Adult book club

Frequently asked questions

How do I join?

Click the ‘Register’ link for next to a session (sessions listed above), or call the library to have us register you. Once you’ve registered, simply read the book and join us at the meeting! We ask people to register for each session in advance so that we can email you with the reading guide and the Zoom link, in case you plan to attend virtually.

How do I get a copy of the book?

NVCL has a limited number of copies of each title. These will be loaned to registrants on a first come, first served basis, while supplies last. Registrants will be contacted if a copy is available. If all copies are spoken for, you can try to obtain a copy by:

• Placing a hold on a regular circulating copy in our catalogue;
• Borrowing an ebook or e-audiobook version;
• Checking other local libraries, such as the North Vancouver District Library or West Vancouver Memorial Library.

You can also always ask our library staff to help you find a copy!

How do hybrid book club sessions work?

From March 2019 to June 2022, we hosted our book club discussions via Zoom. In September 2022 we re-introduced in-person discussions, but wanted to keep the gatherings accessible to those who prefer to join virtually. People at the library can see the Zoom attendees on the room’s TV, and vice versa. We typically start the session with introductions, and then create two breakout rooms where the Zoom folks and the in-person group have separate conversations (the smaller groups tend to produce livelier conversations and be more inclusive). Near the end of the session, the groups reconvene to share the highlights from their conversation.

How does the library choose the book club sets?

Each winter, the library creates a shortlist of titles for the next season. Book club attendees can also submit their own suggestions. The books must meet the following criteria:

• The book is recent (published within the last two years, aside from the ‘classic’ title).
• The book is available in paperback.
• The book is popular and/or professionally well-reviewed.
• A number of books must by Canadian authors.
• A number of books must be by 'own voices'.

The shortlist of titles is then sent to all of the book club participants, and they vote for their top picks. The final list typically includes five contemporary fiction works, two non-fiction works and one classic novel.

What if I don’t like the book?

That’s OK! We understand that everyone won’t like every book (but we hope that you do!). We encourage you to bring your constructive criticisms and engage in thoughtful discussion, even if you didn’t finish the book.

What are book club sets?

Book club sets contain up to 12 copies of the same book, and community members can borrow the set for their book club. Many books also come with a reading guide and discussion questions, which are available online. Book Club sets are located on the 2nd floor on the wooden shelves that face the library’s front windows.

How can I find what book club set titles are available?

Our book club sets can be viewed in our catalogue.

Do you have discussion guides for each book club set?

As of Spring 2024, around 27 of our book club sets have discussion guides. For example, the record for All the Quiet Places has a book club reading guide(97 KB), which you can find on the right hand side of the catalogue record. We aim to produce more of these in the future. Discussion guides contain a short description of the book, a short author bio, a collection of articles and interviews related to the book, and discussion questions. 

What are the borrowing policies for book club sets? 

• Book club sets can be borrowed for 6 weeks. 
• Each book can be renewed once, if the copy doesn’t have a hold on it.
• You can borrow as many or as few books from the set as you’d like, e.g. if you only need six books, you can just borrow six.
• You don’t need to return all of the books at the same time.

How can I start my own book club?

As noted above, NVCL can support community book clubs by providing access to our book club sets, suggestions for what to read next, and discussion guides. If your book club is looking for a place to meet, please see our room rentals page.

For more details on the logistics of setting up a book club, see these excellent tips from Edmonton Public Library and LitLovers.com.