Read My Mind
Read My Mind is a library project encouraging men to read more.
- Studies have shown that those who read for pleasure have higher levels of self-esteem and a greater ability to cope with difficult situations. Reading for pleasure was also associated with better sleeping patterns.
- "Adults who read for just 30 minutes a week are 20% more likely to report greater life satisfaction"- (Billington, J, (2015) Reading between the Lines: the Benefits of Reading for Pleasure Quick Reads, University of Liverpool p. 7
It doesn't matter what you read, it could from comics to cookbooks or the latest weighty novel, there's no judgement.
Read My Mind supports the following library groups:
- Adult Lego clubs
- Men's Mardle at Wells
- Norwich Community History Club.
Details about all these groups are on our What's on page.
Podcasts
Listen to the Read my Mind podcasts, which feature people who have taken part in the project.
12th Man Radio Show
Read my Mind was featured on the 12th Man Radio Show. Listen to all episodes of the 12 Man Radio Show on Future Radio.
Exploring my mind
The first podcast is a poetry workshop, led by Norfolk playwright James McDermott. You can take part in the workshop or listen along. Listen to the Read my Mind poetry workshop podcast on Soundcloud (opens new window).
Men's shared reading
The second podcast is a shared reading session, participants discuss the benefits that reading fiction for pleasure can have and talk about books that have helped with their own wellbeing. Also includes some poetry and extracts from Matt Haig's book Notes on A Nervous Planet being read aloud. Listen to the Read my Mind men's shared reading podcast on Soundcloud (opens new window).
Poetry workshop for men - exploring my masculinity
Norfolk playwright James McDermott leads us through his second poetry workshop which was recorded on Zoom with participants from Read My Mind. You can take part in the workshop or listen along.
Listen to the Read my Mind exploring my masculinity poetry workshop podcast on Soundcloud (opens new window)
Read my mind - feel good reading for men
The fourth podcast in the series is another shared reading session, where men chat about books they've found beneficial for their wellbeing.
Listen to the Read my Mind feel good reading for men podcast on Soundcloud
Be part of the project
We can visit your group, or workplace to give away free books and talk about all the ways the library service can help you to read - from learning to read, to downloading eBooks, newspapers and magazines. If you would like a visit please email libraries.iconnect@norfolk.gov.uk.
