Overview
As a city with numerous universities, multi-storey libraries, top of the range bookstores and Nick Earls, it's no surprise Brisbane residents have dozens of options when it comes to book clubs. There are those that cater to certain demographics and genres, and others who'll have anyone that's up for a read and a chat. If you've a weeknight to spare, need to voice some Game of Thrones angst or simply love free snacks, we've got a book club for you.
AVID READER'S BOOK CLUBS
Between hosting author talks, signings and running a cafe, we have no idea where Avid Reader finds the time to host a menagerie of book clubs. But we're sure happy they somehow do — and we're hardly surprised that they happen to be the most fierce and entertaining in Brisbane. This cherished West End store hosts a range of clubs, including 'Young and Restless', 'Bloody crime', sex, Australian, and open book clubs. If you're new to the book club scene, we recommend Fiona's Open Book Club. It takes place the first Wednesday evening and Thursday morning of each month. So take your pick, or check out Avid Reader's Book Club Guide here.
Avid Reader, 193 Boundary Street, West End
JUNKY COMICS WOMEN'S BOOK CLUB
If you know your Alan Moore from your Alan Martin then the book club at Junky Comics might be your type of scene. West End's newest resident may be a fresh face in the Brisbane bookselling game, but they're already making their mark with this fresh and exciting get together. This book club takes place the first Thursday of every month at 6.30pm in-store. As interest in this club grows, and the venue gets a little too cosy, they'll most likely upsize — keep an eye on their Facebook page for updates.
Junky Comics, 93 Vulture Street, West End
QAGOMA BOOK CLUB
The members-only QAGOMA book club selection reflects some of Queensland's best contemporary writing — and often the exhibitions that are taking place. So far they've read and discussed Robert Henri's The Art Spirit, and in months to come will be reading Hwang Sok-yong's Princess Bari and Maxine Beneba Clarke's Foreign Soil. The book club takes place at three different sessions each month — you can have a look at them here. Just make sure to call ahead and book your spot, and don't forget to suss out the 20% discount available on book club books at the QAGOMA bookstore.
QAGOMA, Stanley Place, South Brisbane
QUEER READERS
Queer Readers takes place at New Farm library on the third Monday of each month. Meetings are divided into two parts: books from the reading list are discussed around the table, then — after a tea break that often includes wine and cheese — members discuss anything else they may have read over the past month. Check out their blog for the latest book reviews and information on their next event.
New Farm Library, 135 Sydney Street, New Farm
4ZZZ BOOK CLUB
Whoever said you need to leave the house to join a book club has obviously never tuned into 4ZZZ. Every Thursday at 7pm Sky, Grace, Amy and Samuel catch up on what's new and exciting in the literary world. They offer reviews, author interviews and, on the first Thursday of every month, discuss their book of the month. Check out their book reviews, and their podcasts.
4ZZFM can be tuned into at Brisbane 102.1FM
BRISBANE CITY COUNCIL LIBRARY BOOK CLUBS
What would a library be without a monthly book club? If you're stuck in the suburbs, then chances are your local library is the best and most convenient spot to sign up to one. The Brisbane City Council libraries exist everywhere from Zilmere to Eight Mile Plains, with most hosting book clubs on a regular basis. These clubs tend to me managed by individual libraries, so give your local library a call and they'll be able to give you all the details. You can find the full list of libraries that host book clubs here.
Various libraries around Brisbane
Top image: Dollar Photo Club.