Currently, Newtonbrook United Church’s Reading Group meets on the second Thursday of each month, from 1 PM to 4 PM, September to June in the Fellowship Room. Anyone with an interest in reading is welcome to join the group at any time. September meetings are often a discussion of the books read during the summer and planning sessions for the rest of the year. At the December meetings, the group shares favourite Christmas stories, poems, songs or decorations, and enjoy eating favourite Christmas baking. January meetings focus on books received as Christmas presents and more planning. The annual fees of the members of the Reading Group are donated to Newtonbrook United Church’s Library Committee for the purchase of books.

Some memorable books over the years include:

At the February 1967 General Meeting of the United Church Women of Newtonbrook United Church, a book night was held in the church’s auditorium. At that time, interest groups on a variety of topics were starting or had started for the women at Newtonbrook. A number of women at that February meeting signed up, indicating an interest in books, authors and reading.

The first monthly meeting of the Reading Group, held on March 2, 1967, took the form of a tour of the North York Public Library at Yonge Street and Park Home Avenue. Early meetings were often held in group member’s homes as the church was not open in the afternoons. Further meetings in 1967 studied the lives and books of Canadian authors.

The Reading Group celebrated its 20th anniversary on March 12th, 1987, and discovered that its achievements were impressive. Six of the 24 members who attended the “Literary Luncheon” were original members, 3 of whom are still active in the group. A list of books donated to the church library, a long, long list of books read and discussed, the speakers heard and the trips and tours taken were reviewed at the luncheon. Members expressed appreciation for the enjoyable discussions, creative (but simple and healthy) refreshments served, and most importantly, the valuable friendships formed.

To celebrate the 40th anniversary, a delightful event was planned and enjoyed by 19 members on May 11th, 2007. The group took themselves out for lunch at Thornhill Golf and Country Club instead of the usual pot luck lunch at the church.