Update: The Book(ish) Club has finished
The Book(ish) Club has now come to an end and there are no more events planned for now. There is a possibility it might continue in a different form in the future, or run again with a different youth panel.
The Book(ish) Club was a series of creative community sessions that brought people together to listen, make and share.
It was 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 with a group of strangers. Instead of needing to prepare, people could simply turn up and listen to stories, poems and book extracts around a shared theme. The space was welcoming, relaxed and inclusive, with refreshments available throughout, as any cosy crafternoon should have.
Participants could arrive early for a creative activity, or bring their own craft to enjoy while listening. The creative element gave people something to do while listening, easing social pressure and allowing them to settle comfortably into the shared experience.
The programme was shaped by a youth panel of 16 to 19 year olds, who chose the session themes, helped pick the book extracts and readings, shaped ideas for the creative activities and helped build the open mic section. Each event also had three paid performance slots for young people aged 16 to 24.
Four sessions took place at Woodston Library in Peterborough in 2026:
Childhood Favourites! on Saturday 7 February
Revolution! on Saturday 28 February
Queer! on Sunday 29 March
Wild & Whimsy! on Sunday 26 April
Each session lasted two and a half hours and followed a simple structure.
It began with a 30 minute creative activity where participants could settle in and engage their hands before the listening began.
This was followed by an hour long open book section featuring around three or four short readings from books or poems that speak to our time, chosen by the youth panel.
After a short break, the open mic section invited up to three young people to share a short performance, reading or piece of music.
The final half hour offered time to chat, reflect or simply sit quietly with a cup of tea. Participants were welcome to continue making throughout if they wished.
The Book(ish) Club offered a platform for young and Deaf, Disabled and Neurodivergent voices to be heard and valued, ensuring that a range of perspectives were represented and celebrated. It also welcomed new people into the community library space, helping the venue feel safe, creative and accessible for audiences who may not normally visit.
The Book(ish) Club was funded by Peterborough Presents and supported using public funding by Arts Council England.
Find out more about The Book(ish) Club on the Peterborough Presents website.
