Hosting a Book Club with Comics Plus
Traditional book clubs have long been essential to core library programming, and opportunities for social interaction around shared interests are becoming more fragmented, especially online. Book clubs can introduce readers of all ages and interests to new points of view and subjects they may have never considered before, while providing a welcoming safe space to have their voices heard. The comics medium can be a powerful equalizer for readers of different reading levels, languages, and cultural backgrounds. There are comics, graphic novels, and manga for all interests, and many offer multiple volumes for readers to dive into after discovering a story they love. With unlimited, simultaneous access to thousands of titles at all reading and interest levels, Comics Plus is the perfect platform for bringing readers together, whether in a physical or virtual setting. If you’re interested in starting a comic book club at your library or school, these tips will help ensure your readers have the best experience. Find recommended reading lists at librarypass.com/reading-lists.
Prepare
- Determine your goal(s): Whether it’s discovering new books and/or creators, nurturing deeper conversations around important topics, or simply providing a safe space to enjoy comics of all kinds, it’s important to establish clear goals for your book club so potential members know what to expect. Be sure to choose a name that fits the tone you’re aiming for.
- Decide what to read first: Comics Plus offers thousands of potential titles to choose from, and our curated reading lists cover everything from Superheroes, Sci-Fi, and Spooky Reads to American History, Graphic Medicine, and Social & Emotional Learning. If you’re looking for a specific topic or need more ideas, contact us and we’ll help you.
- Decide what to read next: Build deeper engagement by asking for recommendations and offer a few choices readers can vote on in advance. Making the selection process as collaborative as the club conversations themselves is an excellent way to discover creators and titles already of interest to your members that can drive readers' advisory, too.
Promote
- Leverage your website and social media platforms.
- Weekly posts of covers, panels, and links to articles and videos about relevant creators can deepen engagement and expand your book club’s reach.
- Host follow-up discussions on platforms like Discord or Twitch.
Discuss
- Good moderation is a must! Establish a clear agenda and choose a moderator to guide discussions. If using an online forum, have your discussion rules clearly defined and posted.
- Establish clear expectations from the beginning. Give everyone a chance to share their opinion before moving to an open discussion. Remind everyone to be respectful of each other. Even if your book club is meant to inspire spirited debate, mutual respect for different opinions should still be expected and enforced.
- A clear and simple code of conduct will go a long way to ensuring your club is welcoming to everyone who might be interested. Once you have your book club plan mapped out, you’re ready to announce your first pick and host your first meeting!
Also check out CBLDF's Manga Book Club Handbook (PDF) which includes discussion questions to get you started.
