiful Calderstones...
The Storybarn
Our imaginative play space for children and families will spark a lifelong love of reading for pleasure.
The Reader Bookshop & Café
Find something real to take home when the day is done - beautiful literary gifts for all ages.
