Delivered in partnership with the Reading Agency, Reading Friends brings people together to read, share stories, meet new friends and have fun. We use reading – whether books, magazines, newspapers, or anything else – to start everyone chatting.

Across the UK, Reading Friends are chatting, reading, meeting new people, and having fun.

We have created several ways in which the public can join in and become more connected through enhanced services which are supported by our volunteers.

The main offers are the one-to-one visits at home, which can be accessed as part of our Home Library Service, our Reading Friends Groups in our Libraries, or you can set up your own group outside of the library.

Contact us for more information.

• Loneliness and social isolation are a significant health and wellbeing issue for older people. 8-10% of people aged 65 and older are often or always lonely, while 12% feel socially isolated.
• By May 2020, 41% of UK adults reported feeling lonelier since lockdown, and 1 in 3 had not had a meaningful conversation in the last week
• Evidence also shows that reading has a positive impact on empathy, cognitive function and wellbeing and can reduce the risk of dementia
• Taking part in activities that support wellbeing is most difficult for people who are lonely and isolated or in poor health.

*Information provided by The Reading Agency

There are lots of volunteer opportunities at East Sussex Libraries. If you would like to become a Reading Friends or Home Library Service volunteer please visit our volunteer page.

Reading Friends Groups meet on a regular basis in libraries to talk about reading as well as anything else that interests them. You don't need to read anything before or at the session and everyone is welcome so come along, meet new people and share stories together.

• Eastbourne Library - meets every Tuesday 2pm-3pm
• Hastings Library - meets every Friday 2.30pm-3.30pm
• Seaford Library - meets every Thursday 11.30am-12.30pm (group currently full)
• Bexhill Library - meets every Friday 10.30am-11.30am
• Heathfield Library - meets every Thursday 2pm-3pm
• Hailsham Library - meets every Thursday 1pm-2pm (from 22nd February)

If you would like to start your own Reading Friends Group, either in one of our libraries or at a different location, please get in touch.