Bringing people together and books to life
We’re a national charity that uses the power of literature and reading aloud to transform lives.
From our global Shared Reading movement and social enterprises, through to the events and activities on offer at our Calderstones Park home – our work improves wellbeing, reduces loneliness and helps us find new meaning in our lives.
Read with us-
95%
Shared Reading makes me feel better
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81%
It helps me connect deeply to others
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19,500
Readers in 2021-22
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500+
Volunteers around the UK
Events and more
What’s On
Discover Reader events taking place at Calderstones and beyond.
Calderstones Card
A discount card that makes a difference; enjoy great savings across our Calderstones site and support The Reader's charitable work
Hire a Space
From gatherings in the secret garden, to celebrations with a stunning view, the Mansion has the perfect space for you.
Become a volunteer
Love reading? Love meeting new people? Want to make a difference locally? If so, Shared Reading could be the thing for you. And you could be just the person for us.
The Reader at Calderstones
The Reader at Calderstones is a community unlike any other, somewhere people can get together, experience literature and try something new.
Drop in at the Mansion House to get a bite to eat at The Reader Café, join a Shared Reading group or explore 5,000 years of storytelling in our dedicated exhibition.
Explore the park, where you’ll find the Storybarn play space and The Reader Ice Cream Parlour.
The Mansion House
The Mansion House is a reading home with heart – drop in to discover a place filled with possibilities.
The Calderstones Story
Discover stories of life in Liverpool, starting 5,000 years ago, in our dedicated exhibition.
The Storybarn
Our imaginative play space for children and families will spark a lifelong love of reading for pleasure.
The Storybarn
The Storybarn exists to spark a life-long love of books and reading, and an unending curiosity for exploring the astonishing worlds of our imagination.
Whether you’re coming as family, party or school, this imaginative play space is dedicated to sharing the delights of reading with babies and children.
Come and play!
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8,937
Storyhunter and Incy Wincy Rhymer attendees
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95
Birthday parties
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111
School visits
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23
Family fun days
Something More
Be Part of the Story – Volunteer with Us
Be Part of the Story – Volunteer with Us Can you help rebuild the Reading Revolution and make a difference…
Community based solutions are needed to support the NHS to deal with mental health crisis
Geetha Rabindrakumar, our Director of Partnerships, Communities and Impact reflects on our research on reading habits and mental health and…
Linda’s Reader Story – “We’re different types of people and we’re all getting to know each other.”
Linda attends a Shared Reading group in Doncaster. Here she talks about her experiences and what she’s gained from being…
