How to Start a Book Club

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By Hapworth
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Start a Book Club

There are as many types of book clubs as there are types of people. Some clubs are a neighborhood gathering of women, others are organized groups that meet at bookstores. There are even some associated with schools, libraries, and even churches. Starting a book club can be an exciting venture if planned.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

friends
ideas

Step 1

If you want to start a book club, don't try to organize it alone. Gather a few friends to help you. Two or three people are better than one when it comes to promoting, setting a time and place, planning refreshments, and leading a discussion. Try to attempt this alone, and there's a good chance you will burn out.
Step 2

Meet with 1 or 2 friends and decide together what type of a club you want. Informal or formal? Men and/or women? Fiction or nonfiction books or a variety? Small group or large group? Meet in a home or schedule a place such as Barnes and Noble?
Step 3

Once you have decided on what type of club you want, then you need to promote the club. Put posters up at the library, church, and schools. If you want to start small, have each person bring 1 or 2 people to your first gathering. Again, this goes back to the size of the group. If you do too much promoting, you may get more than you bargained for.
Step 4

At the first meeting, there are issues that must be discussed. Lay down the expectations of the club. Are children allowed or do you want this to be an adult time? If someone can't make it, who do they contact? Are people willing to read a book they may not care for, so they can be part of the discussion? Who's going to supply the refreshments? When will you meet and how often? Are you willing to change the scheduled time if there is a conflict with a member?
Step 5

Determine what kinds of books you all agree on. How democratic will your club be? Does one person decide or can the group reach a consensus? Who will lead the discussion? Will there be a cost limit on the books?
Step 6

When choosing a book, look for something that has thought provoking issues, strong characters and good plot development (if fiction), and a book that is easy to purchase.
Step 7

The choices for running a club or endless, but don't become overwhelmed. If you work with a few people to organize the club, you'll have better success. Stick to a list of expectations. It's very easy for someone to come into the group and complain and before you know it, everything you planned has been discarded. Starting a book club should be fun.