How to start a reading club: 10 expert tips

It's a fun way to meet people and consult the books on your list.


If you are a big reader, you know the frustration of finishing a big book and not having who to talk to it. Of course, you can analyze online opinions and GOODREADS comments , but there is nothing like meeting a friend and sharing your thoughts on a cup of coffee. This is the idea of ​​reading clubs. If you are wondering how to start your own reading club, keep reading. We asked the librarians and other professionals with their best advice to launch one and by continuing it.

In relation: 16 ways to create a comfortable reading corner .

1
Press friends friends.

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The first step to start your own reading club is to find members - from one of the four to 15 is great. Laura Radocaj , founder of Creative radocaj And the leader of Get Lit (Erate)! Reading club since 2016, says that his club started with some friends.

"Each of us, from different groups of friends, has chosen two women to join, totaling 12 members," she said. "We liked this number and maintained it to maintain intimate conversations."

When the members leave, you can exchange someone new.

2
Create a unique theme.

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"The members love a theme or a unique activity of the reading club which makes meetings more interesting and interactive against reading and gatherings," said Stéphanie Saba ,, Library manager For the County of San Mateo in California and author of Rebot of the reading club .

She has seen themes like Walk-And-Talks, where each discussion takes place on a walk, club reading clubs where the group chooses a different kitchen book each month and the members make it a dish for the gathering , or a mother-daughter or a sound reading club.

You can also base your theme on a kind of book. "Our general theme is horror," says Louisa Smith ,, publisher and founder From Epic Book Society. "The themes are incredibly important to keep interest."

In relation: 20 hobbies for women who will enrich your life .

3
Keep the date coherent.

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Planning any large group of adults can be a nightmare. So keep your time and go the same for each gathering. Choose something like the first Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. And respect it.

"If you try to find a different moment and day that corresponds to everyone's schedule every month, it will never work," says Radocaj. "You will end up spending more time in logistics than reading!"

4
Try rotating leaders.

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"Each month, we rotate the responsibility of selecting the book, hosting and directing the discussion," explains Radocaj.

This helps everyone to feel responsible for the success of the group. The responsible person can choose to welcome the meeting at their home or in a restaurant.

5
Send reminders.

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This will keep the group on the right track. "I send a weekly email with suggested chapters and thoughtful questions to help them digest information," said Julie Vincent ,, well-being coach And founder of the Mindful Book Club.

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6
Promote a great conversation.

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This is undoubtedly the most important thing to grant your reading club.

"The best reading club experiences start with a large discussion, which can take its own life according to each of the members of life experiences," explains Saba. "This is particularly the case when you have diversified membership, contributing to rich discussions."

You also don't need to think too much about your questions. "A general and generic question like:" Did you like the book "is an excellent question of openness because people do not have to worry", I interpreted the book in the right way? "" Said Saba. "On the contrary, they provide their own experience and can jump lightly to discussion."

You must also make sure that each member of the group has the chance to speak, even if it is shy. "It is useful to have an activity, such as coloring or walking, to make it less formal so that people are more inclined to share - an occasional environment can help conversation," says Saba.

7
Choose books together.

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In this way, everyone gets a say. "We discuss potential books that appear on everyone's reading list and collectively decide what to read afterwards - while some reading clubs have members of books in turn," explains Smith. "We found management of a democracy where everyone gets much better to keep interest."

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8
Do not be afraid of controversy.

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When you choose books, do not avoid those who could draw your group. AE0FCC31AE342FD3A1346EBB1F342FCB

"Controversial books are excellent - we have a range of women in our group with different beliefs, but we all respect each other and our opinions, even if they differ," explains Radocaj. "Some of my favorite rallies have been on hot pressing subjects."

9
Discuss with your library.

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People can help complete your club. "Libraries often host visits by authors, book signatures and literary events, and reading clubs can take advantage of these events to collect their members in a new way to interact with the authors, better understand books and Participate in greater literary conversations, ”says Saba.

10
Stay agile.

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This is the key to ensuring the longevity of your club. "Instead of thinking:" that's how my reading club should be ", be open to finding the right adjustment for your community," said Saba. If something does not work, be ready to rotate.


Categories: Smarter Living
Tags: books / friendship
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