How to Start a Book Club
I did it!
I finally started the book club of my dreams this year. I’m incredibly lucky to have friends who love to read as much as I do!
This meant that I did not have any trouble finding members. It was, however, still more logistical work than I ever imagined.
I am happy to share what I have learned about starting a book club below, so that you can focus on the real reason any one of us ever starts a book club, a love of reading.
To start a book club, you will need:
A clear established goal or theme for the book club. Will your book club read newly published titles? Memoirs? Or strictly fictional classics? Are you reading for fun passively or seeking deep philosophical conversation?
Members. This one is pretty obvious, you can’t have a club without members! How will you spread the word and gain members? What is your limit for the number of members that your club can have? Fewer people keeps it more intimate while more people promotes a lively discussion.
Book selection process. This one is tricky, because it seems much easier than it actually is. Different people have different opinions about the next title everyone should read. A clear theme or focus will help with this step. My book club went from a vote process to member rotated selection process. There’s no one right way to do it, it depends on what works best for you.
Dates, time, and Location. This is not to be taken lightly. It can become a very time-consuming task to attempt to accommodate everyone once you get started. Dates should be pre-selected for the year, with meetings taking place at the same time. If location cannot be consistent or stable, then having a clear process for this will eliminate some of the work with coordinating meetings.
If you are reading this, then you clearly enjoy reading. Don’t allow the coordination and management of the club, take the joy out of it.
By following the steps outlined above, and using templates that I have created, you’ll be reading and discussing books with friends in no time.