How to Start a Book Club in Pennsylvania

Starting a book club in Pennsylvania is more than just gathering friends to discuss novels—it’s about building community, fostering intellectual exchange, and creating spaces where diverse voices can be heard. Whether you live in the bustling streets of Philadelphia, the historic charm of Pittsburgh, the rolling hills of the Poconos, or the quiet suburbs of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania offers a rich cultural landscape perfect for literary connection. A well-run book club can deepen your appreciation for literature, introduce you to new perspectives, and even spark lifelong friendships. In this comprehensive guide, you’ll learn exactly how to start a book club in Pennsylvania, from identifying your niche and securing a meeting space to managing discussions and sustaining momentum over time. This tutorial is designed for beginners and seasoned organizers alike, offering actionable steps, proven best practices, and real-world examples drawn from successful clubs across the state.

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Define Your Book Club’s Purpose and Niche

Before inviting anyone to join, take time to clarify why you’re starting this book club. Are you looking for deep literary analysis? Escapist fantasy? True crime thrillers? Or perhaps a space for mothers, retirees, college students, or LGBTQ+ readers to connect through stories that reflect their experiences? Pennsylvania’s population is diverse, and so are its reading interests. Defining your niche helps attract the right members and keeps discussions focused.

Consider these common niches:

• Classic literature (e.g., Austen, Dickens, Twain)
• Contemporary fiction by Pennsylvania authors (e.g., Jodi Picoult, David Baldacci, or local indie writers)
• Nonfiction on history, politics, or social justice (especially relevant given Pennsylvania’s role in U.S. history)
• Genre-specific clubs (mystery, sci-fi, romance, horror)
• Multicultural or global literature
• Book clubs for teens or young adults in high schools or libraries

Once you’ve chosen a focus, write a simple mission statement. For example: “The Pittsburgh Page Turners meet monthly to discuss contemporary American fiction with an emphasis on underrepresented voices.” This clarity will guide your outreach and help potential members understand if your club is the right fit.

Step 2: Determine Your Meeting Format

Decide how often you’ll meet and for how long. Most book clubs gather once a month for 60 to 90 minutes, but some prefer biweekly or quarterly meetings depending on members’ schedules. Consider the rhythm of life in Pennsylvania—many residents have seasonal commitments (e.g., farming in rural areas, tourism in the Poconos, or academic calendars in college towns).

Choose between:

• In-person meetings: Ideal for building personal connections. Libraries, coffee shops, community centers, and even private homes are popular venues.
• Virtual meetings: Great for members spread across different counties (e.g., someone in Erie who wants to join a club in Philadelphia). Zoom, Google Meet, or Microsoft Teams work well.
• Hybrid format: Combines both options, offering flexibility. This is increasingly popular post-pandemic.

Set a consistent day and time—e.g., “Every third Tuesday at 7 PM”—to help members plan ahead. Avoid holidays or major events like the Pennsylvania Farm Show or the Philadelphia Marathon, when attendance may drop.

Step 3: Recruit Members

Don’t rely solely on word-of-mouth. Use targeted outreach to find people who share your interests. Start with your existing network—friends, coworkers, neighbors—but expand beyond it.

Here are effective recruitment strategies in Pennsylvania:

• Post on local Facebook groups: Search for “[Your City] Book Lovers,” “Pennsylvania Readers,” or “Philadelphia Book Club Network.”
• Utilize Meetup.com: Create a free event titled “Book Club in [City] – Monthly Literary Discussions.” Many Pennsylvanians use this platform to find hobbies.
• Visit your local public library: Many libraries have bulletin boards or host book club listings. Ask librarians if they can announce your club in newsletters or at events.
• Partner with independent bookstores: Stores like The Last Bookstore in Philadelphia, Barbara’s Bookstore in Pittsburgh, or Readers’ Corner in State College often welcome book club announcements.
• Use Nextdoor: Hyperlocal and highly effective for neighborhood-based clubs.
• Reach out to local universities or community colleges: Students and faculty are often eager to join or lead literary groups.

When recruiting, be clear about expectations: How many books per year? Is attendance required? Is there a fee? Transparency prevents misunderstandings later.

