Tips for Setting Up Your New Book Club

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Share your love of reading with others by starting a book club

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Starting a book club is a wonderful way to bring people together and create a sense of community around reading. It offers the chance to meet like-minded readers and enjoy good conversation.

The tips below offer clear, practical guidance for aspiring book-club organisers to help you get started with confidence.

Define Your Club's Purpose and Style

Before inviting members, it's important to decide what kind of book club you want to run. Having a clear purpose helps attract the right people and sets expectations from the outset. Will your club focus on literary fiction, easy social reads, specific genres like crime or fantasy, or personal development and non-fiction? Members will normally enjoy books more if they have similar interests.

You should also think about logistics. Most successful book clubs have around 6–10 members, which is large enough for varied discussion without becoming unwieldy. Decide how often you'll meet (monthly is common and manageable for most people) and whether sessions will be in person or virtual. Being upfront about these details makes organisation easier and reduces drop-outs later.

Recruit Members and Build Your Community

It's time to find members once you know what your club is about. Start locally: put up notices in libraries, community centres, cafés or village halls, and mention the club to friends and colleagues who enjoy reading. Community Facebook groups and neighbourhood forums are also effective ways to spread the word.

Partnering with a local library can be especially helpful; many already support reading groups and may offer advice, book sets, or even meeting space. Village halls and community rooms are another practical option for affordable venues.

Choose Books and Plan Engaging Discussions

Selecting books democratically helps members feel invested. Popular approaches include rotating who chooses the book, or alternating between lighter and more challenging reads picked from a shortlist. It keeps the club fresh and avoids feeling dominated by one person's tastes.

Plan a few discussion prompts in advance to encourage meaningful conversation. These might focus on themes, characters, setting or how the book is relevant to current social or cultural issues. Simple icebreakers, such as favourite quotes or first impressions, can help quieter members feel comfortable contributing.

Create a Cosy Atmosphere with Refreshments

A welcoming atmosphere makes a tangible difference to attendance and enjoyment. If possible, choose a venue that feels relaxed and comfortable - many book clubs meet in cafés that offer a pleasant setting and good refreshments. Sharing coffee drinks, such as a flat white or cappuccino, helps break the ice and encourages people to linger after the discussion.