How to create a social book club to motivate reading for pleasure
Social book clubs are a proven way to motivate young people, especially disengaged readers, to engage with books and reading in a pressure-free social setting. They provide a relaxed space for conversation and choice, helping to positively change students’ attitudes toward reading.
Step-by-step guide
Follow these simple steps to set up a successful social book club in your school.
Select your students:
• Identify a small group of students (6-8 is ideal) who would benefit most
• Frame the club as an exclusive, positive experience, not a formal lesson. Disengaged students will kick against the idea if they feel forced, so tell them it is not compulsory.
Create a welcoming space:
• Find a quiet, comfortable corner, preferably in the library. Avoid using a classroom. Make sure it book club happens during the school day, not at break time or after school.
• Use accessories like cushions and blankets to create a cozy atmosphere. Snacks are always a great addition! It’s important that book club feels very different from a lesson.
Gather our resources:
• Curate a special selection of books reserved exclusively for the club to make it feel special.
• Involve students in choosing new books to give them a sense of ownership.
Run your sessions:
• Build relationships: Start sessions by getting to know each other. Encourage students to share highlights from their week, or talk about what they did at the weekend.
• Encourage choice: Give students choice: what to read, and whether to read during or between sessions.
• Spark discussion: Read extracts aloud and connect stories to students’ own lives. Use film clips or podcasts as alternative ways to engage.
• Keep it structured: Maintain a good pace and break up sessions with different activities to keep students interested.
• Address resistance: Create a safe space where students can talk openly about their barriers to reading. If students don’t engage, ask them to leave.
For more detailed information visit the
Why it works: the outcomes
Research shows that social book clubs have a significant positive impact on students.
Hear from librarians and students…
• Increased interest: 60% of students reported being more interested in books and reading after joining a book club.
• More reading:
Over half of the students (52%) said they were reading more than before.
• Positive experience:
An overwhelming 84% of students felt the book club was a worthwhile experience, with 82% wanting to continue.
• Emotional wellbeing: Students felt relaxed, happy, and more confident in expressing their thoughts. The clubs helped build new friendships and a sense of community.
For more reading inspiration go to www.booksquad.co.uk
I have found book club to be an amazing experience.
Student
Seeing how some students, who didn’t class themselves as readers, or found it difficult, found a book that they enjoyed and felt so proud of reading it, was a privilege.
School librarian
It is lovely to be able to form positive relationships with students that wouldn’t normally choose to come to the library, in a no pressure environment.
Librarian
its my faveroutie i and i want to do this evrery week and its a very good experience and i think it should continue.
Student