Lukuryhmä

Lukuryhmä is a Finnish term formed from luku (reading, chapter, or number) and ryhmä (group). It is used to describe a group of people who come together to read and discuss texts, and can refer to both formal programs and informal gatherings. The term is descriptive rather than a formal title and its exact meaning depends on context, ranging from school or library initiatives to community or workplace activities.

In educational and library settings, lukuryhmä activities aim to support reading literacy, comprehension, and critical thinking. Groups may use shared texts, reading assignments, or thematic selections, and discussions are often guided by prompts or questions. Regular meetings can be weekly or monthly, with structures that may include a rotating facilitator, note-taker, or discussion leader. Typical group sizes range from five to fifteen participants, though this can vary.

Lukuryhmä is often contrasted with lukupiiri, a more common Finnish term for a book club. While lukupiiri emphasizes social reading and casual discussion, lukuryhmä is sometimes encountered in more formal or programmatic contexts, such as school curricula, library literacy programs, or research on group reading. The concept supports collaborative learning and social engagement around texts, while also presenting challenges such as coordinating schedules, accommodating varying reading levels, and selecting texts that appeal to all members.

See also: lukupiiri, kirjallisuuskasvatus, luku- ja lukutaito.