Teenage Reading Groups

Many of the ideas and tips given in Setting up Your Group and Running Your Group will apply to teenage reading groups too, but here are some tips specifically to help you with teenage groups, followed by examples of other libraries' experiences.

• Members determine as much as possible - structure of the sessions, frequency and timing, what refreshments and ground rules for behaviour. There is evidence that this approach promotes a feeling of ownership of the group, and a higher level of commitment (see Rochdale case study below)
• Take into account staffing levels when planning meetings and make sure that all staff are fully prepared before you start your teenage reading group. Consider whether it is better to run a group when the library is closed (easier to manage) or open (good to advertise the group) 
• Don’t worry if the group spends a proportionately small amount of time talking about books. Any discussion is better than none at all
• Young people may be reluctant to enter into an open-ended commitment. Sometimes it can be better to initiate a teenage reading group by saying that it will run for six months, or just one school term
• Bear in mind, though, it takes time to establish trust and respect, especially if you are working with hard-to-reach communities. Weeks may pass before you establish a rapport
• If your reading group is losing momentum, have a re-launch – ask them all to invite a friend along. Alternatively, it may be that your group has reached the end of its natural life. Let it go!
• Look at activities (Word, 28 kb) that other reading groups have tried and see if you can adapt them for your own group
• Relax. The atmosphere in your group may be informal to the point of apparent chaos- but if the members are still reading books and discussing them, this is not a problem. (see Halton case study below)
• On the other hand, some groups welcome support and structure. Observe, listen, facilitate (see Sefton case study below)
• You can try introducing new members to an existing group, but maybe consider having more than one group
• Funding is available for activities for young people, but only if young people themselves apply. When your group is established, preparing a funding bid will give a new experience, and may well result in funds for additional group activities. Post a question on TRF Coffee Break to find out what sources of funding other libraries have successfully accessed
• Rewards can be very effective. For example, if you want your group to write book reviews, have a competition
• Be persistent. Your members may need frequent reminders of activities. Try using email or text messaging to keep in contact
• Be realistic. Young people have many demands on their time, and the reading group may be much less important to them than it is to you
• Be flexible. If something you have planned isn’t working or is unpopular with group members, don’t worry. Take the lead from the group
• Be yourself and enjoy yourself!

TRG Case Studies

Teenage Reading Groups, the Halton experience (Word, 35kb)
Teenage Reading Groups, the Rochdale experience (Word, 31 kb)
Teenage Reading Groups, the Sefton experience (Word, 37kb)