Want to meet some interesting characters? Open a book. Want to
meet some real-life interesting characters, too? Start a book
group! Book groups (a.k.a. "book clubs") are a great way to commune
with friends and meet new people while exploring (hopefully) good
books. What's more, membership in a book group can help you stay
motivated to read if you otherwise have difficulty finding time to
pick up a book. If you can't find a group in your area, maybe it's
time to start one. Here's how.
Steps
- Decide on your requirements. You should definitely allow the
group to make decisions together, but if you have certain
requirements for the club (for example, if you want to specialise
in science fiction or if you can only meet on Thursdays), you
should set them out ahead of time.
- Find a location for the initial meeting. If you feel
comfortable inviting people into your home, you can have at least
the first meeting at your house or apartment as long as you have
enough room. Otherwise, you can usually reserve space for free at
community centers, libraries or churches, or you might try to get a
bookstore to let you hold your meeting there. If you can find
someplace convenient where you can hold regular meetings, so much
the better.
-
Make and distribute a flyer.This announces the time and place of
the first meeting and any other relevant information, such as
whether refreshments will be served. Ask that people bring
suggestions of books to read. Deliver copies of the flyer to local
bookstores, and put them up on community bulletin boards at grocery
stores, churches, etc. You can also advertise online on the
community pages of sites such as Craigslist.
- Prepare a clipboard. For the initial meeting, this should
include at least two items: a "Book Suggestions" page, where
members can write down titles they recommend for the group, and a
"Hosting and Refreshments" page where members can sign up for a
date that is convenient for them to take these responsibilities.
You want the attendees names. A head count is not
sufficient. For subsequent meetings, you'll also want to include a
"Coming Soon" page, the reading schedule for the next two or three
meetings. This clipboard should make the rounds at every
meeting.
- Prepare the meeting space. Make sure the meeting space is clean
and inviting. Most importantly, make sure you have enough chairs,
and set up refreshments.
- Greet the potential members at the first meeting. Introduce
yourself and try to make sure that each feels welcome and
comfortable. Let them know you're glad to see them.
- Start the first meeting by stating the agenda and making
introductions. If some of your guests don't know each
