Reading Friends

Reading Friends is an innovative reading befriending programme administered by The Reading Agency, developed with funding from The National Lottery Community Fund, that tackles loneliness through the power of reading.

We aim to bring people together to read, share stories and have fun. We use reading - whether books, magazines, newspapers, or anything else - to start everyone chatting.

A Reading Friends group meets on the 3rd Wednesday of every month from 11am to midday at Northamptonshire Central Library to talk about reading and anything else that interests them.

Everyone is welcome so come along, meet new people and share stories together.

You don't need to:

• be a library member to take part
• book beforehand
• read anything before the session

If you have any questions about Reading Friends, please email [email protected].

If you would like to start your own Reading Friends Group, either in one of our libraries or at a different location, please get in touch.

Video

Watch a video about Reading Friends

Reading Friends - Why it matters

By May 2020, 41% of UK adults reported feeling lonelier since lockdown, and 1 in 3 had not had a meaningful conversation in the last week.

Reading Friends helps both participants and volunteers feel more connected to others.

Research shows that:

• reading together can help older people to build social networks and connect with others
• reading has a positive impact on empathy, cognitive function and wellbeing
• creative and cultural participation makes the highest contribution to wellbeing

Information provided by The Reading Agency.

Last updated 03 February 2023