Literature for Everyone

Everyone regardless of ability, confidence, schooling, or mindset, deserves to explore and enjoy timeless, universal literature and poetry. And everyone deserves human connection, regardless of such matters as health, wealth, education, race, age, gender, immigration status, felony status, or any other status. But connection can be so hard, for so many, to find. Which is where The Shared Reading Society comes in. Sharing in great literature dignifies us. It brings us together. Shared Reading simply makes us better. Together. Better. 

 

"I dreamt of a group full of hope and a love for reading.

The Shared Reading Society delivered much more!"

~ D. Ngam, a Reader Leader

ABOUT

What is Shared Reading?

The Shared Reading Society, which runs on the pwoer of volunteers, trains people people like you to become Reader Leaders and bring Shared Reading to others. Shared Reading happens when a Reader Leader brings together a group of people and reads aloud from a poem, short story, or novel. Then, firmly rooted in kindness, the Reader Leader skillfully facilitates a bold, real discussion about what was read. Realness happens because it is people's personal understandings and experiences that meet and move the text and the discussion. Shared Reading is not about literary criticism. It is live thinking and feeling in response to a shared and immediate experience. This is what makes it accessible for everyone. 


Here is a video of Shared Reading in action:

Walking Away. 

Try Shared Reading!

A new in-person, nature based Reading Room will open up soon!

"Katie, I'm so grateful for the space you've created with Shared Reading. Walking in, I had no idea what to expect, I assumed we'd simply be reading a book together, and honestly, that alone would have been enough. But this is something deeper. When we read "The Guest House" together — a poem I already carried within me, well, something extra opened up. There's a special kind of magic in slowing down with someone else's words, really sitting inside them, and feeling connection to others in the group in a world that's forgotten how. Shared Reading reminded me that the greatest gifts are often the simplest: someone's words, a room full of presence, and the courage to feel together. Your tagline could be: Shared Reading — taking on loneliness and winning."  ~ Heather, a Shared Reading group member

Volunteer With Us!

Growing numbers of people around the country – and the world – are experiencing the benefits of Shared Reading but we know that there are many others who we are yet to reach. The Shared Reading Society is now actively recruiting people just like you to help us to put Shared Reading into the hands of the people who need it most.


As one of our volunteers you can expect to:

  • Make a lasting difference in your local area or a nonprofit that matters to you
  • Meet new like-minded people and enjoy a sense of community
  • Gain a real sense of reward
  • Develop new skills with high-quality training


How you can get involved?

If you have the enthusiasm and commitment to lead a Shared Reading group or if you would like to help to spread the word about The Shared Reading Society and hear about our wider volunteering opportunities, simply email or call us. 

katie@thesharedreadingsociety.org

612-437-1806


 

The Benefits
of Shared Reading

Extensive research shows that participants in Shared Reading state deep social and emotional benefits, an increased sense of community and overall wellbeing, as well as a more positive relationship to literature. 

95%

of survey respondents who said Shared Reading makes me feel better

95%

of survey respondents look forward to coming each week

94%

of survey respondents feel they belong in this group

84%

of inmates respondents who think differently after hearings others views

Our Mission

Together. Better.

The Shared Reading Society is a socially spirited organization with the mission to train Reader Leaders to bring a Shared Reading experience to groups of people in various settings in order to nurture wellness, foster stronger relationships between people and literature, create a more connected community, and spark positive personal, societal, and environmental change. 


If you cannot volunteer but want to support us, please reach out! We have lots of opportunity for support. 

Our Partners

Mount Olivet Adult Day Services, Minneapolis

Since 1995, Mount Olivet Adult Day Services program has served hundreds of adults seeking therapeutic activity, socialization, health monitoring and educational enrichment. 

Shared Reading in MN started here.

The Reader, UK

The Reader started the worldwide Reading Revolution. 

Founded in Liverpool, England in the late 1990s by Jane Davis, The Reader started the global Shared Reading movement. From their social enterprises and the events and activities housed at Calderstones Mansion, the work done here serves to bring Shared Reading to everyone, everywhere. 

The Reading Revolution

The Reading Revolution was started in New Zealand in 2015 by Kate Middleton. She wanted to use free community spaces, like libraries, to connect socially isolated older people living alone. 

Also partnered and trained by The Reader, The Reading Revolution has grown from an initial group of friends and whanau into a vibrant volunteer based organization. 

Center for Community Engaged Learning, UMN

The University of Minnesota’s Center for Community-Engaged Learning (CCEL) advances transformational learning through co-created, equity-driven partnerships that cultivate a more just and connected world.

Currently, we are partnered with the English Literature course, 1501W: "Literature and Public Life." Student volunteers are curating bespoke anthologies with specific reader demographics and various themes. 

"The experience of Shared Reading gave a great sense of belonging and realness.  It provided an opportunity to open my mind and learn from others' perspectives through thoughtful discussion and active listening." ~ Carrie, a Shared Reading group member