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13th July 2026
Books are having a moment. Go All In: National Year of Reading 2026 is a UK-wide movement helping people rediscover a love of reading by reconnecting with the things that inspire them, from music and films to food and family time (goallin.org.uk).
Royal Haslar is perfectly placed to take part, with two residents’ libraries on site, both curated by Sarah Burrows, owner of award-winning independent local bookseller The Book Shop in Lee-on-the-Solent. The two libraries, in Canada House and in Coffee Quarters café, in the communal area of Trinity House, offer between them over 350 page-turning volumes, including classics, fiction, prize-winning authors, travel, food, sport, biographies, art, works by local authors, history and children’s books.
Since its inaugural meeting last summer, Haslar Book Club is now a fixture on the community calendar, with its 12 current members typically meeting on the third Tuesday of every month at 11am in Coffee Quarters. The group, open to both Royal Haslar residents and non-residents alike, has so far read and discussed a range of books from many different genres, from Hamnet by Maggie O’Farrell and The Scent of Oranges by Kathy George to The Unknown Warrior by John Nichol and Operation Heartbreak by Duff Cooper. Their current read is It Ends Here by Heidi Perks, a pulse-pounding thriller set in a sleepy marina town.
“We always really enjoy the books we are reading, and they prompt endless conversations,” Sarah says. “We could honestly sit there for hours if we all had enough time. Anyone thinking of joining us should simply grab a coffee, pull up a chair - and feel free to bring their own book recommendations.”
Details of each month’s book and the date of the next book club are available at each meeting, and also at royalhaslar.com/activities-events/ and leebookshop.co.uk/royalhaslar. Featured books can be bought at The Book Shop, on Lee-on-the-Solent’s high street, with 20% off for Haslar Book Club members.
Following on from this success, Sarah has launched a new podcast, Chapters at The Book Shop, where she and guests discuss favourite books, new releases, and grill authors on their inspiration. Available for free on podcast platforms including Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music and Spotify. Simply click on the link:
https://open.spotify.com/show/033lagovbfeoyuNAYg7Gjs?si=5Z1LMh4YQn-AU_tOXPeGFA