What is a reading group?

Most reading groups meet once a month to talk about a particular book which they have chosen to read. Groups are a great way of meeting new people and sharing your enjoyment of reading. Some meet in libraries, and others in community venues or people's homes. Groups read anything from thrillers to poetry, biographies to graphic novels- it's a great opportunity to try out something new!

How can I join a reading group?

There are many library reading groups in York, which are listed below. Membership of all of these groups is free.

I'm a member of a reading group

If you register your group with the library, you are entitled to take out our sets of reading group books absolutely free, for an extended loan period of six weeks.

We will also keep you informed about author events and promotions.

I'd like to start up a new reading group

Contact Alison or Tricia at York Library. We can help with resources and ideas to get your group started.

The Reading Group Collection

York libraries have over 80 sets of books for all reading groups to borrow, and we're adding to the collection all the time. These sets can be borrowed free with a community group ticket - you can register at any library. Some of the sets include copies in large print and audio format.  Please download a copy of the list using the link on the right.

Library reading groups

These groups meet monthly.  The usual meeting day is listed below.  Contact the library to confirm details of the meeting including what the group is currently reading.

Acomb library: (two groups) First Monday, 6.30 to 7.30pm and Fourth Thursday, 11am to 12 noon
Bishopthorpe library: Third Monday, 2.30 to 4pm
Clifton library: (two groups) First Tuesday, 9.45 to 11.30am and Last Tuesday 6 to 7.30pm
Copmanthorpe library: (two groups) First Thursday, 10 to 11.30am and Third Tuesday 6 to 7.00pm
Dringhouses library: Second Friday, 2.30 to 4pm
Huntington library: First Monday, 6 to 7.30pm
Poppleton library: Last Monday, 2 to 3pm
Strensall library: Last Wednesday, 2pm
Tang Hall library: First Monday, 6 to 7pm
York library: First Monday, 6.45 to 7.45pm and First Thursday 1 to 2pm

York Library - York Lesbian Reading Group are a handful of lively mixed age lesbians who meet monthly at York Library to choose, discuss, and rate literature of lesbian authors. The group would very much welcome new members to join them at any time.  Meet on the third Monday 6.30 to 7.30pm. Call (01904) 552814 for more information.

Haxby library operate a book chain. In a book chain, readers review books of their choice and pass them on to other members. Phone (01904) 768811 for details.

Other reading groups in York

The Little Apple Bookshop Reading Group on High Petergate meet monthly on Wednesdays at 7pm. Discussion is light-hearted and informal. Telephone (01904) 676103 or email littleapple@litapp.freeserve.co.uk for more information.

Borders Book Club meet on the second Thursday at 7pm in Borders Starbucks café. The group vote to decide on the following month’s book. Call into the store to check what they are reading and the date of the next meeting. Telephone (01904) 653300 for more information.

The Waterstones book club meets monthly on a Tuesday, 6pm  to  7.30pm.  Contact Lisa or Claire on (01904) 628740.

An alternative to joining a reading group is to take up bookcrossing. York has a bookcrosser's meet-up. They meet on the 4th Tuesday in the Golden Lion on Church Street. For more information about bookcrossing visit www.bookcrossing.com. For details of the York Bookcrossers' group, and other reading groups in York visit Yortime.