Creative Reading

"Reading is a creative activity in and of itself. It encourages connections and provides stimulus. It links to other types of cultural expression and other art forms. It helps young people to explore the world and enriches them educationally and emotionally." DEMOS, 2004

In Defining Creative Reading (PDF), you will find the latest thinking on what 'creative reading' means for libraries' work with young people.

groupthing and creative groups (PDF) contains thinking about how to generate and sustain creative reading groups online using groupthing and offline in library settings.

The Ideas Bank (PDF) provides ideas for 10 minute creative activities, one-off sessions and longer projects which you can run with young people. Go to the groupthing professional site for more practical ideas.

Volunteers can be a big help both with running any of the above groups, and for events. Involving volunteers (PDF) complements the Participate Volunteer Handbook.

Partnerships and Funding Opportunities (PDF) draws together funds which you could approach, in partnership with young people or local arts and community groups, to develop your creative reading work.

Evaluation is integral to the planning of any event, activity, project or partnership. Evaluating Creative Reading (PDF) helps you to plan and assess your work with young people. Use it alongside the Evaluation Handbook (PDF) in Involving Young People.

Use the groupthing professional site to share your experiences of running Participate.