Book group participation across the country has been on the rise over the last few years.

Eventbrite, a popular event ticketing platform, reported a 31 percent increase in book club events in 2024. Silent Book Clubs – where members gather to read quietly together – doubled, while romance-fantasy clubs quadrupled.

The growth reflects a larger cultural shift: readers are seeking more social, meaningful ways to engage with books and each other. Libraries have long been a hub for these kinds of connections.

“Book clubs give community members opportunities to gather, listen and be heard,” said West Bloomfield Executive Library Director Cathy Russ. “We see friendships form and grow around the shared experience of reading.”

The West Bloomfield Township Public Library offers at least four monthly book groups open to the public, ranging from the Friends of the Library-sponsored “BOOKTalk,” which reads a variety of current fiction and non-fiction, to “Books on the Trail,” which pairs book discussions with walking outdoors.

There’s even a book club for English language learners.

“Our book groups welcome all kinds of readers – whether you’re a young adult or senior, whether you listen to audio or read electronically or in print, and whether you finished the book or not,” Russ said.

When it comes to choosing what book to read next, availability is key. According to a 2024 survey from Penguin Random House, book clubs prioritize books that are easy to access, then look at genre and theme. Literary fiction remains the most popular genre among book groups.

To support book clubs, the library offers more than 70 Book Group Kits for checkout. Each kit includes 10 copies of a title and discussion materials. Kits are available near the nonfiction section at the Main Library or can be reserved with staff help. Some kits also include large print editions, making them accessible for a wider range of readers.

In addition to connecting local book clubs with their next read, the library offers book clubs a space to meet. Library members can register their book group online at wblib.org and reserve the conference room up to three months in advance, free of charge. In 2024, book groups accounted for a third of the library’s conference room reservations.

To celebrate National Book Group Month, the library will host New York Times bestselling author Lisa Unger on Monday, October 6 at 6:30 p.m. in the Main Library Meeting Room. Unger is known for gripping thrillers like “The New Couple in 5B” and “Close Your Eyes and Count to 10.” Registration is required.

Unger’s visit is free, generously funded by the Friends of the Library and dedicated to the memory of Alice Matonic. Registered book club members and the general public are welcome to reserve their seats.

Whether you're a longtime book club devotee or curious about joining one, there's never been a better time to get started. Visit the library’s website to explore upcoming book groups, reserve a kit or sign up for the October reception.