Thursday Circle reading group

Harry’s reading group meets in Eastbourne Library on Thursdays. Since 2000, the group has got together to talk about books and authors. But it isn’t all about reading – the group proved a great way to make new friends.

There are ten people in the Thursday Circle reading group, who draw up a list of books to read at the start of each year. The meetings last two hours and the variety of books has led to lively debates with many critical and enlightening comments from members.

According to Harry, "conversations are not always limited to book discussions and are therefore not only informative but also often highly amusing.

"Belonging to the group has extended my interest in previously unknown authors, for example, Barbara Kingsolver. I have now read another of her books, which I found very enjoyable. This is someone I didn’t even know before the group began."

Once the reading list is produced, the library orders several copies of the books in advance for the group to use. Members also pick their own books to review or even give a presentation on a topic they have chosen. The group writes reviews recommending the books they have read to other users of the library.

The year ends with a wine and nibbles social morning, giving the group the "opportunity to talk through our programme of the closing year and to review our ideas for the coming year".

Joining a reading group

There are more than 40 reading groups in the county, seven of which take place in libraries. Find out more about joining or setting up reading groups.

Find lists of reading and writing groups in your area on our East Sussex Community Information Service (ESCIS).