A time for stories, poems, and community in the historic John Rylands Library.

Inspired by The Forgotten Library exhibition and Enriqueta Rylands' lifelong devotion to books and learning, we invite you to join a Reading Round in partnership with the Royal Literary Fund.

These welcoming community gatherings bring people together through the simple pleasure of reading and listening. Led by writer C.D Rose of the Royal Literary Fund, each session offers the chance to hear stories and poems read aloud. Surrounded by the beauty and quiet grandeur of the historic library, you can explore the readings together, share reflections and ideas as a group

We will be running three sessions, in each 90 minute session Chris will read a poem or story for the group to discuss. No preparation is needed for the sessions.

It is advisable to book for all the sessions if possible. The sessions will take place on the following days. Please book on to each session individually.

10 September

24 September

1 October

Access information and how to find us is here

Find out more about Royal Literary Fund Reading Round here

C. D. Rose is an award-winning fiction writer. His books include Walter Benjamin Stares at the Sea, shortlisted for the Edge Hill Prize in 2025, and a trilogy comprising The Biographical Dictionary of Literary Failure, Who’s Who When Everyone Is Someone Else, and The Blind Accordionist. His latest novel, We Live Here Now (2025), reflects on art and its value in uncertain times. Originally from Manchester, Chris has spent over twenty-five years working as a teacher and writer across several countries and now lives in the north of England.

Description supplied by the event organiser.