We have a fantastic article from our very own Tutulorraine today about starting a book club! Although the summer reading season is almost gone (::sniff::) these well-thought-out tips will work well any time! (My apologies for Tutulorraine for not posting this earlier in the season! We've been so fortunate to have abundant topics to post about on this blog. :))

Building a Book Club!
by Tutulorraine

Tired of reading alone? Having a hard time finding books to fill in Summer Reading Logs? Just plain bored and want an excuse to chat with friends? Sounds like you could use a book club! Building your own book club is super easy and fun! I’ve been attending the same book club for four years over the summer and it’s great for enjoying literature, discussing it, AND blasting boredom. I’ll talk you through the four basic steps of building a book club: Who, Where, When, and How.

Who to Invite: Friends, obviously! Having a bit of an age range is fine, but if your book club has a wide age span (over two years difference from the median age) make sure the books chosen are age appropriate. Sometimes what a fourteen year old would read is too mature for a ten year old, etc. Inviting friends who also have a love of literature can make the experience even more rewarding. Between ten and fifteen participants is a good number, give or take depending on the space you (the host) have access to. Whether you opt to do an online or meet-at-a-house book club, make sure participants have access to the internet or live a relatively short distance from your home. (P.S. Double check if any participants have food allergies! For more info, see How.)

Where to Meet: The classic book club location is at someone’s house (this is where the book club I attend meets). However, you may have friends who live far away from you but you wish for them to be a part of the club. Thanks to computers, this doesn’t have to be a problem. After reading, discussion can be held in a chat room. Don’t you just love technology?

When to Meet: I find summer to be the most convenient time for a meet-at-a-house book club because school projects and homework don’t present a huge problem. Meetings can be held outside if weather permits. Let’s not forget those nasty Summer Reading Logs that have to be filled in! Online book clubs are a little more flexible for the other seasons, though homework and projects can still present problems. The club I’m part of meets once a week during the summer and completes a book (less than 250 pages long) each week for discussion the following week. You may want to choose a longer book and read 100 pages or so a week, or a very long one where the book club meets once a month throughout the year for discussion (a great idea if you’re busy over the summer). Get creative and do whatever fits your schedule best!

How to Run the Club: Give your club a name (The Book Gals, Readers Unite, Sunset Book Club, etc.) You’ll need a book(s). Generally the host chooses the book, but when multiple books are going to be read you can pick names from a hat and club members may choose the books. At the first meeting it’s always good to lay down some ground rules such as being open to others’ ideas and not interrupting. Give (or have members get) a notebook where they review, rate, and answer some common questions (favorite character and why, etc.) created by you. You can play getting to know you games if members don’t know each other. At meetings (usually an hour or so, the best time usually late after noon) go around the group and read what’s written in response to the latest book. Afterwards you can discuss the book as a group. Then announce the next book (or the page number to reach by the next meeting). If you’re online you can chat for a bit after discussion, but that’s pretty much the end of the meeting. If you’re at a house snacks can be served, but watch out for allergies! Then a board game, outdoor game, or just hanging out and making laughs can fill in the remaining time. When the club ends for the season it’s fun to hold a party or event, such as a pool party. Remember: Have fun, be creative, and READ GREAT BOOKS!
Are you part of a book club? Do you have any tips for starting a book club? How do you complete Summer Reading, if it’s required for your school?