Adult Services - Book Clubs

A book club is a group of people who meet regularly to discuss books they have read. Book clubs meet in homes, in libraries, and now, online. Here are some Internet-based book clubs, as well as a couple of sites to help you start a book discussion group at your library.

Albany and Rensselaer County (local) Book Clubs
(Currently under construction)

A listing of book clubs that meet at any of the 29 public libraries in Albany and Rensselaer counties, members of the Upper Hudson Library System.

The Capital Region Readers & Writers Collaborative

Visit this community resource that supports the development and appreciation
of contemporary fiction through local book clubs and fiction writing groups.
It includes a Fiction Lovers' Book Club and a Writer's Group.

National Book Critics Circle

The National Book Critics Circle, founded in 1974, consists of nearly 700 active book reviewers, interested in communicating with one another about common concerns. The centerpiece of NBCC activities are the annual awards for the best books in five categories: fiction, general nonfiction, biography/autobiography, poetry, and criticism.

Oprah's Book Club

The popular talk show host has her own book club, with a new selection every month. This web site also lists previous book club selections, other books seen on her show, a message board, recipes, book reviews, author biographies and author selections.

Rachel's Compendium of Online Book Discussion

An informal listing of online book clubs, organized into four groupings: Web-Based (text and comments on the web); Web-Enhanced (books read off-line and discussed via a web site); E-mail-Oriented (discussion occurring via an e-mail list); and Live Chat (via IRC or some other medium).

Tips on starting a book club

Thinking about starting a book group? The process can begin by simply asking some people you know to help you organize the first gathering. Address the following questions early on to create a book group that is well run, interesting, and rewarding. This site succinctly covers group composition, reading preferences, selecting readings, meeting logistics, facilitating discussions, plus a bibliography print resources.