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A new book club focussed on the environment is set to start in Inverness.
Velocity Café & Bicycle Workshop based in the Crown area of Inverness will host the monthly get together in collaboration with the University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI) and High Life Highland libraries.
The first meeting is set to take place on Monday, September 18 at Velocity Café, from 6.30-8.30pm.
The book group will inform UHI PhD student Ingrid Brubaker’s research about whether reading fiction can change someone’s perception of nature, the environment and the climate emergency.
Ingrid is interested in exploring whether reading groups might help engage people in environmental action or change their perception of the natural world.
She said: “Working with Velocity Café and High Life Highland is such a privilege; I expect to meet and speak with lots of fascinating people who can inform my research project with interesting opinions and thoughts.
“I am very excited to explore these pressing topics with the Highland community.”
Climate fiction or “Cli-Fi” is a new book genre which deals with environmental issues and climate change and often encourages the reader to consider the planet’s future and our relationship with nature.
The book group will be an opportunity for people to read and discuss a piece of literature each month and engage in environmental issues.
It is the first of a few groups Ingrid hopes to organise as part of her research.
Books planned to be discussed at rhe first few meetings of the Velocity group are:
● Monday, September 18: Girl Meets Boy by Ali Smith
● Monday, October 16: Weather by Jenny Offill
● Monday, November 20: The Opposite of a Person by Lieke Marsman
● Monday, December 11: The Quarry Wood by Nan Shepherd
Participants will be expected to read the texts prior to attending each session with a selection of the books available from Inverness Library in Farraline Park.
Isabel McLeish, project officer from Velocity Café & Bicycle Workshop, said: “We are really looking forward to hosting the new climate book group at our café and hope it will be a great opportunity for like-minded people to explore and discuss environmental fiction in a fun and sociable space.”
Julie Corcoran, head of libraries, said: ‘High Life Highland are delighted to be working in collaboration with Velocity and UHI on this exciting initiative.
“The book groups will provide the opportunity for the community to come together, to enjoy reading and discussing environmental issues within a relaxed setting.’
Anyone interested in taking part or who has any questions should email HCWP@velocitylove.co.uk
More information is also available here
