1. Identify Your Purpose

Before diving in, think about what you want to achieve with your book club. Are you aiming for a casual reading group where members share their thoughts on bestsellers? Or do you want to focus on specific genres? Are you using book club as a means to improve your reading habits or do you just want a fun social event to put on the calendar once or twice a month that’s related to your interests? Maybe you’re interested in exploring books by diverse authors or tackling challenging texts. Defining your purpose will help attract like-minded individuals who share your interests.

2. Gather Members

Once you have a clear purpose, it’s time to recruit members. Start by reaching out to friends or classmates who you know are passionate about reading. Utilize and leverage social media platforms, college bulletin boards, and campus groups to gain members if you don’t personally know any book worms. You might also consider creating a Facebook group or Instagram page to facilitate communication and updates if you’re looking for a larger experience (though my book club is only six members and I like it small, it’s up to you!) Depending on what type of book club you’re looking to start, maybe find a faculty sponsor if you’d like to affiliate your club with your college.

3. Choose a Format

Decide how your book club will operate. Will you meet weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly? Consider a format that accommodates everyone’s schedules, and make sure to consider the schedules of the members around you. This will make it more likely that meetings will be attended consistently. Using scheduling tools can help to ensure all members’ needs are being met in terms of time management.

4. Select Your Books

Selecting the right books is crucial to maintaining interest and engagement. Start with a book that resonates with the entire group—perhaps a popular title or a classic everyone has been meaning to read. Encourage members to suggest titles for future reads, fostering a sense of ownership and involvement. Perhaps instill a voting process that allows for a more democratic experience. Many small book clubs also choose to align with larger book clubs and therefore select books based on influencer or celebrity choice. For my book club, we alternate how we select books each week to keep it a fun and entertaining experience. You can implement a drawing, and elimination, and personally I love to align the selection type to the theme. For example, we had a tailgate themed book club and used red solo cups with book titles at the bottom to select books via pong.

5. Establish Ground Rules

To ensure smooth sailing, it’s essential to establish some ground rules at the outset. Discuss expectations around attendance, participation, and reading pace. Be clear, but make sure you’re leaving room for relaxation and fun! You may scare people off if thee rules are too rigid. You might also want to set guidelines for respectful discussions, emphasizing that differing opinions are welcome. Clear communication will help create a positive environment where everyone feels comfortable sharing their thoughts.

6. Plan Engaging Discussions

A book club thrives on dynamic discussions. Prepare a few thought-provoking questions in advance to kick off conversations. Consider focusing on themes, character development, or the author’s style. Encourage members to share personal insights or relate the book to current events or their own experiences. You could even incorporate fun activities, such as themed snacks or related movie screenings, to enhance the experience. I often start by taking a deep dive into one character (usually the love interest) or a specific point in the plot that is particularly interesting. This just helps to get people talking, and speaking about one point of the book often sparks memory of other talking points.

7. Create a Community

Beyond just discussing books, aim to build a sense of community within your club. This camaraderie can deepen friendships and encourage members to look forward to each meeting. A group chat or online forum can also help maintain connections between meetings, fostering a lively exchange of ideas and updates.

8. Stay Flexible

While it’s important to have a plan, staying flexible is key to keeping the club enjoyable. If a certain book isn’t resonating with the group, don’t hesitate to switch gears. Be open to feedback about the structure and format of your meetings. The goal is to create a space that everyone enjoys and looks forward to being a part of.

9. Celebrate Your Progress

As your book club grows, take time to celebrate milestones, whether it’s finishing a particularly challenging book or reaching a year of meetings. Acknowledging your achievements fosters a sense of accomplishment and motivates everyone to keep participating.

Conclusion

Starting a book club in college is not just about reading; it’s about connecting, sharing, and growing together. It offers a platform for intellectual engagement, personal development, and friendship. So grab your favorite book, gather your fellow literary enthusiasts, and embark on this exciting journey together. Your college years are the perfect time to cultivate a love for reading while building a supportive community around it!