About this Event
The Book(ish) Club is a creative community project that brings people together to listen, make, and share.
It is for everyone who has ever wanted to join a book club but finds it hard to make time to read in advance, or feels anxious about discussing books with a group of strangers. Instead of needing to prepare, people can simply turn up and listen to stories, poems, and book extracts around a shared theme.
The space is welcoming, relaxed, and inclusive, with refreshments available throughout, as any cosy crafternoon should have.
Participants can arrive early for a creative activity, or bring their own craft to enjoy while listening. The creative element gives people something to do while listening, easing social pressure and allowing them to settle comfortably into the shared experience.
Session structure
Each session lasts two and a half hours and follows a simple structure:
Creative activity
The session begins with a 30 minute creative activity where participants can settle in and engage their hands before the listening begins.
Open book section
This is followed by an hour long open book section featuring around three or four short readings from books or poems that speak to our time ith disucssion afterward. Texts are chosen by the youth panel and read aloud, so there is no need to read anything in advance. no need to take part in the discussion if you dont want to.
Break
Open mic
After a short break, the open mic section invites three young people to share a short performance, reading, or piece of music.
Closing time
The final half hour offers time to chat, reflect, or simply sit quietly with a cup of tea. Participants are welcome to continue making throughout the whole session if they wish
Theme for this session
Childhood Favourites
This session focuses on books, poems, stories, or extracts that feel familiar, comforting, or meaningful, offering a shared way into the Book(ish) Club through recognisable texts.
Future sessions will explore other themes, including a more political “revolution” themed session.
Who it is for
The Book(ish) Club offers a platform for young and Deaf, Disabled and Neurodivergent voices to be heard and valued, ensuring that a range of perspectives are represented and celebrated.
It also welcomes new people into the community library space, helping the venue feel safe, creative, and accessible for audiences who may not normally visit.
Access and atmosphere
• No reading required in advance
• No pressure to speak or perform
• Making encouraged
• You are welcome to come and go as needed
Date and time
Saturday 7 February
Time: 1.30pm - 4.00pm
Location
Woodston Library, Orchard St, Peterborough
Tickets
Free
Booking recommended
The Book(ish) Club is funded by Peterborough Presents.
Alongside the public sessions, we are also still welcoming young people who would like to be part of the youth panel, helping to shape future Book(ish) Club events, themes, and readings. The next youth panel meeting will take place on Friday 31 January at Woodston Library. If you are interested in being part of the youth panel, please drop me an email.
We are also looking for young people who would like to share their own music or poetry as part of the Book(ish) Club. If you are interested in performing, please email me.
The Book(ish) Club is funded by Peterborough Presents.
Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Woodston Library, 68 Orchard Street, Peterborough, United Kingdom
GBP 0.00
