Reading for Reading's Sake is an ongoing project which began with a conversation between three people in September 2009; Megan Wakefield, Maurice Carlin and Helen Kaplinsky.

They discussed the place that reading occupies in their lives, how it is often paired with other seemingly more purposeful activities, such as travelling and how reading can be transformative when made public and communal.Historical and cultural examples of reading as a shared, social activity were discussed such as The lector de tabaquería, the Cuban tradition of reading classic texts to factory employees whilst they are working. They considered the potential of reading to each other whilst doing daily chores like cooking dinner, making beds, tidying etc.

In 18^th century England Coffee Houses were termed Penny Universities as people would gather there to listen to public readings of the day's news and political pamphlets, encouraging raucous debate. The Victorian era marked a move towards reading as sedate and private pastime, with libraries operating a policy of strict social control.

With these ideas in hand they decided to organise a weekend of reading at Spike Island and throughout the city of Bristol on 23^rd-24^th January 2010. The second RfRS event took place at Islington Mill in Salford from the 9th-11th April 2010. It included an impressive list of over 20 artists, writers and readers, contributing to a packed programme of workshops, reading groups and installations. Further RfRS events are planned for the coming year, check the blog for details. Please get in touch if you are interested in getting involved.