Book Club Basics

Varieties of Book Clubs are extensive and can range from the simple to the oh-so-complicated. But one way or another they should also be oh-so-fun.

What follows is a general overview of things to keep in mind and how to get started with a book club of your very own.

Basic Book Club Types

One Club-One Book
Super simple system. You (or your club) picks one book and everyone reads the same title. Then you meet up to talk about it-using prepared questions as a jumping off point.

One Club-Many Books
In this structure, everyone reads whatever they please and your meetings center around sharing titles. The goal is for participants to increase their personal reading lists. For younger kids this also just a very good way to work on language skills. They share something that interests them and are able to answer questions (and learning how not to spoil books is very good too).



Other things to consider:

• When you select a book title, do you ILL a book set or purchase one? If you buy them, will you house them or give them to participants to keep?
• Many libraries have a great deal of success in combining their book club with another activity: such as a screening (books vs movies) or perhaps a craft that based on the book.
• If, like so many of us, you struggle to get teens to your library this may be a good opportunity to consider an outreach book club at your local school. Who wouldn't want to chat about books over lunch?

Random Tips:

• Food (doughnuts for morning ones are essential)
• Make sure you have plenty of copies
• Be wary of scheduling during busy teen times (week before breaks, test time, field trips, etc.)
• Get input on titles at least occasionally
• Read a mixture of genres
• Consider an audiobook option for those that read on a lower level. Listening comprehension is usually at a higher level and listening along may help them with their fluency.