THE GREEN Party has launched a campaign for the establishment of State-funded reading groups for marginalised groups in society.
Leading the campaign is the party's deputy leader Mary White, who has written to Ministers seeking support for the scheme.
Under the scheme, groups would meet at the same venue once a week for an hour or more to read a novel aloud, continuing their weekly meetings until the novel is finished.
Typical locations would include hospitals, both mental and general, prisons, public libraries and schools.
In a letter to Green Party leader John Gormley in his capacity as Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, Ms White said a similar scheme was already in operation in Liverpool.
"The scheme provides 'Read to Lead' training for librarians in running groups The library service provides the groups with books and advice about texts for specialist groups, as well as the premises for the meetings.
"As your department provides funding for libraries, I am writing to ask you to consider providing the funding and resources for libraries to facilitate such a scheme and group mentors' training."
She said she had also written to the Ministers for Health, Justice, Education, and Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, as well as the Minister of State for Integration.
"For several reasons people seem to benefit enormously from such a scheme. For people with mental or physical illness, bibliotherapy, as it is called, can have a very positive effect," the letter continued.
"A weekly meeting can give people, particularly marginalised people who participate, structure to their day, or even their week. It is socially inclusive, relaxing and a very social activity.
"Participation and sharing can boost self-esteem as well as improve literacy.
"Book groups are a cheap and sociable outlet, and I believe it would not cost the State much to facilitate such a community-based initiative."
The Carlow-Kilkenny TD told The Irish Times: "For centuries people have linked an exposure to literature with mental and physical wellbeing.
"In ancient Greece hospitals and health sanctuaries were often situated next to theatres. Dramatic performances were deemed part of the cure."
