Where History Meets the Future
Be Part of the Conversation
Welcome to the Sunderland Lit & Phil Society, highlighting local experts on topics that matter to you. Join us as we foster intellectual curiosity and community engagement in Sunderland.
Sunderland Lit & Phil Society
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.
Showcase
COMING SOON
Submit articles and updates to showcase your work and contribute to community knowledge.
Contact Us
Reach out for inquiries, membership details, or to learn more about Sunderland Lit & Phil Society.
About Us
Highlighting Local Experts on Topics That Matter To You.
Sunderland-based, not-for-profit organisation hosting monthly events on diverse topics.
Insights shared, knowledge expanded
Sunderland Lit & Phil is a unique organisation curating superb events with sector leading panellists. Both the discussion groups and standalone events are excellent. Topics and themes are so well researched and selected. Having attended five events so far, I would thoroughly recommend Sunderland Lit & Phil.
Phillipa McDonald
Great monthly panel events - really interesting discussions and a great atmosphere, always enjoy myself. Auburn and team are simply fabulous! Highly recommend 5
Karen Crear
I love the Lit & Phil monthly panel discussions. the topics are broad and inclusive, the panel members are great and its hosted professionally but with warmth. I also love being part of the discussion groups, being able to discuss and dig down into various topics. I would recommend becoming a member.
Carrie McGovern