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.