Reading Groups Near Me: How to Find Local Book Groups and Reading Clubs

How Do I Find Reading Groups Near Me?

The fastest way to find reading groups near you is to check your local public library's events calendar, search Meetup.com for book-related groups in your zip code, and use Readfeed's club discovery feature to browse both local and online reading communities. Most readers can find a group to join within a week using these three methods alone.

Reading groups have surged in popularity over the past five years. According to a 2025 report from the American Library Association, the number of active reading groups registered with U.S. public libraries grew by 42% between 2020 and 2025, driven in part by the pandemic-era shift to virtual meetings and the subsequent hybrid model that many groups adopted. Today, an estimated 5.8 million Americans participate in some form of organized book group—and that number only counts formal clubs, not the countless informal reading circles among friends, coworkers, and neighbors.

Whether you're searching for "reading groups near me" after a recent move, looking to expand your social circle, or simply want the accountability that comes with reading alongside others, this guide covers every practical method for finding the right group.

Where to Find Book Groups Near Me: 8 Proven Methods

1. Your Local Public Library

Libraries remain the single best starting point for finding book groups near you. Over 75% of U.S. public library systems host at least one regular book discussion group, and many run multiple groups segmented by genre, age, or format. Walk in and ask a librarian, check the community bulletin board, or browse the library's website under "events" or "programs."

Library-hosted reading groups are almost always free, welcoming to newcomers, and well-facilitated. Many libraries also maintain lists of independent community reading groups that meet in their area, even if those groups don't meet at the library itself.

2. Meetup.com and Eventbrite

Meetup is still the largest platform for finding local interest-based groups, including reading clubs. Search for "book club," "reading group," or "literary" in your city and filter by distance. Most metro areas have between 5 and 30 active book groups listed on Meetup at any given time.

Eventbrite is also worth checking, particularly for one-off literary events, author readings, and pop-up discussion groups hosted by bookstores or cultural organizations. These events can be a gateway to finding a permanent reading group.

3. Readfeed's Club Discovery

Readfeed's app includes a discovery feature that surfaces active reading clubs by location, genre preference, and meeting format (in-person, virtual, or hybrid). Unlike general-purpose platforms, Readfeed is purpose-built for reading communities, so every group listed is an active, organized reading club with scheduled meetings and ongoing discussions. You can browse clubs, see what they're currently reading, read member reviews, and request to join—all within the app.

4. Independent Bookstores

Local bookstores frequently host or sponsor reading groups. Many run their own staff-led clubs focused on new releases, staff picks, or specific genres like mystery, science fiction, or literary fiction. Even when a bookstore doesn't host its own group, staff members are often plugged into the local reading scene and can point you toward community-run book groups nearby.

Check the store's event calendar, ask at the register, or look for flyers near the entrance.

5. Social Media and Facebook Groups

Facebook Groups remain a major hub for local reading communities. Search for "[your city] book club" or "[your neighborhood] reading group" and you'll likely find several options. Many of these groups organize monthly meetups at cafés, parks, or members' homes.

Instagram and Reddit can also surface local literary communities, though they tend to skew toward online-only discussion rather than in-person meetings.

6. Community Centers and Places of Worship

Community centers, YMCAs, senior centers, and houses of worship often host reading groups as part of their programming. These groups tend to be welcoming, diverse in age, and consistent in attendance. If you're looking for reading clubs near you that emphasize community connection alongside literature, these are excellent options.

7. Workplace and Professional Groups

Many companies and professional organizations run internal book clubs. Check your company's intranet, Slack channels, or HR-sponsored activities. Professional book groups often focus on non-fiction, business, or leadership titles, but some are purely recreational.

8. Word of Mouth

Don't underestimate simply asking around. Mention to friends, neighbors, and coworkers that you're looking for a reading group. According to a 2024 Pew Research survey on reading habits, 38% of book club members found their group through a personal recommendation—making it the second most common discovery method after library programs.

How to Evaluate a Reading Group Before Joining

Finding reading groups near you is only half the challenge. Choosing the right one matters just as much. A mismatch in expectations, pace, or culture can turn a promising group into a chore. Here's what to assess before committing:

Book Selection Style

How does the group choose books? Some rotate selections among members, some vote democratically, and some follow a leader's picks. Consider which approach aligns with your preferences. If you have strong opinions about what you read, a rotation or voting model gives you more voice. If you're happy to be surprised, leader-curated groups can introduce you to books you'd never pick on your own.

Meeting Frequency and Format

Most book groups meet monthly, but some meet biweekly or quarterly. Make sure the cadence fits your reading speed and schedule. Also clarify whether meetings are in-person, virtual, or hybrid. A growing number of groups offer both options—particularly those organized through platforms like Readfeed, which provides integrated video meeting support.

Group Size and Atmosphere

Groups with 4–8 active members tend to produce the richest discussions because everyone has time to speak. Larger groups (12+) can feel more like a lecture. If possible, attend a meeting as a guest before committing. Pay attention to whether conversations feel balanced or dominated by one or two voices.

