Société de lecture

Société de lecture

Founded in 1818, the Société de Lecture (SDL) is a cultural institution nestled in Geneva’s Old Town. Housed in an 18th-century building, the SDL serves as a hub for relaxed intellectual exchange. Functioning as a library with an extensive book collection, the Société de Lecture also hosts diverse cultural events, including a full rich program of literary conferences, debates, workshops, and even yoga classes. Notably, it offers a diverse program for children.

Grand-Rue 11,
1204 Genève

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All Events at this Venue

17 September 2025 – 17 June 2026, 18:30

Pascale Frey is a literary journalist. She has been reading since she first learned how! She began her career at La Tribune de Genève, where she was in charge of the Books section. For many years, she contributed to the magazine Lire, and later to ELLE. While selecting books for the ELLE Readers’ Prize—novels, nonfiction, and crime fiction—she read a large portion of recent literary publications. Today, she continues to share her many favorites on Instagram: @pascale_frey.

This reading circle is dedicated exclusively to contemporary fiction. The latest releases, emerging authors—both French and international—books in the running for literary awards, and major reissues will all serve as the monthly inspiration. The workshop aims to be friendly and interactive, and each participant is encouraged to share their thoughts on the featured book, which must be read before the following meeting. Ten annual sessions to stay fully up to date with the literary scene.

In French.

Wednesday 19 November, 15:00

The Compagnie Contes Joyeux is made up of Anne-Claude and François. They live in Lausanne and have been offering performances for twenty years that combine storytelling, songs, and music. Their repertoire is varied, cheerful, and full of bounce—bringing joy to both children and adults alike. Through word of mouth, they hope to spread joy and enthusiasm, because “when you love, you tell stories!”

Stories offer us extraordinary adventures and incredible journeys; they introduce us to talking animals, fairies, and elves, and transport us to dreamlike worlds. What a gift!

In French.  Kids ages 5 and up.

17 September 2025 – 17 June 2026, 12:15

Pascale Frey is a literary journalist. She has been reading since she first learned how! She began her career at La Tribune de Genève, where she was in charge of the Books section. For many years, she contributed to the magazine Lire, and later to ELLE. While selecting books for the ELLE Readers’ Prize—novels, nonfiction, and crime fiction—she read a large portion of recent literary publications. Today, she continues to share her many favorites on Instagram: @pascale_frey.

This reading circle is dedicated exclusively to contemporary fiction. The latest releases, emerging authors—both French and international—books in the running for literary awards, and major reissues will all serve as the monthly inspiration. The workshop aims to be friendly and interactive, and each participant is encouraged to share their thoughts on the featured book, which must be read before the following meeting. Ten annual sessions to stay fully up to date with the literary scene.

In French.

Thursday 20 November, 12:00

Join Kathia Marquis and Jacques Michel at the Société de Lecture for a delightful gathering organized by Théâtre de Carouge, in connection with their play Les Bijoux de la Castafiore. Enjoy a charming, gourmet-filled experience in the elegant salons with the season’s featured artists.

In French.

16 October, 20 November, 16 December

Economist, author, and global traveler Jean-Joseph Boillot (IRIS researcher and author of Chindiafrique) leads three evenings exploring key literary works from China, India, and Africa:

  • Oct 16 – China: Water Margin (Au bord de l’eau), a legendary Chinese epic akin to The Three Musketeers.

  • Nov 20 – India: Panchatantra, the ancient fable collection that inspired La Fontaine.

  • Dec 11 – Africa: Petit Bodiel and Other Tales, by Malian writer Amadou Hampâté Bâ, who said, “When an old man dies, a library burns.”

A cultural journey through storytelling traditions that shaped civilizations.

In French.

29 September 2025 – 1 June 2026

This reading group will explore, in eight sessions, a selection of literary works that have “transcended the time and place of their origin,” in the spirit of Martin Bodmer’s definition of Weltliteratur — or world literature — as dear to Goethe. A literary journey across time and continents, guided by the shared affinities of the participants.

Historian of art, Hélène Leibkutsch moves between languages and cultures, driven by her passion for art, literature, and music. She holds a Master of Arts from the University of Geneva, where she studied art history, general linguistics, and English, as well as a CAS in Cultural Institution Promotion from the University of Neuchâtel. With international experience in art history and the art market, she has maintained a deep interest in literature throughout her career. She served on the board of the Société de Lecture, acting as vice-president for two terms (2008–2010; 2012–2019), and chaired the Reading Commission (2010–2021), where she remains an active member.

In French.

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