Step 4: Choose a Meeting Location

Location impacts comfort, accessibility, and attendance. Pennsylvania has over 2,500 public libraries, nearly every one of which offers free meeting rooms for community groups. Contact your local branch to inquire about booking policies. Most require a simple application and may ask for a small group size limit (e.g., 15–20 people).

Other popular venues include:

• Coffee shops: Many, like La Colombe in Philadelphia or City of Asylum in Pittsburgh, welcome book clubs and may even offer a reserved corner or discount.
• Community centers: Found in nearly every township, these often have meeting rooms with tables, chairs, and Wi-Fi.
• Bookstores: Independent stores frequently host book clubs as part of their community engagement.
• Private homes: Cozy and personal, but ensure the host has space and is willing to accommodate regular gatherings.

Always consider accessibility: Is the location ADA-compliant? Is there parking or public transit access? In cities like Allentown or Scranton, parking can be limited—prioritize venues near bus lines or bike paths.

Step 5: Select Your First Book

The first book sets the tone. Avoid overly long or dense titles unless your group is experienced. Instead, choose something engaging, discussion-rich, and relatively short—around 200–300 pages.

Consider these Pennsylvania-friendly picks for your first meeting:

• The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald (set partly in Pennsylvania’s industrial past)
• My Brilliant Friend by Elena Ferrante (accessible, emotional, and universally relatable)
• Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens (a bestseller with strong regional themes)
• Beloved by Toni Morrison (powerful, thought-provoking, ideal for deep discussion)
• Reading the Bible with the Damned by David L. Clough (nonfiction, based in Pennsylvania prisons, great for social justice groups)

Use a poll to let members vote on the first selection. This builds ownership and excitement. Set a reading deadline at least two weeks before the meeting to allow time for reflection.

Step 6: Structure Your First Discussion

Without structure, book club discussions can become unfocused or dominated by one or two voices. Prepare a simple agenda to guide your first meeting:

1. Introductions (2–5 minutes): Let each member share their name, why they joined, and one book they loved.
2. Book overview (5 minutes): Briefly recap the plot—avoid spoilers if someone hasn’t finished.
3. Open-ended questions (30–45 minutes): Use prepared prompts to spark conversation (see Best Practices section below).
4. Next book selection (10 minutes): Let members suggest titles; vote democratically.
5. Wrap-up and feedback (5 minutes): Ask what worked and what could improve.

Assign a rotating facilitator each month to keep things moving. This prevents burnout and gives everyone a chance to lead.

Step 7: Establish Ground Rules

Clear expectations prevent conflict. Create a simple set of guidelines, either written or verbally agreed upon:

• Respect differing opinions—no personal attacks.
• Everyone gets a chance to speak; avoid interrupting.
• Be honest but kind in critiques.
• No spoilers for future books unless clearly marked.
• Attendance is encouraged but not mandatory—life happens.
• Meetings start and end on time.

Post these rules on a shared Google Doc or printed handout. Revisit them every few months to ensure they still serve the group.

Step 8: Keep the Momentum Going

Many book clubs fizzle out after three to six months. To avoid this, keep things fresh:

• Rotate the book selection process monthly.
• Invite guest speakers: Local authors, professors, or librarians can join virtually or in person.
• Host themed meetings: Dress up as characters, bring food inspired by the book’s setting (e.g., Pennsylvania Dutch pretzels for a book set in Lancaster County).
• Track progress with a shared calendar (Google Calendar or Notion).
• Send a monthly email reminder with the next book, date, and discussion questions.

Consider creating a simple “Book Club Journal” where members can write short reflections. These can be shared digitally or printed and passed around.

Best Practices

Use Open-Ended Discussion Prompts

Instead of asking, “Did you like the book?”—which invites yes/no answers—use questions that encourage reflection:

• Which character did you relate to most, and why?
• What did the setting reveal about the characters’ motivations?
• Was there a moment that surprised you? Why?
• How does this book reflect or challenge your views on [topic: race, class, gender, etc.]?
• What would you have done differently if you were the protagonist?
• How does this book connect to current events in Pennsylvania or the U.S.?

These prompts create deeper, more meaningful conversations and help members think critically about literature.

