Reading, play reading, poetry and writing groups

For a list of Poetry Groups, Readers Groups or Writers Groups, please visit the What's on in Libraries page

Readers' groups (16+)

Do you love reading and long to discuss the books you have read? Whether you loved or loathed a book, why not join one of Coventry Libraries Readers' Groups to share your opinions.

  • Free to attend
  • Suitable for adults (16+)
  • Open to everyone

Readers' groups are great places to meet other people who love to read, talk about books and discover new authors and genres that you may not have thought of trying. Our groups across libraries in Coventry are friendly and informal. New members are always welcome. You do not need any literary knowledge to join a readers' group, you just need to enjoy reading! There is no need to worry if you haven't finished the book or didn't like it, you can still come along and join in. Please contact your local library for more details of their Readers' Group.

Some Groups read the same title as each other to discuss at their meeting each month; others read something different each time. You don't have to be an expert, just willing to chat about what you've read. We are sometimes able to arrange for authors to visit readers' groups to talk about their books. We also keep group members up to date about book news and author events with our regular email.

We have a readers' pack for you to take a look at if you would like to set up your own readers' group. Library based readers' groups are not always run by staff but you can use the library as your meeting place. We will promote your group in the list below and on our monthly events leaflets.

If you would like to share your thoughts about a particular book from one of your meetings, you can submit a review by emailing libraries247@coventry.gov.uk

Library based readers' groups
Library Frequency Time
Allesley Park Library Second Saturday of the month 2pm - 3pm
Bell Green Library Second Monday of the month 5.15pm - 6.15pm
Canley Library Fourth Monday of the month 2pm - 3pm
Central Library Third Wednesday of the month 12.30pm - 1.30pm
Coundon Library Second Tuesday of the month 2pm - 3pm
Coundon Library Second Thursday of the month 5.30pm - 6.30pm
Earlsdon Carnegie Community Library Second Thursday of the month 7.30pm
Foleshill Library First Thursday of the month 5pm - 6pm
Holbrooks Library Third Thursday of the month 11am - 12 noon
Jubilee Crescent Library Last Friday of the month 2pm - 3pm
Stoke Library Second Wednesday of the month 1pm - 2pm
Tile Hill Library Second Thursday of the month 11am - 12.30pm
Tile Hill Library

Third Monday of the month

Readers' group for people wanting to improve reading in English. Download and print the poster.
Discuss books in English with others wanting to improve in reading. Find the right fiction book for you.
Lots of titles are available to support people improving in reading in English. A great way to get extra informal practice outside formal ESOL classes.

11am - 12noon
Willenhall Library First Thursday of the month 2pm - 3pm
Non-Library based readers' groups
Group Name Frequency Time Location Contact
AVID Readers Group Second Thursday of the month 7.30pm Earlsdon Carnegie Community Library, Earlsdon Avenue North, Earlsdon CV5 6FZ Steve: e-mail
Gallery Readers Group Third Wednesday of the month (except December) 7.30pm Virtually on Zoom Jane: e-mail
Hillfields Readers Group First Friday of the month 12.30pm - 2pm St. Peter's Centre, Charles Street, Hillfields CV1 5NP e-mail
St. Barbara's Book Club Mondays     Alison: 07960042537 or e-mail 

 

Earlsdon Literary Magazine

 Earlsdon Literary Magazine is the monthly newsletter of the Avid Readers at Earlsdon Library.

St. Barbara's book group 

St. Barbara's Book Group add their thoughts about books and reading to their Blog

Readers' groups online

Can't make it to any of these readers' groups? You can chat about your favourite books and review them online by joining the following free book group forum Goodreads groups. You can also suggest new titles to other readers groups and apply for offers for your group through Readers Groups for Everyone, you will need a special code to do so, once you have signed up for a free account.

If you are a Facebook user, join the Coventry Libraries Online Readers Group

For specialist reader development advice, contact our Reading and Literacy Coordinator, Lesley Martin: lesley.martin@coventry.gov.uk or call 024 7697 2677

For general Readers Group enquiries please email libraries247@coventry.gov.uk

Play readers' groups (16+)

The play readers’ groups based in libraries are open to everyone, free to attend, with new members always welcome.

Register your play readers’ group

If you would like to register your play readers’ group, you can do so online or in person. You will have access to the playset collection held at Central Library for the exclusive use of play readers’ groups. The library service can also help promote community-based groups, who do not meet at their local library.

Request a title for your next play readers’ group

If you would like to request titles from us for your next play readers’ group, you can do so online, over the phone or in person. You will need to provide the playwright, title, number of copies required and the date of your next meeting

Titles available for play readers’ groups to loan

View the play readers' list

Poetry groups

Whether you have been writing for a long time or are new to writing, why not join a friendly and inclusive group?

Library Frequency Time Contact Details
Positive Poetry at Central Library Last Sunday of the month 1pm - 3pm

Emilie: 07805104743

emilielaurenwriter@gmail.com

Creative writing groups

If you enjoy writing, join one of our creative writing groups where you can share your passion for telling stories, in a supportive environment, with like-minded people.

Creative writing group sessions
Library Frequency Time
Central Writers Hub Fortnightly on a Saturday 10am - 12noon
Stoke Writers Group Second Wednesday of the month 2pm - 3pm