Òrbita Lectora: the Humanities Library's new Virtual Science Fiction and Fantasy Reading Club

The Humanities Library is launching ‘Òrbita Lectora’ (literally “Reading Orbit”), a new Virtual Science Fiction and Fantasy Reading Club created to bring these literary genres closer to both the university community and the general public, while encouraging critical thinking, discussion and digital engagement.

The club draws on the Humanities Library’s rich science fiction and fantasy holdings, particularly the Xavier Úcar Science Fiction Collection, which includes landmark works by leading authors in the genre. Through shared reading, participants are invited to reflect on topics such as technology, ethics, the environment and the future of humanity.

The reading club will run online via the Tellfy app, allowing for open, asynchronous discussion among participants. In addition, a number of hybrid sessions (both in person and online) will be held at the Humanities Library, led by the club’s moderator, Lluc Casals i Perpinyà, with the support of the library team.

Registration for the club is carried out via the Tellfy application. Interested participants must access the platform, create a user account and request admission to the club through this link. Places may be limited depending on availability.

Participants will be able to borrow books in digital format through the Biblio Digital platform of the Government of Catalonia’s Library Service, as well as in print from public and university libraries.

The club will be organised into three thematic blocks, with a reading list that gives priority to Catalan authors, works by women, and key titles within the genre. The first edition will exceptionally begin in February.

Through this initiative, the UAB and its partner libraries reaffirm their commitment to knowledge sharing, cultural innovation and strengthening the links between the university and society, while positioning libraries as active hubs for cultural participation.