Encourage Inclusivity and Diversity

Pennsylvania’s population includes urban, suburban, and rural communities with vastly different experiences. Make your club welcoming to all backgrounds. Rotate books by authors of color, LGBTQ+ writers, immigrants, and disabled voices. Consider books that explore Pennsylvania’s own complex history—from the Underground Railroad in Chester County to the coal mining towns of Appalachia.

Be mindful of accessibility: Offer audiobook options, large-print editions, or summaries for members with visual impairments or learning differences.

Balance Structure with Flexibility

Too much structure kills spontaneity; too little leads to chaos. Aim for a middle ground: have a framework (agenda, questions, time limits), but allow room for organic conversation. If a topic sparks passionate debate, let it unfold—but gently guide it back if it veers too far.

Recognize and Celebrate Milestones

Announce when your club reaches 10, 25, or 50 books read. Celebrate with a potluck, a visit to a local bookstore, or a photo collage of past covers. Recognition reinforces commitment and builds community spirit.

Handle Conflict Gracefully

Disagreements are natural. If someone dominates the conversation, say: “Thanks for sharing—let’s hear from someone who hasn’t spoken yet.” If someone feels excluded, check in privately. If tensions rise, take a break and revisit ground rules. Always prioritize respect over being “right.”

Document Your Journey

Keep a digital or physical scrapbook of your club’s history: photos, book lists, member quotes, favorite quotes from books, and even recipes inspired by readings. This becomes a cherished keepsake and a powerful recruitment tool for new members.

Tools and Resources

Online Platforms

Use these free or low-cost tools to streamline your book club:

• Goodreads: Create a private group to track books, write reviews, and share reading progress. Many Pennsylvanians already use it.
• Google Calendar: Schedule meetings and send automated reminders.
• Google Docs: Share reading lists, discussion questions, and club rules.
• Mailchimp or Substack: Send monthly newsletters with updates, book picks, and event reminders.
• Zoom or Google Meet: For virtual meetings. Use breakout rooms for small-group discussions if your club is large.

Library and Literary Resources in Pennsylvania

Take advantage of Pennsylvania’s excellent public library system:

• Free Library of Philadelphia: Offers book club kits (10 copies of a book + discussion guide) for checkout.
• Pittsburgh Carnegie Library: Hosts regional book club events and author talks.
• State Library of Pennsylvania: Provides access to digital books via OverDrive and Libby.
• Pennsylvania Center for the Book: Offers reading lists, author resources, and regional literary events.
• PA Reads: A statewide initiative promoting literacy and reading communities.

Many libraries also offer free access to audiobooks, e-books, and even online book discussion guides from publishers like Penguin Random House and HarperCollins.

Recommended Book Selection Tools

Struggling to pick your next book? Use these curated lists:

• Book Riot’s “Best Books of the Year” – Updated annually with diverse picks.
• BookBrowse’s “Book Club Recommendations” – Includes discussion guides and author interviews.
• LibraryReads – A list of top 10 books chosen by librarians nationwide, updated monthly.
• The New York Times Book Review – Great for literary fiction and nonfiction.
• “Books by Pennsylvania Authors” – Search the PA Center for the Book’s website for regional voices.

Printed Materials and Kits

Some libraries and bookstores offer “Book Club in a Box” kits that include:

• 10 copies of a book
• Discussion questions
• Author biography
• Background information on themes

These are often free to borrow and can be a game-changer for new clubs. Ask your local library if they offer this service.

Real Examples

Example 1: The Lancaster Literary Circle

Founded in 2019 by a retired English teacher in Lancaster County, this club meets monthly at the Lancaster Public Library. With 18 members, they focus on historical fiction and nonfiction about Pennsylvania’s Amish and Mennonite communities. Their first book was Plain Truth by Jodi Picoult, which sparked a lively debate on cultural identity and justice. They now host quarterly author visits and partner with the Lancaster County Historical Society to provide context for readings. Attendance has grown steadily through library outreach and word-of-mouth.

Example 2: Philly Pages & Pints

This informal, 25-member group meets at a cozy South Philadelphia brewery. They read one book per month, alternating between fiction and nonfiction. Their unique twist? Each meeting includes a themed drink (e.g., a “Gatsby Gin Fizz” for The Great Gatsby). They use Goodreads to vote on books and maintain a shared playlist of songs mentioned in the novels. The club’s relaxed vibe and social component have made it one of the most popular literary gatherings in the city.

