This article is from our 2025 Summer District Discovery, see the full publication
It's the first Thursday of the month, and I am excited, embarrassed, and feel a little guilty. Life got the better of me, and I didn’t finish the book. Luckily, my group doesn’t take this whole “Book Club thing” too seriously. Creating a book club can be a great way to foster a love of reading while connecting with others…. and just having fun!
Too busy to read? Here's why it's worth it!
Life can be hectic! Between work, family, and endless to-do lists, carving out time to read might feel impossible. But prioritizing self-care is a must, and a book club gives you accountability to pause and recharge. Setting aside 20 minutes a day to read might reward you in surprising ways.
Not really a "reader?" Break the stereotype!
I used to view book clubs as stuffy and only for “intellectuals,” but I now know they can be for everyone. Love romance novels? Great! Prefer the classics, thrillers, graphic novels, or maybe even cookbooks? Those are perfect! You can even theme your club around books that have inspired movies or stick to shorter books to accommodate busy schedules. Choose what inspires you, and don’t be afraid to pair your books with food and drink. Many book clubs mutate into a wine and cheese party filled with hearty laughs or deep conversations, and that’s wonderful!
Find the right club (and books) for you!
If you're ready to dive into a book club, joining an existing group is the easiest way to get started. Pikes Peak Library District (PPLD) facilitates several local Book Groups that are free to participate in. With a variety of themes and genres, these groups offer a fun way to connect with others who share your love of reading and lively discussion. Learn more at ppld.org/book-groups.
The internet can also be a great tool to discover book clubs focused on genres you love. You can find book suggestions and resources to help your club have meaningful discussions. Celebrities like Oprah Winfrey and Reese Witherspoon have popular online clubs. You do not have to go it alone! And if you really want sophisticated tools like polling and group chat, there are websites that can help you manage your club like a pro.
I can't afford all of these books!
PPLD’s curated Book Club Sets allow library cardholders to conveniently check out multiple copies of popular books, ensuring everyone gets a copy at no cost. Each bag includes a discussion guide, helping to spark meaningful conversations about the book. And don’t forget you can check out eBooks and audiobooks through PPLD as well.
Wait, the author meant what?
Make your book club a fun, stress-free zone. Don’t worry if someone else understands a book differently than you do. We all view the world through our own unique lens. Some may see hidden meaning and symbolism in books, while others are happy experiencing the story at face value. Many authors have admitted that the symbolism readers find in their work is often unintentional! There is no wrong way to enjoy a book, and everyone’s viewpoints add richness to the discussion.
Ready to dive in?
Whether in-person or online, there’s no better time to start or join a book club than right now, and no better resource than PPLD! Happy reading!
Tips for Hosting A Great Book Club:
- Your book club should reflect you! Select the kinds of books you want to read but be open to new things. You might just discover a new passion.
- Consider forming half of your total group from existing friends and encourage each of them to bring someone new to introduce new perspectives to the group.
- Do your best, but it’s okay if you don’t finish or completely understand the book. Just show up and enjoy the conversation!
- Have fun with the gathering whether it’s with food, drink, costumes, themes, etc.
- Make it a safe environment. There are no wrong ideas!
- Reserve your group’s next read by visiting PPLD’s Catalog and searching “Book Club Sets.”
- Time your selections to coincide with upcoming movie releases and make it an outing!
- Rotate hosting duties or take advantage of the many free meeting rooms available at the Library.
- Participate in PPLD’s different reading programs throughout the year, including Summer Adventure, All Pikes Peak Reads, and Winter Adult Reading Program.
- Attend PPLD’s in-person author talks as a group or get together and watch one of the upcoming Virtual Author Talks.
And remember, what happens at Book Club STAYS AT BOOK CLUB!