How to start a book club for seniors? You may have seen groups whose members hold regular meetings, either virtually or non-virtually, discuss and exchange ideas about the books they have read, and share their experiences of reading different books with each other. Book club, book reading club, study circle, book reading group, etc. are common names chosen for these activities.
The purpose of writing this short guide of Human Health Mag website, is to help promote reading through community-based activities based on the needs of different groups in society. A book club like virtual museum tours for homebound seniors is a good example of such activities. Regardless of the name, the philosophy of this activity is to promote reading, create a habit of reading, and its output is expected to be the synergy of the value received from the books read through the interaction of members with each other and the transfer of perceptions and views.
Of course, the benefits of a book club go beyond that. By joining a book club, you get to know a group of people who have different perspectives on a text. This way, you can look at a book from different perspectives, broaden your understanding of the books you are reviewing, and strengthen your ability to discuss and criticize.
How to Start a Book Club for Seniors? Most Important Steps Involved in Forming and Launching a Book Club
How to start a book club for seniors? If you are interested in starting a book club for seniors, this article may be useful to you. So, it is better to take a look at the most important steps related to forming and starting a book club.
- Form a group and invite members
Form the core of the club. It is best to start with 2 or 3 people with whom you have common study interests. Some believe that it is better to have about 8 to 11 members.
- Determine the type of club
Determine the scope of the book club. Choose a point on the two ends of the spectrum from purely social to purely scientific and academic that suits the tastes and interests of the core of the club. In this way, you can prepare for the third step.
- Set goals
Set goals for your club. Think about “why” you are doing this and what you expect from forming the club. If you set goals well and logically, you will not have much trouble implementing your desired plans. With a little creativity, you can reflect this goal in the name of the club.
- Advertise
Ask club members (especially core members) to promote the club at the city, school, university, organization, or any place where you think you will have a larger audience. Cyberspace can also help make this work better and faster.
- Determine a place to hold the club
How to start a book club for seniors? If you plan to launch the club virtually, consider a space on the web or social networks and prepare the work. You may want to launch the club non-virtually. In this case, you need to find a suitable hangout and place to hold the club. Of course, you can have a hybrid club; sometimes hold club meetings online and also set aside time for chats and in-person meetings. Decide on this based on the type and scope of the book club’s activities.
- Define a schedule for the club
Set a specific time for meetings. Set specific dates and times that core members must be present. It is best to create a timetable and plan out the plans for a semester or year.
- Set rules for the club
These rules are determined based on the club’s goal. To determine these rules, you can use the following list:
- Designate a manager for each meeting
- Determine the manager’s duties
- Obligations of club members
- Time of meetings
- Location and duration of each meeting
- Method of notification
- Type of archiving and maintaining club records
It is better to state these rules at the first meeting and have the members agree on them.
- Have a plan for choosing books
The most important task of the club is choosing books. To make it easier for you to choose the books you want, it is better to pay attention to the goals and develop study plans accordingly. The most important questions at this stage are “Who will choose the books?” and “What books will be chosen?”
If possible, provide a way for all members to access the original text of the books. If you are a librarian, you can take advantage of the library facilities or encourage members to become members of libraries in the city. If electronic and online versions are available with permission from the publisher, you can also use this solution.
- Discuss the book
The most important work of the club is done in this step. To better manage this step, you can ask some members to provide background information about the book and its content. Discussion of the author or translator, introduction of his other works and a brief biography of the author are also suitable for introducing the discussion. After that, members can express their opinions and views on the subject, ask possible questions and exchange ideas. The rules of the club specify the method of discussing the book.
Generally, members are required to read all or a specific section of the assigned book before attending the meeting. The meeting manager monitors the schedule and tries to ensure that all members have an equal amount of time to express their views. At the end of this stage, a suitable conclusion and summary of the discussion is made, along with the introduction of relevant books and resources, and the presentation of the program for the next meeting.
- Inform others about the output of each meeting
It is better to prepare a summary of the discussions raised in each meeting and make it available to others. In addition to helping to form the club’s archive, this may encourage others to read the books introduced in the club and promote the club’s activities in this way.
Concluding Remarks
How to start a book club for seniors? Undoubtedly, holding a book club cannot be summarized only in the steps listed and can have more details. If you have experience in starting or being a member of a book club, please help those who love to promote reading in the community by publishing it in the comments section.
We’re curious to hear your thoughts! What’s your take on this topic? Comment below and join the conversation; your opinion could spark new ideas!
Frequently Asked Question
What is a book club?
A book club or reading group is a group of readers who participate in weekly or monthly book discussion sessions. Traditionally, book clubs have several members who meet monthly to discuss a particular work. A book club can also be a place to buy books.
Can using technology help your senior book club succeed?
There are several online tools you can use to manage your club. For example, you can use virtual groups like Facebook or Telegram groups for discussions between meetings. Also, tools like Google Calendar can help you schedule meetings and remind members. Using reading apps like Goodreads can also help you keep track of books you’ve read and suggest new ones.