How to Join a Book Club: Your Complete Guide for 2026

How Do You Join a Book Club?

The fastest way to join a book club is through a dedicated platform like Readfeed, where you can browse active clubs by genre, format, and location, then request to join with a single tap. If you prefer an in-person group, your local library, independent bookstore, or community center almost certainly hosts at least one — and most welcome new members at any time.

Interest in joining a book club has surged dramatically. Google search data shows that queries for "join a book club" increased by over 900% between late 2025 and early 2026, reflecting a broader cultural movement toward shared reading experiences. Whether that interest is driven by a desire for social connection, accountability, or simply a better way to discover books, the good news is that there are more ways to join a book club today than at any point in history.

This guide covers every path — local, online, and virtual — so you can find a club that fits your schedule, reading taste, and comfort level.

How to Join a Book Club Near Me

Finding a local book club is easier than most people expect. An estimated 5 million book clubs operate in the United States alone, according to the American Library Association, and the vast majority welcome new members. Here's where to look:

Public Libraries

Libraries are the single best resource for finding a book club near you. Over 70% of U.S. public library systems host at least one recurring book club, and many run multiple groups segmented by genre, age group, or format. Benefits of library book clubs include:

Free to join — no membership fees or book purchase requirements (the library provides copies)
Professionally facilitated — librarians often lead discussions with curated question guides
Low commitment — most library clubs allow drop-in attendance with no obligation to come every month
Diverse membership — library clubs tend to attract readers from a wide range of backgrounds and ages

To find one, visit your library's website and look for an "events" or "programs" page, or simply call and ask. Many libraries also post flyers on community bulletin boards.

Independent Bookstores

Local bookstores frequently host book clubs as a way to build community and drive sales. These clubs often focus on new releases, and some offer member discounts on the selected book. Bookstore clubs tend to attract enthusiastic readers who are plugged into the literary world. Check your favorite store's website, social media pages, or in-store signage for details.

Community Centers and Places of Worship

Community centers, churches, synagogues, mosques, and other gathering places often host reading groups, particularly in suburban and rural areas. These clubs may be genre-specific (faith-based reading, for example) or general. Ask at the front desk or check community bulletin boards.

Meetup and Local Event Platforms

Meetup.com remains one of the most reliable platforms for finding book clubs near you organized by fellow readers. Search for "book club" in your city, and you'll likely find multiple options — often sorted by genre (sci-fi book club, nonfiction book club, romance readers) or demographic (women's book club, young professionals book club, retirees' reading circle). Most Meetup groups are free or charge a nominal annual fee.

Word of Mouth

Don't underestimate the simplest approach: ask around. Mention to friends, coworkers, neighbors, or fellow parents at school pickup that you're looking to join a book club. Many of the best clubs never advertise because they fill through personal referrals.

How to Join an Online Book Club

Online book clubs have exploded in popularity, and for good reason — they eliminate geographic barriers, offer flexible scheduling, and let you connect with readers who share your exact literary interests, no matter where they live. Here's how to find and join an online book club:

Readfeed

Readfeed is the most streamlined way to join an online book club. The platform's club discovery feature lets you browse open groups by genre, reading pace, meeting format, and size. Once you find a club that interests you, you can review its current read, upcoming schedule, and member activity before requesting to join. Readfeed's built-in tools — AI discussion prompts, spoiler-safe threads, and reading progress tracking — mean the club experience lives entirely within one app, with no need to juggle separate tools for scheduling, communication, and book selection.

Social Media Groups

Facebook Groups host tens of thousands of book clubs, ranging from massive public communities (some with over 100,000 members) to small, private groups of 10–15 people. Search Facebook for "book club" plus your preferred genre or format. Instagram and TikTok (#BookTok) also have vibrant reading communities, though these tend to be more about book recommendations than structured club discussions.

Subreddits like r/bookclub, r/books, and genre-specific communities (r/Fantasy, r/horrorlit, r/RomanceBooks) run organized group reads with scheduled discussion threads. Reddit book clubs are free, asynchronous, and easy to join — just subscribe to the subreddit and participate in the threads. The format works well for introverted readers who prefer writing their thoughts to speaking in real time.

Discord

Discord servers dedicated to reading have grown substantially since 2020. Many operate as always-on book clubs with dedicated channels for different genres, buddy reads, and monthly picks. The conversational format encourages casual, ongoing discussion rather than a single monthly meeting. Search "book club" on Discord's server discovery page or look for invite links shared on Reddit and social media.

How to Join a Virtual Book Club

A virtual book club is an online group that meets in real time via video or audio — as opposed to asynchronous online clubs that communicate through text posts. If you enjoy the energy of live conversation but want the convenience of meeting from home, a virtual book club is the ideal format.

Where to Find Virtual Clubs

Readfeed lists virtual clubs alongside in-person and asynchronous options, and many clubs on the platform hold their live meetings via built-in scheduling and video call integration
Meetup includes virtual-only book clubs, especially since many groups that went online during the pandemic chose to stay there
Bookclubs.com hosts a directory of virtual clubs and regularly features author Q&A events held over video
Library systems increasingly offer virtual book club options, particularly for patrons who can't attend in person

What to Expect From a Virtual Meeting

Virtual book club meetings typically run 60–90 minutes over Zoom, Google Meet, or a similar platform. The structure mirrors in-person meetings: social warm-up, opening impressions, guided discussion, open floor, and logistics for next month. Most clubs keep video on to build personal connection, though this varies by group culture.

