Reading can be one of life's simplest pleasures. But sharing a story with others can make the experience even more enjoyable.
Read MoreBuilding Community Through Reading
'Connection, Inclusion, Belonging'
At The Reading Rooms, we believe books, stories, poetry and Shared Reading have the power to bring people together.
Our groups create welcoming spaces for women to meet new people, share experiences, discover new stories and develop friendships.
Through regular gatherings in community spaces, we support connection, inclusion and a sense of belonging.
As our community grows, we look forward to continuing to create spaces where women feel welcomed, valued and connected and have the opportunities to:
- build friendships and meaningful social connections
- feel included, valued, and part of their community
- support their wellbeing in calm, welcoming settings
- enjoy positive, shared experiences with others
Welcome
Welcome to The Reading Rooms Book Group
A community initiative in Barnstaple, North Devon, bringing women together through the joy of books, stories and poems.
At The Reading Rooms, we believe sharing books, stories and poems can open the door to conversation and connection. That's why we're passionate about creating welcoming spaces where women can enjoy spending time together.
Whether reading is a regular part of your life, something you enjoy now and then, or you're simply looking for a friendly community to be part of, you'll find a warm welcome at The Reading Rooms.
A community initiative in Barnstaple, North Devon, bringing women together through the joy of books, stories and poems.
At The Reading Rooms, we believe sharing books, stories and poems can open the door to conversation and connection. That's why we're passionate about creating welcoming spaces where women can enjoy spending time together.
Whether reading is a regular part of your life, something you enjoy now and then, or you're simply looking for a friendly community to be part of, you'll find a warm welcome at The Reading Rooms.
Reading & Wellbeing
Supporting Women's Wellbeing Through Reading
We are delighted to be part of the Reading for Wellbeing initiative and to offer Shared Reading groups in association with The Reader.
At The Reading Rooms, we create welcoming safe spaces where women can spend time together, meet new people and support their wellbeing.
Through our groups, women can:
We are delighted to be part of the Reading for Wellbeing initiative and to offer Shared Reading groups in association with The Reader.
At The Reading Rooms, we create welcoming safe spaces where women can spend time together, meet new people and support their wellbeing.
Through our groups, women can:
- Share the joy of books, stories and poems together
- Enjoy time in friendly company
- Meet new people and feel part of their community
- Take time out from the busyness of everyday life
- Discover moments of connection, conversation and reflection
- Find comfort and inspiration through reading together
Community & Connection
Books, Stories & Community
The Reading Rooms creates opportunities for connection, conversation and community.
We have found that women join our groups for many different reasons:
Working Together
The Reading Rooms is delighted to work in association with organisations that share a love of books, stories and community:
Reading for Wellbeing
The Reader
Libraries Unlimited - Barnstaple Library
The Woodyard UK
The Reading Rooms creates opportunities for connection, conversation and community.
We have found that women join our groups for many different reasons:
- To meet new people
- To chat about books and stories
- To discover new authors and ideas
- To find inspiration for their next read
- To share favourite books and recommendations
- To enjoy conversation and friendly company
Working Together
The Reading Rooms is delighted to work in association with organisations that share a love of books, stories and community:
Reading for Wellbeing
The Reader
Libraries Unlimited - Barnstaple Library
The Woodyard UK
Chatter Books
Chat, Connect & Discover
Our Chatter Books groups offer a relaxed, welcoming space to chat about your latest read, favourite authors, genres, and all things books.
Bring your current read, book journal, and enjoy time with others who love reading as much as you do.
Join us at:
Nellie’s Coffee Bar
Gammon Walk
Barnstaple
EX31 1DJ
Next meet-up:
Wednesday 5th August
7:00 – 8:30pm
(1st Wednesday of each month)
Suggested contribution: £3 - £6
Refreshments available to purchase
Our Chatter Books groups offer a relaxed, welcoming space to chat about your latest read, favourite authors, genres, and all things books.
Bring your current read, book journal, and enjoy time with others who love reading as much as you do.
Join us at:
Nellie’s Coffee Bar
Gammon Walk
Barnstaple
EX31 1DJ
Next meet-up:
Wednesday 5th August
7:00 – 8:30pm
(1st Wednesday of each month)
Suggested contribution: £3 - £6
Refreshments available to purchase
Books & Brew
Books, Conversation & Friendly Company
Our Books & Brew groups offer a relaxed and friendly space to share a love of reading, chat about a chosen book, and spend time with others who enjoy stories.
Settle in with a warm drink, enjoy friendly company, and explore new stories together.
Join us as at:
The Grow Forward Project
Chelfam
Barnstaple
EX32 7LA
Next meet-up:
Thursday 6th August
11:15am – 12:15pm
(1st Thursday of each month)
Suggested contribution: £3 - £6
Tea & coffee provided
We are reading:
The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah
The Feel Good Larder
Barnstaple
EX32 8LW
Next meet-up:
Thursday 9th July
1:30 - 3:00 pm
(2nd Thursday of each month)
Suggested contribution: £3 - £6
Refreshments available to purchase
We are reading:
Yesteryear by Caro Claire Burke
Our Books & Brew groups offer a relaxed and friendly space to share a love of reading, chat about a chosen book, and spend time with others who enjoy stories.
