Reading groups

To register your reading group, visit your local library and speak to a member of staff.

You will need:

• a name for your new group
• one person from the group to register as the main contact
• either your own library card, or if you are not already a member another form of ID such as proof of address

We offer a reading group card. For an annual charge, groups can have up to 12 reservations per month with an extended loan period of 6 weeks – a considerable saving compared to each group member reserving books individually. Items can be renewed in the library or your main contact can renew titles online if no-one is waiting for them.

Library staff are happy to provide advice and guidance on choosing titles. We have a selection of both fiction and non-fiction reading group sets, with 12 copies per set. Some titles are available in large print or spoken word for visually impaired readers.

Please return books in time or renew them - groups are liable for late charges, so you should renew any books that have not been returned. Or let us know if you can't.

When requesting titles, avoid frustration by choosing titles that don’t already have lots of requests on them. It’s a good idea to have alternatives ready when asking staff.

Please come into the library to request your books. We have a list of suggested reading group titles available.

You can check availability and number of copies of reading group titles on our online catalogue, or ask a member of staff for help.

Once you have chosen your title you will need to let library staff know:

• the title of the books you wish to borrow
• the number of copies required
• the date that you would like to collect the books for your next meeting - please allow at least 2 weeks.

Your group’s books will be ready to collect from your chosen library on the date given when you made your request.

Books can be issued to the group's card and returned at the self-service machine. We recommend that you print a receipt; it will show the due date, any other books that your group still has out on loan and you can use it to make a note of who in the group has which copy.

Books will need to be either returned or renewed by the due date on the receipt. If the books are not wanted by another customer they can be renewed in-person in the library, by phone (0345 045 5225) or online for another six weeks.

You can check your group’s account online - log in using your group’s library card and PIN.

You will be able to:

- See when your new books have arrived.
- Renew books that are issued to the group.

You can also use the online catalogue to check how many copies of any given title are available in order to help you.

You won’t be able to put reservations on for your group – you'll need to go the library to do this.

Websites with advice and information for reading groups and book recommendations to help you choose your group’s next book.

Reading Groups for Everyone – Online resources for reading groups from the Reading Agency.

Good Reads – Book reviews, recommendations and online reading groups to join.

Which Book – Help with choosing your next reading group title.

Love Reading – Book reviews and recommendations.

The Reading Club – Advice on running and setting up different types of reading groups.

BBC Radio 4’s Bookclub – Advice on running and setting up reading group meetings.