Tips for a good virtual book club experience:

Test your setup before your first meeting — camera, microphone, and internet connection
Find a quiet space with decent lighting
Mute when not speaking to reduce background noise
Use the chat function to share thoughts without interrupting the speaker
Be patient with technology — minor glitches are normal and everyone understands

What to Expect at Your First Book Club Meeting

Walking into (or logging into) your first book club meeting can feel intimidating, but most clubs are warm and welcoming to newcomers. Here's what typically happens:

Before the Meeting

Read the book (or as much as you can). Most clubs understand that life happens, and partial reads are usually fine for a first visit.
Jot down a few thoughts — passages you liked, questions you had, characters who stood out. You don't need a formal analysis, just a few talking points.
Check logistics — confirm the time, location (or link), and whether you should bring anything (snacks, your own copy, etc.).

During the Meeting

Introductions: The group will likely introduce themselves and ask about your reading background.
Low-pressure participation: No one expects a new member to dominate the conversation. Listen, absorb the group's dynamic, and contribute when you feel comfortable.
Discussion flow: A facilitator will guide the conversation through prepared questions. You'll hear a range of opinions — disagreement is healthy and expected.

After the Meeting

Reflect on the fit: Did you enjoy the group's energy? Was the book selection in line with your interests? Did the pace feel right?
Follow up: If you enjoyed it, let the organizer know you'd like to continue. If not, it's perfectly acceptable to thank them and keep looking.

How to Evaluate if a Book Club Is Right for You

Not every club is a match, and that's okay. Ask yourself these questions after your first one or two meetings:

Genre alignment: Does the club read books you're genuinely interested in?
Pace: Is the reading schedule manageable given your other commitments?
Discussion depth: Do conversations go beyond surface-level reactions, or do you want more rigor (or less)?
Group dynamics: Do members listen to each other? Is one person dominating? Do you feel comfortable speaking?
Logistics: Does the meeting time, frequency, and format work for your schedule?
Size: Clubs with 6–12 members tend to give everyone a chance to speak. Larger groups may feel impersonal; smaller ones can stall if a member or two miss a meeting.

If a club doesn't feel right, don't give up on the concept — try another one. Readfeed makes it easy to explore multiple clubs simultaneously, so you can sample a few before committing.

Etiquette Tips for New Book Club Members

First impressions matter. These simple guidelines will help you integrate smoothly:

Finish the book whenever possible. It shows respect for the group's time and the author's work.
Avoid spoilers. If you've read ahead or already know the book, follow the group's lead on how far to discuss.
Listen as much as you speak. Good book club discussions are conversations, not monologues.
Respect differing opinions. Someone will dislike a book you loved (and vice versa). That's the point.
Be punctual. Whether in person or virtual, showing up on time signals commitment.
Volunteer for tasks. Offer to facilitate a discussion, bring snacks, or suggest the next book. Active participation builds goodwill.
Communicate absences. If you can't make a meeting, let the organizer know in advance.

Why 2026 Is the Best Time to Join a Book Club

The reading community is experiencing a renaissance. BookTok and Bookstagram have brought millions of new readers into the fold, driving a 7% increase in print book sales in 2025 according to the Association of American Publishers. Platforms like Readfeed have lowered the barrier to entry by making it simple to discover, join, and participate in clubs from anywhere. And the 900% surge in "join a book club" searches signals that you're far from alone in wanting this experience.

Whether you join a book club near you at a cozy neighborhood library or connect with readers across the globe through an online or virtual club, the hardest part is simply taking the first step. The community is ready for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I join a book club for free?

Most book clubs are free to join. Public library book clubs, Reddit reading communities, and many clubs on platforms like Readfeed have no membership fees. Even clubs on Meetup typically charge little or nothing. The only cost is usually purchasing or borrowing the book itself — and library copies eliminate even that expense.

Can I join a book club if I'm a slow reader?

Absolutely. Many clubs specifically accommodate different reading speeds by choosing shorter books, extending reading timelines, or allowing members to participate in discussions even if they haven't finished. Look for clubs that emphasize the social experience over completion pressure, and be upfront about your pace when joining — most groups are understanding.

How many book clubs can I join at once?

There's no limit, though most active readers find that one or two clubs is the sweet spot. More than that can create reading fatigue and scheduling conflicts. Platforms like Readfeed let you manage multiple club memberships from a single dashboard, making it easier to keep track of different reading schedules and discussions.

What if I don't like the book the club is reading?

This happens to everyone eventually. Good book clubs expect — and even welcome — critical opinions. Articulating why a book didn't work for you can spark the most interesting discussions. If the club consistently picks books you dislike, it may be a sign that the group's taste doesn't align with yours, and it's worth exploring other clubs.

How to Join a Book Club: Your Complete Guide for 2026