How to find a book club — and questions to ask before you join

If you’ve ever belonged to a book club, maybe you’ve enjoyed a glass of wine and a few snacks while catching up with old friends and making new ones. Even if you didn’t read the book, you experienced one of the big benefits of book clubs: connecting with others, which can lead to better health and improved well-being.

For those who read the book, there are even more benefits. It can introduce you to different genres, help you read more thoughtfully, and promote lifelong learning. Plus, an upcoming meeting can give you a good excuse to skip the dishes and bury your nose in a book whose plot has just thickened.

Where to find a local or online book club

• Check with your local library, community center or bookstore.

• Search the Bookclubs website (bookclubs.com) or Goodreads (goodreads.com/group). Or check out Meetup (meetup.com) to see if someone near you has organized a book club that sounds interesting.

Questions to ask before joining a book club

How often and where does it meet?

If you get busy, is it OK to miss a month? Will the group meet in a private home? Coffee shop? Or at a library, church or community center meeting room?

What happens at the meetings?

Is it more of a happy hour with a little discussion about the book, or is each member expected to discuss the book and share their thoughts?

Does the club meet in person or online?

In-person meetings are more personal but run the risk of being sidetracked by snacks and small talk. Online discussions stand a better chance of staying on track.

Is there a theme?

Does the club stick to one type of book or do they choose titles from all genres?

How are the books chosen?

Is there a system for nominating and voting on the next book the group reads?

How will the books be discussed?

A structured conversation with someone designated to come up with or find book club questions? Or a free-flowing conversation?

You can always start your own book club. Decide on how you want your club to run based on the questions above, then see if any family, friends or neighbors are interested. Or, you can get the word out online and at your local library and bookstores.