I'm looking to join a book club but I'm having trouble finding ones that are actually meeting in person. Most of the book clubs near me that I find online seem to be inactive or only meet virtually. I really want that in-person discussion experience. Does anyone know of active book clubs that are part of larger community organizations? I'm open to different genres and age groups, just looking for a welcoming group that actually meets regularly.
Libraries are definitely the best place to find book clubs near me. Most libraries host multiple book clubs for different genres and age groups. The ones at my local library meet monthly and always welcome new members. They're part of the library's community organizations programming, so they're well-organized and consistent.
Independent bookstores often have great book clubs too. The ones at our local bookstore are really vibrant and the staff are involved in selecting books. They feel more intimate than library groups sometimes. Also check if any community organizations like senior centers or cultural centers host book clubs.
Meetup.com still has some active book clubs in my area, though you have to filter through the inactive ones. Look for groups that have recent meetups scheduled and active discussions. Some of the best book clubs near me started as small groups of friends and grew through word of mouth in local community groups.
Don't forget about specialized book clubs! There are mystery book clubs, sci-fi groups, nonfiction focused clubs, etc. Sometimes niche groups are more active because members are really passionate about that genre. Our gardening club actually has a spin-off book club that reads gardening and nature books.