How to Start a Book Club

If you're interested in starting a book club, then be warned that starting any group - yes, even a book club - is not for the faint of heart. Creating and maintaining a book club requires lots of TLC.

Having seen the intentions of many book clubs take off and fail - due to weird meeting days (second Wednesday of the third full moon ... OK, not really, but it felt that way), even worse times and locations (sorry, no one wants my toddler in public right before naptime), and too random title selections (not reading that).

Before you take off and run with the idea of creating a book club, consider joining an already established book club in your area. Even if they're reading sci-fi, you'll at least get a feel for how a book club runs and what members expect (yes, even your book club may have something in common with those people).

Once you've visited an existing book club, ask yourself a few questions:

What sort of books do I want my club to read?

How often do I want the club to meet?

Where will the book club meet?

How will I find people to join?

How will we decide which titles to read?

What sort of books do I want my club to read? This seems obvious, but define what sort of book club you are first. Don't gather people and then ask, "What do you want to read?" Have a starting point - if down the road members all agree they want to incorporate some fantasy or translated works, then deal with that later. Going in, know that you want this book club to focus of current best sellers or Christian fiction or whatever you enjoy.

How often will the book club meet? For calendars, it's easiest to meet once a month - the first Thursday of each month or the 10^th of each month. In reality, though, most people are going to need six weeks - especially if it's a long book. Whichever you choose, please be accommodating once the book club gets rolling - there's no point to the book club if no one is actually reading the book. If you're lucky, you'll have dedicated members and once a month will be perfect. Once you see who your members are, decide amongst yourselves on the best time of day to meet. If you have a lot of interest but people's times conflict, you may want to consider meeting on a weekend day or even offering two times (and, yes, be prepared to attend both if you're offering the option).

Where will the book club meet? Local libraries can often offer a space for book clubs to meet. Also, bookstores often have an area or a coffee shop that will accommodate a group - the bookstore may even offer you and your members discounts on your selected titles. You may want to meet at your home. Once the club gets going, consider rotating hosts each month.

How will I find people to join? Promote your book club to friends, family, classmates, co-workers, neighbors, etc. Consider joining a few local online groups and boasting about your new club. Post a flier at the local library, bookstores, and even the grocery store.

How will I decide which titles to read? At your first meeting - hopefully you attract a few people - ask people to bring titles and authors they'd like to read. Be sure to tell them that the club is "most interested" in current best sellers, romance, classic literature, etc. When everyone comes with their titles and authors, discuss the different options, and tell them you'll create the reading list for the next four months - remember, you may be in charge but clubs don't operate solo. Vary the list to accommodate a few different members' picks. During the third book meeting, once again discuss titles of interest and make another four month list - you may want another member to create it if anyone has an interest.

Keep members happy by respecting their opinions and bribing them with food and drinks. If you're meeting in a home, make it a potluck. If you're meeting at the coffee shop, work with the owner or manager on discounts or coupons - you might be surprised at how much they appreciate your business.

My best advice: Lead by example - read the books, offer discussion, arrive on time.