You and your friends are reading lovers and have thought about starting a book club. This is a really great idea! But, fantastic as it is, it still requires some planning. Don't worry: you just have to follow the steps below and have fun exploring new genres and novels!
Steps
Step 1. Decide what you will read in the book club, both in general and for your first book
Will it be a generalist club for adults, where you will read anything? Or will it be dedicated to teen detective stories? Establishing a theme (or none, as in the first example) will help the group stay motivated and have ideas for reading.
Step 2. Find a group of people who have a passion for reading
They might be friends, family, or acquaintances you've met in the course of various activities, but everyone should love reading. Also, make sure that members of this core can attend meetings regularly. Of course you don't want the whole group to stand up to you!
Step 3. Decide where to hold the meetings
When you're starting out for the first time, especially if the members are friends or plan to serve alcohol, meeting at your home is a great idea. Later, different members will be able to host other meetings. If there are members you are unfamiliar with, or prefer not to meet at your home, ask your local library if you can use part of their space for a book club.
Step 4. Determine the duration of the meetings
To start, an hour is fine. Later, if other members are added to the group, it may be better to extend the duration to two or one and a half hours. Do not exceed two hours, because, when the meetings last too long, the participants end up getting bored. If your club has a reputation for being boring, it may end before you even begin business.
Step 5. Take a poll of club members
Ask what books they are reading and what are the best dates and times to meet.
Step 6. Announce the first meeting
Set the date at least two weeks in advance to allow attendees to read the book. Three weeks is even better. Send emails one week before the meeting as a reminder.
Step 7. Start thinking about a board of directors
For example, you could vote for the election of a president, vice president and secretary, and bring together some people to take care of the club bulletin. For smaller groups, this step is optional, but very practical for larger groups of more than ten or fifteen people.
Step 8. Make a list of about five books and bring it to the meeting
To find some ideas on the choice of books, consult the internet or ask for some information in the library. Give each member the opportunity to discuss and vote on which book to read for the next meeting. After making your decision, encourage participants to get to know each other and talk about their literary tastes.
