Mission and Ground rules

Queer Readers Ground-rules and Mission 2022-23

Meets the third Monday of the month at 6.30 pm at the New Farm Library Meeting Room

Our Mission Our group aims to foster an inclusive, friendly and relaxed environment for all participants irrespective of age, gender, disability or disadvantage. It caters to the needs and interests of the gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender community and their friends. Members of the group seek to widen their reading interests and explore new genres. A love of reading and a desire to share that love with others is the only criteria to join.

Ground Rules

• • New members to be made feel welcome and introduced to the rest of the group.

  • Meetings to be lead by a discussion leader to be shared on a rotational basis (if possible - depending on interest and availability).

  • The Chair, not necessarily the discussion leader, is responsible for timekeeping and ensuring the group remains on track.

  • Books on the reading list are introduced briefly by the discussion leader and participation in the discussion is encouraged. It is not essential that members have read all or any books from the reading list.

  • A break (no more than ten minutes) affords an opportunity for networking, socialising, and informal discussion.

  • After the break any housekeeping and announcements are made and the book discussion is continued.

  • Once the discussion of the books from the reading list are concluded members are invited to recommend any books they think might be of interest to the group.

  • Everybody is welcome to contribute to the discussion which is mediated by the Chair.

  • Mobile phones must be switched off or set to silent during meetings. Any calls must be taken outside.

  • Participants commit to treating each other with respect and listen to the opinions of others in an open manner and not monopolize the conversation.

  • Time permitting, other Queer topics might be discussed including Films (usually based on novels that might be appearing on future or past reading lists), television/ streaming, or other local Queer events. These can be emailed through to include in the monthly newsletter.

  • All participants to be given an opportunity to contribute to the reading list, which is compiled annually. Up to date copies of the reading can be found on the website www.qreaders.net and at New Farm Library.

  • Participants agree when utilizing the resources and services offered by the Brisbane City Council Library Service, to abide by its policies and procedures.

  • These ground rules to be reviewed by the group to ensure relevance and agreement by the majority.

Bonnie, Queer Readers Facilitator, November 2022.

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