Example 3: The Scranton Women’s Book Collective

Started by a group of nurses at a local hospital, this club focuses on memoirs and social justice narratives. They meet every other month in a quiet corner of the Scranton Public Library. Their most impactful discussion was on Born a Crime by Trevor Noah, which led to a community-wide donation drive for youth literacy programs. They now partner with local schools to donate books and host reading nights for teens.

Example 4: The Pocono Mountain Book Club

A rural club with 12 members from surrounding towns, they meet in rotating homes. They prioritize nature writing and regional authors. Their reading list includes Walden by Thoreau, The Overstory by Richard Powers, and Mountain City by Pennsylvania native David R. Ross. They’ve created a “Nature Walk & Read” tradition—taking short hikes before their meetings to connect literature with the landscape. Their connection to place has deepened members’ appreciation for both nature and narrative.

Example 5: Temple University Book Club (Student-Led)

Run by graduate students at Temple University in North Philadelphia, this club brings together undergraduates, faculty, and community members. They read contemporary global literature and host monthly panels with professors from the English and Africana Studies departments. Their meetings are recorded and posted on YouTube, reaching hundreds beyond the campus. They’ve become a model for academic-community collaboration.

FAQs

Do I need to be a literature expert to start a book club?

No. Book clubs thrive on diverse perspectives, not academic credentials. Your role is to facilitate conversation, not lecture. Many successful clubs are led by people who simply love reading and want to share that joy.

How many people should be in a book club?

Ideal size is 8–15 members. Smaller groups allow everyone to speak; larger groups can become unwieldy. If you have more than 20, consider splitting into two smaller clubs.

Should we charge membership fees?

Not necessarily. Most Pennsylvania book clubs are free. If you plan to host events at venues that charge (e.g., a restaurant), consider a small, voluntary contribution (e.g., $5 per meeting) to cover snacks or room rental. Always be transparent about costs.

What if no one shows up to the first meeting?

Don’t be discouraged. It’s common. Reach out to those who signed up but didn’t attend—ask why. Adjust your meeting time, location, or promotion strategy. Sometimes it takes two or three tries to find the right rhythm.

Can I start a book club for kids or teens?

Absolutely. Many Pennsylvania libraries offer youth book clubs. Choose age-appropriate titles, incorporate games or crafts, and invite parents to join the first meeting. The Children’s Library at the Free Library of Philadelphia has excellent resources for teen readers.

How do I find books by Pennsylvania authors?

Visit the Pennsylvania Center for the Book website (www.pacenterforthebook.org). They maintain a searchable database of authors, publishers, and regional titles. Look for books set in Pennsylvania or written by residents—these often offer rich local context.

Can I start a virtual book club with members from other states?

Yes. Many Pennsylvania book clubs include members from neighboring states like New Jersey, New York, or Ohio. Use Zoom and Goodreads to stay connected. The geographic diversity can enrich your discussions with broader perspectives.

How often should we change the book?

Monthly is most common. Biweekly works if members are fast readers; quarterly is better for dense or lengthy books. Let your group decide based on reading pace and availability.

What if someone hasn’t finished the book?

That’s okay. Encourage them to participate anyway. You can assign them a role like “note-taker” or “theme tracker.” The goal is inclusion, not perfection.

Can I start a book club at my workplace?

Definitely. Many Pennsylvania companies support employee resource groups, including literary ones. Propose it to HR as a wellness or team-building initiative. It can improve morale and communication.

Conclusion

Starting a book club in Pennsylvania is a meaningful way to connect with your community, explore diverse voices, and deepen your relationship with literature. Whether you’re in a quiet rural town or a vibrant urban center, the tools, resources, and people you need are already here. Libraries, bookstores, and neighbors are waiting to join you. By following this step-by-step guide—defining your purpose, choosing the right format, recruiting thoughtfully, and fostering respectful dialogue—you’re not just starting a book club; you’re creating a space where stories come alive and connections are forged.

Remember: the most successful book clubs aren’t the ones with the most intellectual members—they’re the ones that feel like home. Be patient. Be inclusive. Be curious. And above all, keep reading. Pennsylvania’s literary landscape is vast, rich, and waiting for you to help shape its next chapter.