About City Reads
WHAT IS CITY READS?
City Reads is an annual citywide reading festival which aims to spread a love of books and ideas to the widest possible audience throughout Brighton & Hove. The project is run by Collected Works CIC: a Reader Development organisation based in Brighton specialising in innovative literature events (large and small scale). The concept is simple: selecting one book by one author for the whole community to read, discuss, debate and creatively engage with in a series of special events, workshops and performances.
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CITY READS 2012 IN PHOTOGRAPHS
TALES FROM THE SPOTTED DOG
Having my novel My Policeman chosen for City Reads has, without doubt, been the best experience of my writing life. The concept of a festival that is about reading and readers, rather than about writers and their egos, is really special. City Reads is unique because it offers a whole community the opportunity to ‘own’ a book by reading it, talking about it, and thinking beyond it — together. Sarah Hutchings of Collected Works and the whole City Reads team were wonderful to work with — dedicated, professional, welcoming. I was proud and delighted to have my book read by so many in my home town. I was also very proud of all the readers we reached in Brighton and Hove, especially the ones who wouldn’t normally have set foot in a literary festival, who took the book to their hearts and came and told me about it! Reaching readers in this way is a rare and precious experience, and it makes the solitary act of writing hugely rewarding. Thank you, City Reads, and thank you, Brighton and Hove..
Bethan Roberts (City Reads 2012)
The publicity surrounding the choice of My Policeman for this year’s City Reads has really put Bethan Roberts on the map. She has found an abundance of new readers who would not have discovered her otherwise. City Reads brings people together and continues to play an important part in the cultural life of Brighton and Hove. We look forward to next year.’
Paul Sweetman Independent Bookseller & owner of City Books, Hove
When?
City Reads celebrations take place in September/October each year, over three weeks.
Where?
The hub of City Reads activities happens on the last weekend of the Festival at The Old Market Arts Centre in Hove. However other events and activities take place across the whole of Brighton & Hove – in libraries, community centres, pubs, book shops …
Who?
City Reads is for everyone: whether you’re an occasional reader or a confirmed bibliophile. It doesn’t matter what you do, where you live or what you read: City Reads is about opening up the world of words and ideas to everyone.
How?
It couldn’t be simpler. The idea is to get the whole city reading and talking. All you need to do to get involved is pick up a copy from your local library, bookshop or book drop point and start reading …
