By LeAnn Kunz
When is the last time you read something aloud? Maybe it was last night’s bedtime story with a child or grandchild. Maybe you auditioned for the community theater’s latest production. Or perhaps you simply found yourself reading aloud the instructions for a new chicken recipe to an empty kitchen.
This past month, the Washington Public Library launched a new program for adults called Shared Voices, a monthly read-aloud circle. During each hour-long session, we take turns reading a classic short story and then practice a choral reading of a well-known poem.
Our June gathering was especially fun. We read the hilarious short story “The Nice People” by Henry Cuyler Bunner, and our participants handled the quick, witty dialogue like pros — with plenty of laughter along the way. Afterward, we shifted to a choral reading of James Russell Lowell’s classic poem “What Is So Rare as a Day in June?” With each read-through, our timing and rhythm grew smoother.
So why do adults need read-aloud time? There are many reasons — and they’re surprisingly powerful.
First, reading aloud strengthens comprehension and retention. We noticed this ourselves after just the second read-through of the Lowell poem.
Second, it builds vocal confidence and communication skills. You quickly learn to project your voice and enunciate clearly so others can follow along.
Third, it encourages focus and mindfulness. In a world full of screens, it feels refreshing to hold a piece of paper and give it your full attention.
Fourth, reading aloud fosters emotional connection and empathy. When someone stumbled over a name or lost their place, others in the circle jumped in with gentle prompts.
Fifth, shared reading creates social bonds. Even though not everyone knew each other at the start of our session, we soon felt connected through shared laughter and understanding.
Sixth, reading stimulates the brain. Encountering both familiar and unfamiliar texts is excellent for cognitive health.
Finally, and perhaps most delightfully, reading aloud brings joy and play. Many adults haven’t experienced that feeling in years. When you read together, you rediscover the simple pleasure of playing with language.
If you haven’t tried something like this lately, you may be surprised by how good it feels to share a story and sit in a circle of readers. We’d love to have you join us for our next Shared Voices session on Tuesday, July 7 at 2 p.m.
As the program grows, I’ll be gathering suggestions from participants for future read-aloud selections. And who knows — perhaps one day we’ll even perform a piece or create recordings of our choral readings to share with the wider community. There’s something powerful about hearing your own voice join others — a reminder that stories and poems aren’t just to be read, they’re to be shared.
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