Wellington Slow Reading Club Meetup

Wellington Slow Reading Club is a weekly social for busy people to schedule an hour of quiet reading in the cosy setting of the Library Bar. No homework required.

What happens: You'll turn up, grab a drink and/or a bite, switch off the phone, cosy into a corner in The Library's reading nooks - and enjoy around an hour of quiet, uninterrupted reading. Afterwards those who want to stay and chat will do. If you want to know more, I'll give you the lowdown on Slow Reading and some tips to bring reading back into your life.

Wear: Comfy clothes, this is about chilling out.

Your book: Either bring your own choice of book (or ebook) or pick from our modest selection in the Slow Reading Club suitcase library or the bookshelf.

I'll be: the short, dark-haired one with the suitcase.

Any questions, let me know...

Please join us and look forward to meeting you!

Wellington Slow Reading Club

Where: The Library Bar Reading Room, Upstairs, 53 Courtenay Place, Wellington

When: Sunday (weekly) 17 August 2014
Quiet Reading from: 5-6pm, chats at the bar afterwards
Cost: Free for the Club, but you must purchase a drink or snack (to say thanks to the lovely Library for hosting us)
Please RVSP: spaces are limited

FAQs

What is Slow Reading and why are you doing it?

I first discovered the concept of Slow Reading a few months ago. I would describe myself as an avid reader (ex literature grad), but I embarrassingly couldn't think of the last time I'd actually read a book cover to cover. I have The Luminaries but I hadn't even got past the prologue. I've got novels with spines unbroken clogging my bookshelf. I'm too busy, or online checking my emails or Facebook, or fall asleep after the first few paragraphs... The more I talked to other people that missed reading, I found I wasn't alone. This Club is for the lost generation of book lovers. Are you out there?

I'd heard of Slow Food and Slow Travel, but the Slow Reading movement was a new one on me until I started researching it. The broad idea is that when we slow down and read a book for pleasure we can gain real benefits. A recent UK study showed that just six minutes of silent reading can reduce stress levels by two thirds (more than listening to music or having a cup of tea). Immersing yourself in someone else's story can help your skills of empathy. Reading aids your spelling and vocabulary (is the online Thesaurus your friend? It is mine). And in our digitally overwhelming times, we train ourselves to skim and scan, rather than really read. I think of it like a holiday for your head.

Why a Slow a Reading Club?

So I started reading again - and it's been great. But I always think that things are more fun when you share it with others. And, like a yoga class, you're more likely to do it when you have it locked in the diary.

The idea of the Slow Reading Club is to create a cosy, quiet, weekly social where people bring their books (or choose from the Slow Reading Club suitcase library or the bookshelf), grab a drink or a bite, read for an hour, then head home or stay for a chat together.

If you'd like to join us, you're so welcome.

The Club mantra: Calm Body, Curious Mind, Open Heart.

The Club motto: No Homework, No Cellphones, No Pressure.

Is it a kind of Book Club?

Most Book Clubs involve reading a certain book in your own time and discussing it as a group. Slow Reading Club isn't a discussion group, it's simply a quiet reading group where you pick your book and read it in comfy surrounds with others for company. Talking about what you are reading is great, so we do it afterwards informally at the bar. If you are in a Book Club, why not use Slow Reading Club as a time to dedicate to reading your Book Club book? You can even road-test some of your observations with us afterwards.

Why can't I just read at home or at the public library?

You can - and should! The Club is here for you should you want a change of scene, a chance to mix reading with a tasty tipple, or to meet other readers.