The Reading Agency
About The Reading Agency
The Reading Agency’s Reading Friends programme brings people together to read, share stories, meet new friends and have fun. We use reading whether books, magazines, newspapers, or anything else to start everyone chatting. It creates social connections and takes a person-centred approach, building on interests and hobbies to get people talking. We aren’t a traditional reading group and people taking part in Reading Friends don’t need to be’readers’ as reading is used as a conversation starter, to create connections and to help people get to know each other. Reading Friends is delivered through public libraries. Take a look at what’s happening near you. If there isn’t anything local to you, you can register your interest for the future.
Service Eligibility
Reading Friends is about creating connections through reading. Mostly we reach older adults however there are some young adult groups taking place within different library authorities. It is best to see where Reading Friends is running using our map and get in touch directly with your local library authority.
Information for Volunteers
The library authorities running Reading Friends recruit volunteers directly so if your local library runs the programme get in touch to ask about volunteering. Reading Friends uses reading to build connections and you may be volunteering with people who are vulnerable, so a love of reading and being caring and empathetic are important. Each library authority has its own recruitment processes and runs Reading Friends slightly differently, but mostly sessions take place in person monthly with some preparation time in between.
More InformationAge Groups
Young People (18-25), Adults (25-65)Themes
Carers, Ethnic Minority Communities, Mental Health, Disability, Older PeopleRegions
Country: National
Other Information
Type of Befriending: Face to face befriending which takes place in the home or community
Who can refer: Self Referrals Accepted