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Interested in joining a book discussion group? Or maybe starting your own? We can help!
Library Programs
The Library offers a wide variety of book discussion groups at most of our branches. Membership is open to everyone; there are no dues or fees. Most groups meet once a month and the discussions last between one and two hours. Copies of titles to be discussed are collected ahead of time by library staff. Use our online program calendar for a list of upcoming discussions or contact your local branch for details.
Staff Picks
Looking for some ideas to spark a lively discussion?
- Reading Recommendations. Staff favorites and notable new titles, and recommended reading on a variety of subjects
- Turning the Page. A blog about books and reading maintained by reading enthusiasts from our staff.
- Featured Book of the Month. Every month we'll feature an exciting new title. Read the book and join the online discussion!
Databases
You’ll need your your library card number and PIN to access these subscription databases from home.
- Books and Authors. Search for books by title, author, genre, character, setting, or time period; browse recommended reading lists created by librarians and subject experts; use the “Reading Room” to create lists of your favorite titles, write reviews, and rate the books you’ve read.
- NoveList Plus. Thousands of fiction and nonfiction book reviews, plus features that allow you to search for specific subjects, genres, series, and "read alikes" for favorite authors.
Websites & Blogs
- Bookreporter.com. Author bibliographies, author profiles and interviews, book reviews and excerpts, awards, group discussion guides, and publishing news.
- Book TV. The online complement to Book TV, C-SPAN2's book program.
- Chapter & Verse Blog. Christian Science Monitor staff keep “readers up-to-date on the latest in literary headlines.”
- MGPL Webrary. An index of websites for book lovers.
- Paper Cuts. A blog about books from the New York Times.
- Reading Group Choices. Discussion worthy books and discussion topics for reading groups.
- ReadingGroupGuides. Search for guides by title, author, genre, themed-read, etc. Tips for starting and running a group are also available.
You'll find more book-related websites in Sites by Subject, a directory of websites maintained by library staff.
Book Group Guides
- Read 'em Their Writes: A Handbook for Mystery and Crime Fiction Book Discussions by Gary Warren Niebuhr
- Good Books Lately: The One-stop Resource for Book Groups and Other Greedy Readers by Ellen Moore
- The Reading Group Book: The Complete Guide to Starting and Sustaining a Reading Group, with Annotated Lists of 250 Titles for Provocative Discussion by David Laskin
- The Reading Group Handbook: Everything You Need to Know to Start Your Own Book Club by Rachel W. Jacobsohn
- The Book Club Companion: A Comprehensive Guide to the Reading Group Experience by Diana Loevy
Still Need Help?
The Ask a Librarian page lists all the different ways you can get assistance!