We are a not-for-profit, community-led society hosting Panel Discussion based events on different topics each month.

We are managed by a committee and member-led.

During her work as a researcher, Auburn, our founder and host, discovered that Sunderland had a Lit & Phil Society, like Newcastle, back in the early 1800s.

The Athenaeum building on Fawcett Street was built for the society, who met weekly to discuss the major topics of their day, like who was the better poet, Byron or Burns? Or should there be a national educational programme? 

In 2025 the city has changed considerably, we have a public library now, and while an independent bookshop is still needed, our society has chosen focus on getting the conversation going again!

In time we may find a permanent home where we can rebuild the Sunderland Lit & Phil Society Library. 

Our discussions keep the conversation on Sunderland.

The city is growing and we want you to have your say. Each event features an audience Q&A, with a panel of local experts on the topic.