How to Find Members for a Book Club

Finding members for a book club may seem like an easy task. But there are a few things to keep in mind as you put together this group. The members of the book club will create the atmosphere for discussion and enjoyment probably more than the book selection itself. Read on to learn how to find members for a book club.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Determine the atmosphere you want your book club to possess, as well as the kind of people you imagine having great discussions with during the event. You may want a very academic group or a group of young women. It is important to decide this ahead of time.

2. Look within your current circle of friends, family and coworkers for potential book club members. This is an easy place to start since you already have a relationship established and can predict how that person will respond to the group.

3. Ask for names from other members. The other members have your book club are a great source for addition members, especially if they are really invested in the success of the group.

4. Create some criteria for potential members. This can be anything from availability to an interest in a specific genre of literature. But it is important to create this before you publicly advertise for members.

5. Select a few ways of advertising your book club for new members. Place a poster in the English department of a local college or a coffee shop or place a free ad on Craigslist.

6. Include specific information about the members you are searching for, since this will help weed out people who may not fit your group. Leave one means of contacting you which you are comfortable making public, often an email is best for this task.

7. Respond promptly and politely to all potential members, even if you are not interested in them joining book club.

Tips & Warnings

• Start with a smaller group of perhaps five to eight members, you can easily add more people at a later date.
• Just because someone is a great friend or a caring family member, does not mean that she will be a great member for your book club. Be selective when asking people to join you.