Settle in with a warm drink, enjoy friendly company, and explore new stories together.
Join us as at:
The Grow Forward Project
Chelfam
Barnstaple
EX32 7LA
Next meet-up:
Thursday 6th August
11:15am – 12:15pm
(1st Thursday of each month)
Suggested contribution: £3 - £6
Tea & coffee provided
We are reading:
The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah
The Feel Good Larder
Barnstaple
EX32 8LW
Next meet-up:
Thursday 9th July
1:30 - 3:00 pm
(2nd Thursday of each month)
Suggested contribution: £3 - £6
Refreshments available to purchase
We are reading:
Yesteryear by Caro Claire Burke
Reading with Heart
Books, Stories, Poems & Connection
Reading with Heart is a welcoming Shared Reading group where books, stories and poems are enjoyed together in a relaxed and friendly setting.
Together, we listen to a selection of books, short stories and poems during each session. There is no preparation needed – just come as you are.
Whether you choose to join the conversation, listen or simply enjoy the company of others, everyone is welcome to take part in a way that feels right for them.
Join us at:
Barnstaple Library
Tuly St,
Barnstaple
EX31 1EL
Next meet-up:
Wednesday 8th July
1:30 – 2:30 pm
(2nd and 4th Wednesdays of each month)
Free to Attend
Tea & coffee provided
We are reading:
A selection of book extracts, short stories and poems. There is no need to prepare.
Please contact Jeanine if you'd like to join Reading with Heart
Reading with Heart is a welcoming Shared Reading group where books, stories and poems are enjoyed together in a relaxed and friendly setting.
Together, we listen to a selection of books, short stories and poems during each session. There is no preparation needed – just come as you are.
Whether you choose to join the conversation, listen or simply enjoy the company of others, everyone is welcome to take part in a way that feels right for them.
Join us at:
Barnstaple Library
Tuly St,
Barnstaple
EX31 1EL
Next meet-up:
Wednesday 8th July
1:30 – 2:30 pm
(2nd and 4th Wednesdays of each month)
Free to Attend
Tea & coffee provided
We are reading:
A selection of book extracts, short stories and poems. There is no need to prepare.
Please contact Jeanine if you'd like to join Reading with Heart
Helping You Feel Welcome
Creating Welcoming Spaces for Women
Whether you're joining for books, conversation or friendly company, you'll be warmly welcomed.
Our groups are friendly, welcoming, safe spaces where women can enjoy good company, share a love of reading and spend time with others.
If you'd like to find out more before attending any of our groups, please contact Jeanine for a chat. We are here to answer any questions you may have, and help you feel at ease before joining a group.
Whether you're joining for books, conversation or friendly company, you'll be warmly welcomed.
Our groups are friendly, welcoming, safe spaces where women can enjoy good company, share a love of reading and spend time with others.
If you'd like to find out more before attending any of our groups, please contact Jeanine for a chat. We are here to answer any questions you may have, and help you feel at ease before joining a group.
Thoughts From The Reading Rooms
Thoughts, stories and inspiration from The Reading Rooms
2 min read
2 min read
It's not just about reading. It's about sharing stories, discovering new books, enjoying a cup of tea, and finding connection through the joy of reading.
Read More
2 min read
What is Shared Reading? Discover how books, stories and poems can be enjoyed together in a warm and welcoming space.
Read More
Further Information
Who can join these groups?
Our groups are for women, welcoming adults of all ages.
Do I need to book a place?
Yes please. Email: hello@thereadingroomsbookgroup.org.uk
How much does it cost?
A suggested contribution from £3–£6 is gratefully received to support this not-for-profit community initiative.
Is the venue accessible?
We choose venues that are as accessible as possible. If you have any specific requirements, please let us know.
Is there parking?
Where possible, we choose venues with parking nearby. Please check for the nearest options.
Is tea & coffee included?
In cafés, drinks may be purchased to support our local businesses.
In community venues, tea and coffee are provided when possible.
Can I bring children?
Our groups are for adults.
Please contact us if you have any further questions. We are always happy to help.
Our groups are for women, welcoming adults of all ages.
Do I need to book a place?
Yes please. Email: hello@thereadingroomsbookgroup.org.uk
How much does it cost?
A suggested contribution from £3–£6 is gratefully received to support this not-for-profit community initiative.
Is the venue accessible?
We choose venues that are as accessible as possible. If you have any specific requirements, please let us know.
Is there parking?
Where possible, we choose venues with parking nearby. Please check for the nearest options.
Is tea & coffee included?
In cafés, drinks may be purchased to support our local businesses.
In community venues, tea and coffee are provided when possible.
Can I bring children?
Our groups are for adults.
Please contact us if you have any further questions. We are always happy to help.
Contact
'Bringing women together through the joy of books, stories, poems & Shared Reading'
The Reading Rooms
Book Group trading as
Space to Be Wellbeing CIC
Book Group trading as
Space to Be Wellbeing CIC