Are you an avid reader? Do you like to curl up on the sofa and get lost in a book? If so, you’re not alone. Some of your neighbors probably enjoy a good read as a change from TV and internet browsing, so how about getting together to discuss your favorite books? Book clubs are extremely popular these days, so if there isn’t one in your neighborhood yet, you’ll have fans flocking to yours. Here are some guidelines to get you started.

Notify your neighborhood

Float your idea with friends and neighbors to gauge the likely response in your locality. Some may offer to help set up and run the club, in which case, they could start by helping you notify residents over a wider area. This could be done through a combination of flyers through doors, announcements on social media and notices in store windows. Perhaps your community has a website or monthly newsletter where you can advertise the venture, too.

Plan a format

Work with your growing team to draw up a format for your club meetings. This might include taking turns to choose the book for discussion and host the gathering, as well as practicalities like how often to meet and at what time of day. You’ll also need to consider how members can access the books – a matter which your local library may be able to help with. Alternatively, some readers might like to hire electronic versions while others take turns with available hard copies.

Choose a book

Select one of your favorite books to present at your first meeting. This might be a novel or a nonfiction book, preferably fairly light for a relaxed introduction to the club. Pick out an alluring paragraph to engage members and whet their appetites to read more. You could also set a few questions about the work in preparation for next session’s discussion.

Put the kettle on

Provide a homely setting for your introductory meeting, such as your living room or kitchen, where people will feel comfortable to read and chat together, whether they know each other or not. Coffee and cookies, or other light refreshments, will help break the ice and ensure your first event goes with a swing.

Pass on the hosting role and relax

At the end of your first meeting, pick a volunteer to host the next one, in which your chosen book will be discussed. That host can choose the next book and host, and before you know it, your project will be in full flow. Taking turns to host the discussions will ensure everyone is equally involved and committed.

You’ll soon find you’ve made a bunch of new friends as well as discovering wonderful books and enjoying stimulating discussions. All you need do now is line up another great read for your next turn – and top up the cookie jar.