So You Want to Start a Book Club? Here’s How to Turn Coffee and Pages into Community

Book clubs create community one story at a time. Whether it’s a cozy home circle in Ontario, an online group that spans provinces, or a library meet-up with coffee and cookies, starting your own book club is easier and more rewarding than it looks.

In this guide, you’ll learn how to start a book club, keep members engaged, pick books that spark discussion, and celebrate your love of reading together.

1. Define Your Vibe

Decide what kind of book club you want to host. Will it be focused on deep literary analysis, cozy social chats, a specific genre, or Canadian authors? Choosing a tone and a fun name helps set expectations and attracts the right readers.

2. Choose Your Setting

Your setting shapes the feel of your club. At-home clubs are great for intimate gatherings with snacks and tea, online clubs work well for busy schedules and Canadian winters, and library or café clubs connect you with your local community and resources.

3. Set a Consistent Schedule

Pick a meeting pattern that works for most members, such as once a month or every six weeks. Using the same day (like the first Thursday of the month) makes it easier for everyone to remember and commit.

4. Gather Your Core Members

Start with five to eight readers who are genuinely interested in showing up and participating. You can invite friends, co-workers, local library regulars, or bookish followers from social media.

5. Decide How to Choose Your Books

Keep book selection democratic and fun. Rotate member choices, use polls in a group chat or Facebook group, or choose monthly themes such as Canadian fiction, mystery month, or page-to-screen picks. Keep a running list of future ideas so you never feel stuck.

6. Plan Simple, Lively Discussions

Prepare five to seven questions for each meeting that mix deeper themes with playful prompts. Ask about favourite characters, memorable lines, and how the story would change in a Canadian setting, and leave room for open conversation.

7. Add Creative Touches

Make your club feel special with small creative extras. Try themed snacks, playlists inspired by the book, a shared digital journal, or a simple printable discussion sheet members can bring along.

8. Celebrate Members with Bookish Gifts

From personalized bookmarks to bookish candles, tote bags, or a “Reader of the Month” shout-out, little gestures help members feel seen and appreciated. You can source gifts from Canadian Etsy shops or make simple DIY items.

9. Share Your Book Club Online

Create a unique hashtag for your club and share photos, reading updates, and favourite quotes on Instagram, Threads, or Facebook. This helps build community, attract new members, and support your blogging brand at the same time.

10. Keep the Joy at the Centre

Stay flexible and remember that the goal is connection, not perfection. If someone doesn’t finish the book, they can still enjoy the conversation. Adjust your format and pace as needed so the club continues to feel welcoming and fun.

Fresh Book Club Formats to Try

• Online-only club: Meet on Zoom or Google Meet with a shared Google Doc for notes.
• At-home supper club: Pair each book with a themed meal or dessert night.
• Library-based club: Coordinate with your local library so members can borrow copies easily.
• Page-to-screen club: Read the book first, then host a movie or series night.
• Mindful reading club: Combine reflective books with journaling or mental-health–friendly check-ins.

Fun Ways to Choose Your Next Book

• Draw titles from a jar filled with member suggestions.
• Use a themed reading challenge, such as “a book by a Canadian author,” “a book set in winter,” or “a debut novel.”
• Let your followers on social media vote between two or three options.
• Plan a quarterly “members’ choice” night where everyone brings a favourite and pitches it to the group.

Bookish Gift Ideas for Your Club

• Custom bookmarks with your club name and meeting dates.
• Book sleeves or pouches for travelling with paperbacks.
• Mini candles or tea samplers themed to your current read.
• Printed reading logs or habit trackers members can tuck into their planners.