Running a Chatabout group

So why start a reading group for new adult readers? And how do you keep it going? Here is some advice drawn from practitioners and, in particular, library staff and tutors in the West Midlands who have provided a consultation group for the development of the Chatabout network.

What can a reading group provide?

  • A safe environment for building confidence among people just starting to choose and read books for pleasure. If you haven't read much it can be liberating but also daunting to share your views with others. People should feel able to say they've stopped reading a book because they didn't like it rather than feeling they've failed in some way.
  • A flexible model that can be adapted to local need. A reading group doesn't have to follow the traditional pattern of members choosing one book to read and discuss - they can read different books and swap views about them. They don't have to read books either - it could be magazine or newspaper articles, short stories, online material. And it can be a short-term activity just to get people started.
  • A level playing field - everyone will have their own views about a particular book, none of them right or wrong. New readers often have deeper insights - they may have read a book more slowly and intently than more competent readers which could have greater impact.
  • An informal structure for developing and sustaining a new reading habit. Regular reading group activity can give people a real sense of progress as they gain wider reading experience and practise their new-found skills at the same time.
  • A buzz around reading as people swap opinions and ideas. Readers may draw comparisons with their own life experience rather than with other books they've read.
  • A sense of belonging for people who may have felt quite isolated because of their literacy needs. There's often unexpected common ground to share - "I didn't know you liked sci-fi/worked there/used to live there!"

Some hurdles to overcome

People who aren't very confident about their reading may resist the idea of getting together to talk about it. Here are some suggestions for how to answer those who think reading is not for them.

  • "I'm not a reader."
    Reading isn't all about stories and novels. Think about the magazines, TV guides or newspapers you look at. Do you use the internet, go to football matches or go on journeys to see friends and family? You're bound to do some reading if you do.
  • "What's it got to do with me?"
  • There are books, magazines and websites about everything under the sun, so there's bound to be something relevant to you and your life. Start with something you're really interested in.
  • "Reading is too personal. I don't want to talk about it."
    But we all have views on what we read about whether it's football, fashion or politics. You'll be surprised how good it is to share what you think about a newspaper article, magazine feature or crime novel. It might make you think about it in a completely different way.

How do you get the group started?

  • Decide on your overall aim for the group and what you are trying to achieve. Is this part of a wider strategy or a one-off experiment? Do you want it to operate for several years or will it serve its purpose over a few weeks or months?
  • Identify your target audience and how you will reach them. Are there partner organisations who can help you - the local library service, FE college, adult education service, voluntary organisation, children's centre, faith group or trade union? Can you work with an existing group such as a literacy or ESOL class which has completed its main objective but wants to continue meeting?
  • Work out the logistics. Who will lead the group? Where and when will it meet and how regularly to suit most members? Who will supply the reading materials? Will there be any costs involved? Are there other considerations such as disabled access, refreshments, crèche facilities?
  • Plan a recruitment strategy that is appropriate for the audience. Word of mouth is likely to be much more successful than posters and flyers.
  • Think of a focus to get the group started and give it a purpose - it may be reviewing some Quick Reads for the local library, setting up a book swap in the workplace, taking part in the Six Book Challenge.
  • Don't be too anxious about numbers. It's more important to start with a few core members - six is an ideal number - than a larger group who fail to turn up regularly.
  • Start with an informal event to break the ice like a simple quiz, a film of a book or a chat about books people remember from their childhood. People may be put off if they think they will have to list the books they've read, so reassure them this isn't the case.
  • Try to find out members' interests before the first session so that you can bring along appropriate reading material or make sure you have a really wide selection of books to offer.
  • Discuss a name for the group. We're happy for you to call it Chatabout as long as you belong to our network.
  • Share your tentative plans but ask members how they would like the group to develop - it's for them after all.

How do you keep it going?

  • Set up a way to share people's comments about books - on a noticeboard, online forum or website. You can add your own recommendations and reviews to www.firstchoicebooks.org.uk
  • Pick a theme and find a selection of related reading material - books, magazines, newspapers. Or ring the changes with a discussion about a TV or film tie-in.
  • Try audio versions of the books you choose. Or make sure you have audio versions for people who want to join in but are not as confident as others.
  • Share some poetry. Or try reading a play or TV script. You'll be surprised that people will want to join if the atmosphere is supportive.
  • Try a scheme such as the Six Book Challenge to give everyone a goal. Celebrate people's achievements and set up an event to present certificates.
  • Arrange a visit to the local library and ask for a special tour - even better if it's when the library is closed to the public. A simple quiz can break the ice and make people aware of what's on offer.
  • Put plans in place to evaluate the impact of the group. How will you measure its success? You could talk about people's attitudes to reading at an early session and then revisit the discussion fairly regularly. Or you could suggest that members keep a reading diary with their thoughts about each item they read. Consider other more innovative ideas too - a short film or audio recording to gather people's views or some creative writing based on books that have been shared?
  • Get together with other local groups to invite an author, storyteller or local personality to talk about their life.
  • Run special events to mark World Book Day (first Thursday in March) or Adult Learners' Week.
  • Vote for the group's favourite Quick Read title - keep an eye on www.quickreads.org.uk for their annual competition
  • Above all keep it friendly and relaxed and people will come back for more.