How to Start a Book Club

Have you ever wanted to be in a book club or start one yourself but didn't know how? 

The first book club I ever joined was already well established, with women ranging from their early twenties to their late fifties. With so many different stages of life represented, I was in awe of everyone’s ability to make time to read and share such thoughtful insights.

Since then, I’ve lived in several states and joined a book club in each one—until I moved to a new neighborhood that (drop the mic) didn’t have a book club. I tried to start one myself, but when I hosted the first meeting, only two people showed up. I waited another year before trying again after several neighborhood requests. Guess what happened? Only two people showed up again.

But we kept trying. One person volunteered to host, then another. Before I knew it, over half a dozen people were attending our third and fourth meetings, with more still joining.

My point? Keep trying. Learn a few tricks of the trade, and it will be worth it.

How to get started?

There are many great resources out there, including a helpful set of eight guidelines by Cassidy Munro from the Edmonton Public Library:

How to Start a Book Club: 8 Things You Need to Think About 

Personally, I’ve narrowed those ideas down to three essentials:

• • Write down your goals and expectations

  • Find your people—who do you envision being there, and why?

  • Decide on meeting times: the hows and whens

1.Write Down Your Goals and Expectations

Why do you want to start a book club? What are you hoping to achieve? Just as importantly, what types of books do you want to read and discuss?

One of the best things about book clubs is the variety of readers and book choices. However, that same variety can cause discomfort if expectations aren’t clear from the beginning. It’s not rude to set guidelines if you’re uncomfortable with certain content, such as very spicy books or horror. Just make sure everyone knows the expectations ahead of time.

Kelly Gallucci from We Are Bookish offers this great advice:

“Be upfront about what isn’t expected.”

Rules and Expectations to Consider When Starting a Book Club

2. Find Your People, Who Could You Envision Being There and Why?

Have you ever met someone who was completely enthralled by reading, only to meet the next person who couldn’t care less? Everyone is different. Some may not be a good fit, and others might surprise you. You decide.

Try making a list of names and starring the people you’d really like to invite. Brainstorm friends from work, your neighborhood, your kids’ school, church, or even the park if the subject comes up. There are also fun online book clubs you can join, or start yourself.

Here’s a great resource for finding book clubs both online and in person:

https://bookclubs.com/join-a-book-club 

3. Calendar-meeting Times, the How's and When's

I recommend figuring this out sooner rather than later. You can either discuss it as a group during your first meeting or propose something ahead of time.

Here are a few options:

• • Meet on the same day and time each month

  • Vote on dates and times

  • Rotate hosting, with each host choosing when and where

There are great apps for this like Group Me or Discord

Conclusion: Whatever you decide, have fun with it—and remember why you wanted to start a book club in the first place. It may take some time to smooth out the rough edges, but you’ll get there.

Keep us posted on how it goes!

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