Genre and Reading Level

Some groups stick to a single genre; others read widely. Some tackle dense literary fiction; others prefer accessible, popular titles. Make sure the group's reading level and taste overlap with yours enough that you'll enjoy most selections, even if not every one.

Social vs. Discussion Focus

Some reading groups are primarily social gatherings where the book is a loose framework for an evening with friends. Others are discussion-intensive, with prepared questions and structured conversations. Neither approach is wrong, but knowing which style you prefer will help you find a satisfying fit.

What If I Can't Find Reading Groups Near Me?

If you've searched and can't find a local group—or if the groups near you don't match your interests—you have two excellent alternatives.

Start Your Own Book Group

Starting a reading group is simpler than most people think. You need a minimum of three committed readers, a consistent meeting schedule, and a method for choosing books. Readfeed makes it especially easy to launch a new group: you can create a club in under two minutes, invite friends via link, set up a book voting queue, and schedule your first meeting with built-in reminders.

According to data from Readfeed's platform, new reading groups that establish a regular meeting cadence within their first month have a 78% retention rate after six months—compared to just 35% for groups that take longer to find their rhythm.

Join an Online Reading Group

Online book groups have exploded in both quality and variety. Platforms like Readfeed host hundreds of active online reading clubs spanning every genre and format. Virtual groups eliminate geographic constraints, making it possible to find highly specific communities—like a group dedicated to translated fiction, climate writing, or Afrofuturism—that might not exist in your local area.

Online groups also offer flexibility for people with unpredictable schedules. Many use asynchronous discussion threads alongside optional live video meetings, so you can participate on your own time.

How Reading Groups Have Changed in 2026

The landscape of book groups has evolved significantly. Here are the key trends shaping reading groups today:

Hybrid Is the New Normal

A 2025 survey by BookBrowse found that 61% of active book groups now offer both in-person and virtual attendance options. This hybrid model has expanded membership pools and improved attendance consistency, since members can join remotely when travel, illness, or scheduling conflicts would otherwise force them to miss.

Technology Is Enhancing—Not Replacing—Discussion

Reading groups are increasingly using apps like Readfeed to manage logistics (scheduling, book voting, reminders) and enrich discussion (AI-generated discussion questions, chapter-by-chapter threads, spoiler controls). The human conversation remains central, but the administrative burden on organizers has dropped substantially.

Diversity of Formats Is Growing

Beyond traditional monthly-meeting groups, readers are finding community through buddy reads (two people reading together), read-alongs (large groups progressing through a book on a shared schedule with daily online discussions), and sprint clubs (fast-paced groups that read a book per week). The definition of "book group" is broader than ever.

Younger Readers Are Joining

BookTok and Bookstagram have driven a measurable increase in book group participation among 18-to-34-year-olds. The American Library Association reports that library-hosted reading groups saw a 67% increase in attendance by adults under 35 between 2022 and 2025.

Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your Reading Group

Once you've found a group, here's how to make the experience rewarding:

• Actually read the book. It sounds obvious, but consistent reading is the foundation of a good group experience. If you fall behind, come anyway—partial participation beats absence.
• Prepare one thought or question. You don't need to write an essay, but arriving with at least one specific observation or question makes you a better contributor.
• Listen as much as you speak. The best reading group discussions happen when members genuinely engage with each other's perspectives, not just wait for their turn to talk.
• Be open to books you wouldn't choose. Some of the best reading experiences come from titles you'd never have picked up on your own. That's one of the core gifts of a reading group.
• Use tools that reduce friction. Platforms like Readfeed centralize discussion, scheduling, and book selection so the group spends less time on logistics and more time talking about books.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I find reading groups near me for free?

Start with your local public library, which almost certainly hosts free book discussion groups or maintains a list of community reading clubs. Meetup.com lists many free-to-join local book groups, and Readfeed's app lets you discover and join reading groups at no cost. Most community-run reading groups don't charge membership fees.

How many people should be in a reading group?

The ideal size for a reading group is 6 to 12 active members. This range is large enough to generate diverse perspectives but small enough that everyone gets meaningful speaking time during discussions. Groups smaller than 4 can feel thin if someone misses a meeting, while groups larger than 15 often struggle to give every member a voice.

What is the difference between a book club and a reading group?

The terms are largely interchangeable. "Book club" tends to imply a more structured format with regular meetings and a fixed membership, while "reading group" can be slightly more informal. In practice, most people use the terms synonymously. Some organizations use "reading circle" or "literary society" for more formal or academic groups.

Can I join a reading group if I'm a slow reader?

Absolutely. Many reading groups accommodate different reading speeds by choosing shorter books, extending reading periods, or allowing members to participate in discussions even if they haven't finished. Online groups with asynchronous, chapter-by-chapter discussion threads—like those on Readfeed—are especially friendly to readers who prefer a slower pace, since you can engage with each section as you reach it.