PLAN - WHAT DID YOU SET OUT TO DO? | |
| Summary/ Description of Activity | |
| A reading group involving blind and partially sighted people. They all listen to the same book in audio format and learn from each other. They also listen to individual books and share the experience. The aim is to maintain the reading experience for those people who have been readers all their lives but lose their sight for various reasons. Also include people who have been blind from birth and introduce them to the pleasure of sharing their reading experiences. This group are also visited by a sighted reading group from time to time so this helps them to feel less isolated and they are able to share their books with sighted people. Volunteers are used to visit a housebound former group member who still sends in reviews of books to the group. | |
| Learning objectives: | |
| Users gain confidence in talking in a group and putting their opinions forward. They listen to and evaluate other people’s comments. They also learn from discussion about individual books which generates reminiscence between members. The book “The Great Hedge of India” by Roy Moxham generated a debate on India and the British Empire. One lady had lived in India so everyone learnt something about her experiences. | |
| DESCRIPTION OF ACTIVITY | |
| Date [dd/mm/yyyy] | On going |
| Length of activity | 2 hours |
| Frequency | monthly |
| Organiser | Librarian in Charge Dawlish Library |
| Tutor | Librarian assisted by a volunteer member of an outside agency |
| Group Size | 12 – 14 persons |
| Venue | library |
| Location | Dawlish, Devon UK |
| Environment | urban |
| Location Factors | Transport is needed to the venue |
| Partnerships | Devon County Association for the Blind, Westbank league of friends. Calibre Reading Group Scheeme |
| Target group | Blind and partially sighted people |
| Contact | +44 1626 862529 |
| Marketing | Library advertisement; Devon County Council website and word of mouth |
| Method of delivery | Group is led but learn from each other |
| Equipment required | None |
| Other Factors | Lack of transport or unavailability of venue. Transport is provided in some cases by volunteers so their availability could effect the group |
| Tasks | (Task2) Involving seniors as volunteers |
EVALUATION OF ACTIVITY| Evaluation of the Learning Objectives |
| Yes this is a very enthusiastic group who are confident now to express opinions. They learn from each other as books that they have read generate reminiscing. Many of the learners attend regularly and enjoy the experience so the activity is fulfilling their expectations. |
| Evaluation of the activity |
| This activity has been running for 25 years so is a great achievement not only for those attending but for the library service. |
| Evaluation of what was learned by the participants |
| The learning comes not only from the social contact but also from the content of the books which have been listened to. Depending on which books are listened to the potential for learning is limitless. |
| Evaluation of what staff have learned |
| Staff learn that having a disability like this does not prevent you from enjoying books and learning and enjoying social interaction. |
| Keywords |
| England; Devon; Blind; Partially sighted; Reading group; |
| ANALYSIS OF EVALUATION |
| What would you change to improve activity? |
| The meeting could be improved by author visits. This has happened on some occasions but there are financial constraints. Members have been taken to other locations to listen to an author but this is dependant on transport. |
| What particular circumstance could affect a change in the activity? |
| If this was to run elsewhere availability of numerous copies of the same books in audio format would need to be established. Members are generally elderly and have a disability so transport, a carer and easy access to the building need to be considered. |
| Other possible Activities |
| It may be possible in the future for the group to listen to downloadable books but the value of coming together as a group for the discussion is important. |
| Best practice |
| yes |
| Transferability: |
| The original group used audio material from within library resources. We now pay an external company to provide audio on cassette in multiple copies for this group. This is much easier and more cost effective. |