How to Start a Book Club – On or Offline
So, you want to start a book club!
Are you keen to explore exciting new reads and share them with a group of like-minded bookaholics? What a fabulous way to spend an evening! You’ve got the books in mind, the tea and Jaffa Cakes ready to be nibbled... but how on earth do you organise it?!
Who do you ask? How do you advertise? Where do you host? Starting a new venture can be exciting but also nerve-wracking. That’s why I have put together a step by step guide on How to Start a Book Club – online or offline.
Follow the guide below and step foot into the wonderful world of reading and sharing alike!
AN ONLINE BOOK CLUB
As we step into a digital world a little more every day, an online book club can be a great way to share your passion for reading with people all over the world! Literally!
The Steps:
1. CREATE A NAME
Great things start with a great name. “Book Club” is rather generic. Get your creative shoes on and find something exciting! You can even try an online name generator.
2. FIND A COMMUNICATION PLATFORM
You need to find a digital space that is easy to access for everyone. This will allow you to organise, plan and communicate with fellow members.
Here are some suggestions:
Facebook (you can create a dedicated book club group)
Book Movement (created specifically for online book clubs!)
Discord or WhatsApp (you can name your chat and keep all members up to date via message)
Online groups are great as you can create polls, set dates and vote on upcoming events or books.
3. FIND A VIDEO PLATFORM
Decide on an online video platform. This will mean that when the first book club arrives everyone knows where to log on. Send login details in advance so no one is waiting around or struggling for access!
Here are some great video platforms to try:
Zoom
Skype
Google Hangout
With a video platform, you can act as a host. You set the time, date and invite members to the chat.
4. INVITE!
Start small. Great things grow with time! Begin by asking a couple of friends or colleagues who you think may be interested in taking part. Over time your friends will invite others and your platform will grow.
Other ways to grow your book club:
Advertise on Social Media
Pop up a poster in the local shop, school/university or library
Send a group email to your friends and co-workers
Post in an online reading forum / on a platform like Goodreads
Remember to make sure you include your contact details and online platforms information!
5. PICK A BOOK
Now for the fun part!
You started the club so you get to pick first. Find a book you think everyone will enjoy and be keen to invest in.
Reveal the book on your chosen communication platform. You must then pick a time frame in which to finish the book and arrange a date and time for your first meeting.
6. WHO PICKS NEXT?
Randomly select an order from your book club members. Give everyone the opportunity to choose a read. Post the order in your group. This gives members a chance to think in advance about which book they want to select.
7. MONTHLY MEETING
We would recommend picking a day every month in which you discuss the book you have read. Ask around to find out what day is convenient for everyone!
For example, you could meet on the 2nd Tuesday of every month. Everyone then has a clear time frame in mind and can organise their lives accordingly.
Post reminders about the monthly meeting a couple of times throughout the month (just so no one forgets...)
8. CONTINUOUSLY SHARE
You’re only meeting once a month, but that doesn’t mean you can’t chat!
Discuss your thoughts and ideas through your online platform (just don’t give away any spoilers!). You can share other bookish ideas. Such as articles, favourite authors or other books of the same genre.
9. HAVE A MEETING
On your first monthly meeting sit back and relax with a cup of tea (or wine) and put your feet up. It’s going to be fun!
Jot down a few topics you want to discuss. You can find some inspiration in my book club planner! Don’t take it too seriously and let the conversation flow. Let everyone have a turn at speaking and sharing. Most importantly remember to have a laugh! If the conversation wavers away from the book that is fine, it will come back eventually.
Ask the member whose choice it is next to reveal the book at the end of the meeting! It’s exciting and gives people a chance to discuss their thoughts on the upcoming novel.
10. MAKE IT PERSONAL
A book club gift is a wonderful way to make your group feel special! Matching pens, notebooks or bookmarks are lovely book club gifts.
Here at On Book Street, I create beautifully illustrated bookmarks that are even customisable! I can add your book club name, individual name and/or upcoming reads. Check them out over at the store!
One book club member was delighted with her custom bookmarks.
Here is what she had to say:
These bookmarks turned out beautifully and my book club loved them. Easy to print and cut (handy lines printer on sides, all aligned perfectly). I laminated them in clear contact paper and punched a hole to put a little leather ribbon through. Can't wait to work with this amazing and helpful seller again on next year's bookmark! – Ally B. on Etsy
AN OFFLINE BOOK CLUB
Starting a local book club is very similar to an online club, only this time you have to share your nibbles and wine! Getting together can be really fun and makes the experience very social and special.
You still need to find a communication platform where you can message whilst you're apart. However instead of a video platform you need a real life space!
Read all of the steps listed above but interchange Step 3 with this one:
3. FIND A LOCATION
This could be as easy as your living room! If you’re happy to host from your own house once a month then that is the perfect solution.
Alternatively you could ask members to rotate houses. For example whoever chooses the book next hosts the evening! Everyone can pitch in for refreshments and snacks.
Another great location is a local community space. Find out how much it is to rent a local hall for one evening a month. You would then split the cost between members. Just be careful it doesn’t become too pricey otherwise you might find people dropping out! Depending on what kind of book club you run, you could also ask your local library or church, school or university. They sometimes offer free community spaces for members.
Let’s get started!
I hope you found these tips useful. Let me know how you get on with your new book club adventure!