Post by Megan, Information Services staff
We may be biased, but book clubs are fabulous! In this series, we’ll tell you why book clubs are wonderful, share some local clubs and later provide you with ideas for hosting your own.
So… Why join a book club? Here are our top 3 reasons:
1. Connect with others.
Book clubs are social events with built in ice breakers and a low level of commitment. There is often a host to drive the conversation and it takes time to read, so you won’t be going to a meeting every week. Book clubs are usually held once per month.
2. Tackle tough topics.
These days there are many pressing societal issues. The media presents an overwhelming view of the top stories, but reading a book shares information in a calm, controlled way. Good books immerse you in someone else’s diverse story. Plus, book clubs are safe spaces to have those important conversations. There’s a reason why parents come back to books to teach children important topics!
3. It’s brain training!
Reading is a work out for your brain. It can change the way you think, improve your capacity for empathy and might even prevent dementia!
Don’t believe us? The Stratford Writers’ Festival has a list of 6 reason to join a book club and Real Simple Magazine breaks down 8 Science-Based Reasons to Read.
Join a Book Club
If you’re new to book clubs, joining an existing one first is a fantastic way to get started. Bring a friend or get ready to make new connections.
KPL Book Clubs
The library hosts several book clubs each month. Check out our website for details or explore the images below for upcoming selections.
QueerKPL Media Club: On October 27, this 2SLGBTQIA+ friendly group will be reviewing Over the Top by Jonathan Van Ness. 
Coffee & Crime: In October, the Wednesday morning Coffee & Crime club are discussing The Seven Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle by Stuart Turton. 
In November, the Coffee & Crime club is reading The Guest List by Lucy Foley. 
Reading Central: October’s book for this Wednesday evening group is The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V.E. Schwab. 
November’s Reading Central pick is Anxious People by Frederik Backman. 
Grand Reads: In October, read The Pull of the Stars by Emma Donoghue with Grand River Stanley Park Staff. Plus, you can watch her talk about this novel on our YouTube page! 
The One Book, One Community selection for 2021 is Extraordinary Canadians by Peter Mansbridge and Mark Bulgutch. Catch the authors live on YouTube on September 23 at 7:00 pm.
Local Book Clubs
The Branches Anti-Racist Book Club
This club is offered by The Branches (Yoga) in Downtown Kitchener. It’s a free book club covering anti-racist materials. They meet several times over a number of months to discuss each book. This fall they will be reading The Body is Not an Apology: the Power of Radical Self-Love by Sonya Renee Taylor.
This is a brand-new book club, started by Laura Mae Lindo, the current MPP for Kitchener Centre. The goal is to “[bring] people together for some “Real Talk” – our very own book and film club grounded in love, care compassion and a desire to create the community and the world we want.” Real Talk just finished their first book Until We Are Free: Reflections on Black Lives Matter in Canada.
International Book Clubs
Each month, this online/IRL (in-real-life) book club highlights books written by authors of color. They also send their monthly book picks to incarcerated folks through their prison program. In September they are reading Belly of the Beast by Da’Shaun L. Harrison, Heavy by Kiese Laymon, and The Skin I’m In by Sharon G Flake.
Reese (Witherspoon)’s Book Club
Each month this southern actress picks a book with a woman at the center of the story. You’ll need to download the free app to join in on discussions and content, but September’s adult pick is L.A. Weather by María Amparo Escandón.
More Book Clubs
Looking for more suggestions of what to watch / listen / read next? Request a DiscoveREAD surprise bag. Don’t have a library card yet? Get one here. Have a question? Email us at askkpl@org.
Have questions? Want more recommendations?
Call: 519-743-0271 | TTY: 1-877-614-4832 | Email: askkpl@kpl.org | Chat: kpl.org
Kitchener Public Library 
[…] Last month we showed you some great options to get started in the book club world. We shared information about book clubs happening at Kitchener Public Library, the local community and internationally. This month we’re setting you up to start your own club! […]
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[…] clubs are fabulous! In this series, we’ve told you why we think book clubs are wonderful, shared some clubs you can join and given you ideas for hosting your own. Now we’re here with more recommendations from […]
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