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Book clubs and kits

Reading can be even better with other people! If you want to plug in to an existing book club, check out our events calendar – we host clubs focused on a wide range of genres and topics.

Book club kits

If you want to host your own book club, we’ve got essentially everything you need to get started. Our book club kits include 10 to 15 copies of one title in a handy tote bag.

Look for a kit at your location, or request a kit directly from the online catalog. You can also find a link to a discussion guide for each title in our online catalog.

Printable Checklist (PDF) – use for your group to vote on upcoming reads!

Book club kit FAQ

What titles are available as book club kits?
Check in our catalog to see all available book club kit titles.

Who can check out book club kits?
Anyone with a Durham County Library card. The person who checks out the kit is responsible for returning it on time to the library.

Where do I pick up the book club kit?
Look in the area where books on hold are kept.

Can I check out just one book from the kit?
No, the kit has to be checked out as a whole.

How long can a book club kit be checked out?
Six weeks with no renewals, since other patrons may be waiting to check out the kit.

How many kits can I check out?
You can check out two book club kits at a time.

Is there fee if a book club kit is returned late?
No, Durham County Library is fine free.

What if a book club kit is returned with missing/damaged copies?
If the book club kit is returned incomplete, the price of each individual copy is charged. A processing fee of $5.00 per kit is charged only if the entire kit is not returned. The cost of the tote bag is $5.00.

Can book club kits be guaranteed for a specific date?
No, book club kits can’t be guaranteed for a specific date. It’s a good idea to have a second or third choice in mind as a backup in case you can’t get your first choice when you want it.

Are readers guides available for the titles?
Yes, we’ve put together an author biography and discussion questions that your book club can use for each title. The guide for each kit is available on its page in the catalog.

Book club kit resources

BookTalk.org – a discussion forum site where members can chat about what they are reading. Live author chats are also common on this site.

Book Group Buzz – a blog about book club selections. Offers insightful overviews and plenty of ideas for future reading group selections.

Reading Group Guides – over 2,500 online reading group guides for all kinds of books. Guides include a brief overview of each book and provoking discussion topics to get any group talking.

BookBrowse.com – a great resource for book clubs with an extensive reading guides section.

Reading Group Choices – recommendations for discussible books and resources to enhance the book club experience. Offers reading group guides, discussion topics, and free giveaways.

LitLovers – helpful info for book clubs with tips, ideas, resources, suggested book titles and more. Check out this website for beginning a book group.

Goodreads – another web-based reading group site that allows members to not only participate in reading groups, but also organize and catalog their books and socialize with other bookworms.

Upcoming book clubs

Book Club & Movie Time (2nd-3rd Grade)

Wednesday, June 07, 2023 • 4:30pm - 6:15pm

South Regional Library (South Regional - Children's Programming Room)

Please join our 2nd & 3rd Grade Book Club! Registration for this program is required. For this session, we will read and discuss Lyle, Lyle,Crocodile by Bernard Waber. We will also watch the film that is based on the...

Ages: Elementary School

Registration required

Forever Young Book Club

Wednesday, June 07, 2023 • 6:00pm - 7:00pm

Offsite

A book club for adults who read Young Adult. We meet the 1st Wednesday of the month at RTP Uncorked Wine Bar at Boxyard RTP. Grab a glass of wine (or any beverage) from RTP Uncorked Wine Bar while we discuss that month's book pick. RTP Uncorked...

Ages: Adult, Emerging Adult: 18-24 Year Olds

Registration required

Mystery Book Club - THE LAST THING HE TOLD ME

Monday, June 12, 2023 • 6:30pm - 7:30pm

Virtual

Join us virtually this month to discuss THE LAST THING HE TOLD ME by Laura Dave.  "Before Owen Michaels disappears, he manages to smuggle a note to his beloved wife of one year: Protect her. Protect Owen’s...

Ages: Adult, Emerging Adult: 18-24 Year Olds, Senior Citizen

Registration required

Baby-sitters Club Book Club @ Southwest

Tuesday, June 13, 2023 • 4:00pm - 4:45pm

Southwest Regional Library (Southwest Regional - Children's Programming Room)

Join us for a book club all about the Baby-sitters Club! Each month, we'll discuss a book from the graphic novel series and do a fun activity....

Ages: Elementary School, Tweens: 9-12 Year Olds

Registration full.

Durham Book Club - For Middle School Students

Tuesday, June 13, 2023 • 4:00pm - 5:00pm

Southwest Regional Library (Southwest Meeting Room - Full Room)

Join us for an in-person book club for middle school students. We will be reading and discussing The Parker Inheritance by Varian Johnson. Pick up a free copy of the book at the Southwest Children's Desk for you to keep! Limited...

Ages: Middle School, Tweens: 9-12 Year Olds

Registration required

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