Merton Big Read
What is The Merton Big Read?
A borough-wide reading initiative with the intention of connecting communities through exploring the themes of a book and to foster a love of reading. The Merton Big Read also encompasses a series of relevant, engaging activities such as author talks and workshops.
Where did it come from?
The Merton Big Read delivered in partnership with Wimbledon BookFest, is one of seven activity strands offered under Merton’s National Portfolio Organisation (funded by Arts Council England).
Merton Big Read 2025
Without Warning & Only Sometimes by Kit de Waal
Without Warning & Only Sometimes is now available to borrow across Merton Libraries. Pick up your copy and get reading! And when you're done, share the story with friends, family, neighbours – and remember they can borrow a copy too!
Also available as an audio and ebook from your library using the Overdrive Libby app
Once you've read the book, we would be grateful if you could please complete this short survey. Feedback is essential to secure our funding from Arts Council England, to understand our audience and ensure everyone is heard and represented. It won’t take long and you need only complete what you’re comfortable with!
Kit de Waal hosted an event as part of the Wimbledon BookFest Autumn festival in October 2025 at Merton Arts Space in Wimbledon Library. A recording of this event is coming soon.
Merton Big Read 2024
Brooklyn by Colm Tóibín
We were delighted to host our 2024 Big Read author Colm Tóibín in partnership with Wimbledon Bookfest with this specially recorded event! This sold out event was filmed on Thursday 19th December 2024
Merton Big Read 2023
The Last White Man by Mohsin Hamid
The inaugural Big Read title in 2023 was the compelling and thought-provoking The Last White Man by Mohsin Hamid, Booker Prize shortlisted author of Exit West and The Reluctant Fundamentalist.
You can watch the author Mohsin Hamid at Wimbledon BookFest streamed live from Pakistan to Wimbledon Library's Merton Arts Space during Bookfest 2023.