Find the book club that fits you
Each month, fun and conversation lights up the lounges and rooms at EPL branches as friends meet to discuss the books they’ve read … and so much more.
These groups do eventually talk about the book, but with long time regulars, the conversation often drifts.
And with open seats, these clubs are far from exclusive.
Get out of your reading comfort zone and explore new genres and meet great people at any of our monthly discussions.
When and where: Second Mondays, 1 p.m. at Cleveland Branch
The most unique among EPL’s book discussion groups has no assigned reading.
Since September 2018, a group of friendly regulars and newcomers alike share what they’re reading at Readers Roundtable.
Covering books they liked, books they couldn’t finish, and just about every genre, they share book titles they think others will enjoy even if they didn’t.
“I like the camaraderie and learning about what others have read and recommend. We usually chat a bit before we all leave and the social aspect is a plus,” says Kristine Bruggeman, a regular.
Cleveland Branch manager Mary Ann Kempa says she shares news on TV and movie adaptations of works by favorite authors.
“While all share a love of reading and discussing books, the group’s connections run beyond reading to shared life experiences as well,” Mary Ann says.
The group is easy to drop into for newcomers.
When and where: First Mondays, 6:15 p.m. at Dunlap Branch
The oldest of EPL’s current book clubs started about 20 years ago. Original members still attend, saying they love the variety of books.
“We read a wide range of books, both fiction and nonfiction. We suggest titles and different genres. It’s interesting to discover new books that I might not have picked up if it weren’t for the club,” says Ann Wroblewski.
Heather Howard started attending in 2020 and says the group has forged friendships beyond books.
“I joined the group during COVID to combat feelings of isolation. I’ve been captivated ever since. Our regular members are a joy to be around, and I eagerly anticipate our monthly gatherings,” she says.
Organizer Sondra Taylor says she includes nonfiction, a children’s book, a young adult book, and as many genres as she can for the year. She gets input from members for what books to read in the coming year.
“If someone is new and is interested in coming to our book club, they are more than welcome to join us even if they haven’t read the book or been to a book club before,” Sondra says.
When and where: Second Mondays, 3 p.m. at Osolo Branch
The Page Turners began in 2012 and have a strong core of regular members, but always welcome new faces.
Discussion leader Pat Kelm says she compiles a list from member suggestions and the group makes their choices for the next year at the September or October meetings. Selections are typically novels.
Marlene Carins, an original member of the group, says the friendships and discussions make the monthly meetings lively.
“We laugh a lot, which is great. We have a great group of ladies,” she says. “We have such varied opinions. I like getting other people’s thoughts on each book.”
Judy Kennedy, an 11-year member, says the variety of books keeps her coming back.
“It’s a wonderful group of people and it’s got me reading things I never would’ve read,” she says.
When and where: Last Tuesdays, 5:30 p.m. at Downtown
One of the newest book discussion groups, created in 2022, offers members a vote on what to read twice a year.
Books are curated and distributed by Indiana Humanities.
“When I pick out a book, I gravitate to the same types of books. When I’m in the group, we pick out different types of books. I like that, I get the opportunity to read books I wouldn’t have ordinarily,” says Kerri Ballard, who has attended the group since it began.
The group reads mostly novels published in the last 20 years, but has pulled classics from the late 20th century.
“It’s fun because we have people of various ages attend, and people will relate to books differently based on their life experiences. It’s interesting to hear the different input,” Kerri says.
Still not seeing one for you?
We’re always thinking about new ideas for discussion groups. If you would be interested in one, reach out to us. With enough interest, we might just add it to the calendar.
Some ideas we’ve been considering:
• Silent book club – Calling all introverts. This could be a club with no assigned reading, but minimal socializing. Members gather and read their own material quietly before an optional discussion at the end.
• Movie and a book club – Was the book better than the movie? Read the book, then come watch the movie together and discuss which was better.
• Movie club – If reading isn’t your thing, watch a movie instead and discuss it with others.