The Reading Circle, a cooperative venture between Mid North Coast Community College and Port Macquarie Library, met regularly at the library until March.

The group, keen to retain a connection, thought outside the box after the coronavirus pandemic hit and the group could not meet at the library.

Members at first met to walk the coastal trails and Port Macquarie beaches.

Then about three months ago, The Reading Circle started reading at the beach or bush locations and combined a walk for those who felt like it.

Reading spots to date include Town Beach, Flynns Beach, Shelly Beach and Sancrox Reserve.

The Reading Circle has always been a book club with a difference.

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College volunteers Jenny Lester and Tom Taylor host each session and guided discussion.

Participants are encouraged to join in reading aloud but are welcome to sit back and enjoy listening.

The Reading Circle provides community members who would not usually feel confident in joining a book club the opportunity to embrace a love of literature.

"The huge benefit of the circle is that the joys to be found in reading can be shared on the spot and the social interaction that occurs through discussion of the text and consequent side issues is very enjoyable," Mr Taylor said.

He said the beach and bush reading sessions were a good example of how, in difficult times, adjustments could be made so adversity was changed to advantage.

The Reading Circle is at the moment enjoying the award winning No Friend But the Mountains by Behrouz Boochani, translated by Omid Tofighian.

Contact Jenny Lester on 0458 550087 or Tom Taylor on 0407 976632 for further information.

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