What We Do
For over twenty years, The Reader has been building a community of Shared Reading groups across the UK and around the world. Here, people connect and share experiences using stories and poems. There is no pressure to talk or read aloud.
These groups happen in all sorts of places including libraries, care homes, cathedrals, cafes, hospitals, prisons, and at our home in Liverpool’s Calderstones Park – the International Centre for Shared Reading and are attended by people from all walks of life.
We believe that literature’s unique power has the potential to connect individuals, help us feel better and to rebuild lost social bonds. We believe that Shared Reading is needed now more than ever.
Who We Read With
We read with schools, families and looked-after-children, adults in community spaces, people in care homes, people with physical and mental health conditions, those coping with or recovering from addiction, and people in the criminal justice system.
Shared Reading in Communities
Community Shared Reading groups are free and for everyone. They happen in all kinds of places: libraries, community centres, shops...
Shared Reading in Health and Social Care
Shared Reading is proven to improve mental wellbeing and physical health. Our work supports people living with conditions including dementia,...
Shared Reading With Children and Young People
Our work aims to inspire a lifelong love of reading among children and young people.
Criminal Justice
Our work spans all sectors; we deliver in various settings including prison, probation and mental health services, with consistently impressive...
Shared Reading in the Workplace
Shared Reading brings groups of colleagues together to enhance their personal development, improve wellbeing and build relationships with others. As...
International Shared Reading
The Shared Reading movement can now be found in countries including Sweden, Norway, Switzerland, Denmark, Germany, Belgium, the Netherlands, New...
Who We Are
What is Shared Reading?
We believe that literature’s unique power has the potential to connect individuals, help us feel better and to rebuild lost...
Our People
Whether working at our headquarters in Liverpool, or in communities across the UK, our people believe in the value of...
Our Story
The Reader began life as a magazine and has since become the inspiration for a global movement.
Our Values
Our values reflect and shape our behaviour, and guide our volunteers, staff, trustees and supporters as we work together to...
Our Supporters
The Reader is grateful to all of the organisations and individuals that support our work
Want To Know More?
Our Research
Shared Reading changes lives by improving wellbeing, reducing social isolation and building stronger communities.
Reader Stories
Touching and transformational stories from readers, volunteers, and more.
The Reader Podcast
Brought to you by our staff and volunteers, each episode is filled with literary delights – from exploring memorable lines...
The Reader Bookshelf 2024-25
An annual programme of literature to share and inspire.
News and Updates
Be inspired by the latest news, readings, blogs, magazine articles and podcast episodes from the Reading Revolution
Partner With Us
We value our partnerships and working with others.
The Reader Magazine
The Reader magazine, first published in 1997, is the seed from which the organisation has grown.
