Planning your next book club selection? BCLS can help. Borrow a Book Club makes it easy for everyone in your group to read the same book at the same time. BCLS cardholders can check out a complete book club kit with up to 13 copies of a popular title, plus discussion questions and other helpful materials. With more than 200 titles to choose from, there’s plenty to explore.
What’s in a Borrow a Book Club kit?
Each kit typically includes:
- Seven regular-print copies
- Six large-print copies
- A clipboard with information about the title and author
- General and title-specific book club discussion questions
- A survey about the service
Kits can be picked up and dropped off at any BCLS location, so your group can use the service wherever it’s most convenient. The standard loan period is eight weeks, giving your group plenty of time to read the book and get together for a discussion. Renewals aren't generally available, but if you need a little extra time, contact the Borrow a Book Club team. They may be able to provide a grace period or extend the loan when possible.
More than just book clubs
Borrow a Book Club isn't limited to traditional neighborhood book clubs. The service is also a resource for retirement homes, senior centers and other community groups. Book club kits can even be delivered through the BCLS Mobile Library, making it easier for groups to participate. Library staff throughout the system also use the kits for their own programs and discussions. In fact, the service is open to anyone who wants to facilitate a book club.
From donated books to a systemwide service
Borrow a Book Club began in 2008 with donated books. As the service grew, BCLS established a dedicated budget line for it in 2018, allowing the collection to expand. The collection originally included children's, teen and young adult titles, but those books weren't as popular with book clubs. Over time, the collection evolved to focus exclusively on adult-level titles — the kinds of books book clubs are most likely to choose. Today, the collection has grown to more than 200 titles and has developed a dedicated following. Customers have described the service as “a very useful resource” and “very convenient.” And that's exactly what Borrow a Book Club is designed to be: a simple way to bring people together around a good book.
Ready to choose your next book?
Whether you're already part of a book club or thinking about starting one, take a look at the Borrow a Book Club collection on the BCLS website. Browse the available titles, find one your group will enjoy and let the library help supply the copies. Happy reading — and happy discussing!
