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 and former books editor at La Tribune de Genève. She has written for Lire and ELLE and now shares her literary favourites on Instagram (@pascale_frey).

This reading circle focuses on contemporary fiction: new releases, authors to discover, prize contenders and notable reissues. A friendly, participatory monthly meeting for staying up to date with the literary scene.

In French.

17 September 2025 – 17 June 2026, 12:15

Pascale Frey is a literary journalist and former books editor at La Tribune de Genève. She has written for Lire and ELLE and now shares her literary favourites on Instagram (@pascale_frey).

This reading circle focuses on contemporary fiction: new releases, authors to discover, prize contenders and notable reissues. A friendly, participatory monthly meeting for staying up to date with the literary scene.

In French.

Thursday 23 April, 12:30

Pierre Haski, geopolitical commentator for France Inter and columnist for Le Nouvel Observateur, is a veteran foreign correspondent and former president of Reporters sans frontières. Drawing on five decades of reporting across China, the Middle East and South Africa, he reflects on his career and the geopolitical shifts shaping the contemporary world. This conversation examines the themes of decolonisation, global power realignments and the emergence of new actors, offering clarifying perspectives on complex international developments.

In French.

25 April – 6 June

Learn and play chess in a lively, hands-on workshop for children and adults. Beginners will discover rules, pieces and basic tactics through games and exercises. Children are split into three groups by age and experience: 4–6-year-olds learn the rules; false beginners practise checkmates and tactical combinations; older kids build tactical awareness and strategic thinking. Adults receive practical coaching on openings and key themes, with guidance from Grandmaster Clovis Vernay. An exercise booklet is provided to every child.

Kids ages 4–13.

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.

Tuesday 28 April, 12:30

Jakuta Alikavazovic, winner of the Prix Goncourt du premier roman, is presented by Alexandre Demidoff in an extended interview about her new book Au grand jamais (Gallimard, 2025). Her acclaimed bibliography includes Corps volatil, La blonde et le bunker, L’avancée de la nuit and Comme un ciel en nous.

The conversation examines family figures, unspoken tensions and the experience of exile, tracing continuities across her work and exploring narrative form, memory and identity.

In French.

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