The Benefits of Joining a Book Club 

Across the country, libraries, schools, and other community spaces are searching for innovative ways of bringing those together with a shared love of reading. Book clubs have long stood as cornerstones of reading culture. Beyond discussing stories, they offer a space for connection, reflection, and discovery.  

Read on to discover the benefits of joining a book club and being part of a reading community. 

A space for discovery 

One of the benefits of joining a book club is the opportunity to discover literature that offers different perspectives. Reading independently projects your thoughts, feelings, and emotions onto a story. Book clubs, however, expand on this experience. Someone else might see a theme you previously didn’t consider, challenge your interpretation, or introduce you to a genre or a book you might not have picked up otherwise. Whether new releases, classics, or hidden gems, handing over the reins of curation can introduce you to a literary world of narratives and themes beyond your scope.  

One respondent from our survey of book club attendees shared: “All of us would agree we have read books we would never have considered without the impetus of the group. We have hopefully expanded our horizons, broken down some prejudices and challenged ourselves by resting outside our usual comfort zone. Indeed, for some it has been a discovery of an interest in reading.”  

Reading for wellbeing 

Reading has been shown in studies to reduce stress and improve mental wellbeing. Being a part of a book club can significantly amplify these benefits through fostering social connections. They are a great way to make friends, engage in the community and share perspectives in a relaxed and welcoming space. Through our original research with book clubs across the UK, we discovered: 

• 94% read more widely 
• 94% feel more connected to others 
• 94% talk about reading to others more often  
• 90% feel happier  
• 91% enjoy reading more when we discuss what we have read in the reading group  
• 78% feel more confident to try other things  
• 77% read more  

One participant also said: “We are a group of women who have bonded over a love of books. It started as a way of carving out time for each of us (we are all mothers) and claiming back some of our identity. It made a huge difference especially early on when our children were younger. It is something we all look forward to and even though we often have to rearrange and reschedule we always try to meet up every few months. It has had a positive effect on our mental health. It has provided a support network of caring and wonderful women.”  

Are you thinking of starting a book club for wellbeing? Check out our Reading Well collections for inspiration. Reading Well books are all recommended by health experts, people who have lived experience of the conditions and topics covered, and their relatives and carers. 

More than just books 

While reading is at the heart of any book club, the experience goes beyond the pages. Many clubs incorporate creative elements, whether crafting sessions, author talks, or themed activities. At Norfolk Libraries, interactive displays and workshops have encouraged engagement with reading with success.  

Emily recalls a friendship bracelet workshop inspired by Taylor Swift that brought teens into the library:

“You catch them and get people in to do the fun craft. But after they finished making a bracelet, they were browsing the Reading Well collection, and a couple took some home.” 

Activities are a great way to foster a sense of community. Even if arts and crafts aren’t your thing, another respondent to our survey highlighted the value of shared experiences:

“We have had many other activities over the years, but very importantly, each activity, each walk and over each cup of tea, we have grown to be a close-knit community. Mutually supportive through joy and sometimes sadness. Our book group is significant to each one of us. MUCH more than a book group. It’s a blessing, and it’s hilarious.”  

Finding the right book club for you 

It is important to remember that there is not just one type of book club. Book clubs can range from quiet discussions to lively gatherings with various games and activities. 

Choosing the right book club that excites you to read and engage in conversation is key to making the most of your book club experience. Whether you’re looking for a general book club, one focused on a particular genre or a group that blends reading with creative and social activities, there’s a book club out there for you. Libraries, independent bookshops, and online communities all offer involvement opportunities. And if you can’t find the right one? Start your own! Many of the most successful book clubs begin with just a few people coming together to share their love of reading. 

Book clubs are more than books — they’re about connection, discovery, and the joy of reading together. So why not pick up a book and find a club that interests you? You never know where the next story might take you. 

Discover a book club near you on our Book Club Hub website.

You can hear more from book clubs in their own words on our Reading Groups website. Click here to hear from the Casual Readers Club.