Hosting a book club is a fun and rewarding experience. As host, there’s a lot you can do to make the monthly meeting a success. First, decide on the basics like when and where the meeting will be, and what book your club will be reading. Offer snacks and beverages for your club members. If you’re leading the conversation, prepare some questions about the book and work to keep the conversation going.
Method 1: Deciding on the Basics
Step 1: Select the Book You’ll Be Discussing
- Choose a method for book selection. Book clubs use various methods to choose new books. Typically, the book selected for the next club meeting is decided during the prior meeting.
- Consider popular and diverse options. Books on the “100 Best Books” list of a major periodical are good choices, as are current bestsellers. Consider both fiction and nonfiction.
Step 2: Choose a Meeting Place
- Host at home or a communal location. Some book clubs can be hosted in your home. If your home is too small or if you prefer not to host there, choose a communal location like a library conference room or a cafe.
- Reserve the venue in advance. If you plan on hosting at a library, be sure to reserve a conference room well in advance of the book club meeting.
Step 3: Set the Date and Time
- Choose a regular schedule or a flexible date. If your book club has a regular meeting date and time (e.g., 8:00 every first Monday of the month), stick to it. If the date and time vary, decide when the meeting will occur and inform the club members.
- Notify the members. Use a method that suits your group: call, mass email, or mail invitations.
Method 2: Facilitating the Conversation
Step 1: Designate a Conversation Leader
- Choose a leader. The structure of each book club is different. Selecting a leader can help keep the conversation on topic and enrich the meeting.
- Options for leadership. The host often doubles as the conversation leader. You could also invite a subject matter expert or choose a single leader for every meeting.
Step 2: Look Up Study Questions for Your Book
- Prepare questions in advance. Having questions ready helps keep the conversation focused. If your book is well-known, find study guides online. For less-known books, create open-ended questions.
Step 3: Encourage Club Members to Turn Their Phones Off
- Reduce distractions. Politely ask everyone to turn their phones off at the beginning of the meeting.
Step 4: Ask Club Members to Write Down Questions or Comments
- Use index cards. Hand out index cards for members to write questions or comments, then collect and read them aloud. This method helps less outgoing members share their thoughts.
Step 5: Plan to Socialize After Discussing the Book
- Include social time. Designate time for off-topic conversations at the end of the meeting to ensure everyone has the opportunity to discuss the book.
Method 3: Setting up Food and Decorations
Step 1: Select a Theme for the Book Club
- Match the theme to the book. Choose simple recipes and decor that reflect the book’s setting or themes. For instance, serve Italian snacks if the book is set in Italy.
Step 2: Find Out What Sort of Snacks Your Group Wants
- Consult with members. Ask for snack preferences and be mindful of food allergies and dietary preferences. Simple snacks like crackers, cookies, and crisps are popular options.
Step 3: Include Some General Book-Themed Decor
- Set the mood with bookish decor. Use book-themed items to enhance the meeting space. Consider pillows embroidered with images of books or book-related art.
By following these steps, you can host a successful and enjoyable book club meeting that fosters great discussions and camaraderie among members.
