Companion to encourage reading circles

Sharing a Personal Pleasure is the title of a new guide from Age and Opportunity designed to supply lots of practical information to anyone interested in setting up a reading circle for older people. There are already a number of groups for mature readers operating around Ireland, but Age and Opportunity believes there is room for plenty more.

Reading groups provide valuable social as well as intellectual stimulation and the guide stresses that everyone, regardless of their background, can be a valuable reader in their own right with an experience to share.

"Continuing to participate meaningfully in society is a challenge for individuals who are retired and for communities who must provide opportunities for a range of different types of participation. Belonging to a reading group is a source of tremendous pleasure for many people," says Catherine Rose, chief executive of Age and Opportunity.

"I cannot remember a time when I didn't read and retirement seemed to offer a blissful vista of books to be read and re-read," says Pat Egan, a member of LV Book club in Cork which was set up in 1988.

"But reading is a solitary activity. When you finish a really good book, isn't there a finality about it? You feel as if you are saying goodbye to a friend. Belonging to a book club or reading circle socialises reading. So many books have been read and discussed (at LV), members have rediscovered old friends and been encouraged to meet new authors. The social aspects, the support and camaraderie, are all important elements," Egan says.

The emphasis of the guide is on practicality, so there is plenty of hands-on advice about starting a group. There is also a listing of existing groups, details about the resources available, a potted history of reading groups in an international context and, in case anyone needs convincing, a little gentle persuasion about why joining a reading group is a good idea. Copies of the guide (which is published with financial assistance from the National Reading Initiative) are available free of charge from Age and Opportunity, Marino Institute of Education, Griffith Avenue, Dublin 9. Telephone (01) 805 7709 or e-mail ageandop@mie.ie