Merseyside

New International Reading Group Launches in Bootle

By

Becky Barratt
12 May 2026, 8:04 pm

A new reading group has launched at Bootle Library, offering residents a chance to explore international literature through original texts and English translations. The group, titled Found in Translation – International Shared Reading, meets on the third Thursday of every month to discuss poetry, letters, and the cultural history behind them.

The sessions are led by Associate Artist Dora Colquon and are designed to be inclusive for all community members. This includes local sanctuary seekers and students taking English classes who may want to practice their language skills in a relaxed environment. There is no pressure to read aloud during the sessions, and participants are welcome to simply listen to the discussions.

The next meeting will take place on Thursday, 21 May 2026, from 11am to 1pm. The library, located at 220 Stanley Road near Bootle Strand, has been recognised for its work in creating a welcoming space, having been awarded Library of Sanctuary status in 2022.

The reading group is part of the At The Library programme, which is curated and produced by Rule of Threes Arts in partnership with Sefton Libraries. The initiative receives funding from Arts Council England and the National Lottery Community Fund. Residents interested in attending the May session can book a space through the Sefton Libraries online booking system.

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