Book clubs often combine the best of both worlds; they pair the quiet solitude of getting wrapped up in a story with the joy of unpacking everything you’ve just read with a group of friends. Luckily, for those of us who enjoy a side of discussion with our reading, BCLS has book clubs of all varieties (and for all ages) to choose from. If making your own schedule is more your speed, though, why not start your own book club?

• First, get a group together! Make sure you’re comfortable with the number of people involved – there can be as few as two people.
• Figure out what genres your group is interested in and browse our list of 100 titles. You’ll be able to submit up to five choices.
• Next, fill out a request form (the earlier the better and we recommend doing so about a month in advance). Have your library card handy, as well as your preferred titles.
• Once your request is approved, you’ll receive a canvas bag packed with at least 10 copies of your book of choice (in both standard and large print), a list of discussion questions, information about the story and author, and a check-in/check-out sheet to help you track each book as you distribute them to your friends. 
• When each member has a copy of the book, set a date for your chat! Give everyone three to four weeks to finish the book, depending on the length. 
• Prepare for your meeting! Figure out where your discussion will be held, take notes while reading if you feel like it, set up a video chat if you’re meeting virtually, and consider bringing snacks if you’re meeting in person.
• On the date of your meeting, feel free to use the discussion questions provided by the library as a starting point, but don’t feel like you have to stick to them! In fact, you don’t even need to use them at all, if you don’t want to. Book clubs don’t have to follow a script. See where the discussion takes you –have fun with it! 
• For even more tips, check out BCLS’s Suggestions for a Successful Book Discussion.
• Once everything is wrapped up, return your bag to the library. Use your check-in/check-out sheet to make sure all copies have been returned to you! Bags can be checked out for up to eight weeks and cannot be renewed.