30.01.2025
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This February, Derby Book Festival celebrates the ‘month of love’ with specially themed Shared Reading sessions focusing on loving yourself. Whether you love reading, have a love of poetry or just looking for a way to unwind, our Shared Reading sessions offer a unique opportunity to connect, reflect, and do something meaningful for yourself.
Shared Reading is more than simply reading aloud—it’s about coming together to explore stories, letters, quotes, and poems in a fresh and engaging way. Led by trained volunteers, each session offers a welcoming space to read together and share thoughts, feelings, and interpretations, creating a warm sense of community and connection.
Rose Braisby, Strategic Lead of Shared Reading at Derby Book Festival said: “February is all about love, and what better way to show love to yourself than by taking time to enjoy the magic of words and stories?
“Our Shared Reading sessions are the perfect way to take time out for yourself, meet new people, discover new pieces of work such as poetry and letters whilst boosting your mood.”
Throughout the month of love, Shared Reading groups will celebrate self-love by exploring literature that resonates with this uplifting theme and will give out free bookmarks to anyone who joins a session.
Connection: Join a welcoming group from all walks of life and connect over what you’ve heard in the session, sharing your own thoughts and experiences.
Reflection: Take time to pause, think and share your perspective in a relaxed environment.
Well-being: Studies show that reading for pleasure boosts mental health and reduces stress.
Participants often highlight the positive impact Shared Reading has on their lives. As one attendee shared:
“One of the highlights of my week. It improves my mood. I get to meet new people, explore ideas with them, see the world from different viewpoints—all in a creative and supportive environment.”
Sessions are held at various locations across Derby and Derbyshire throughout February. No preparation is needed – just bring yourself, an open mind and a love of (or curiosity for) stories and words. Participants don’t have to read out loud and are more than welcome to come along and listen if they prefer.
To find out more about Shared Reading sessions and how to join, visit https://www.derbybookfestival.co.uk/community/shared-reading or send an email to: shared.reading@derbybookfestival.co.uk
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