If you want to get involved with a local book club, this post is for you. Below we’ve featured 10 of the best book clubs in Chicago.
1. Noname Book Club
Noname Book Club is a book club with a number of local chapters in various states in the US, including one in Chicago, Illinois. The books read at Noname Book Club include fiction and non-fiction books, novels and short stories, many of which are written by black authors.
The book club actively promotes books about black culture and encourages members to purchase books from black-owned businesses. For book club members who may only want to borrow the book of the week in order to participate in the book club, Noname Book Club has also created connections with libraries near their chapters across the country.
Reach out to Noname Book Club.
2. The No Book Club
Based in Chicago, Illinois, The No Book Club is a book club that doesn’t specify a singular specific book to read but encourages members to bring the book they happen to be enjoying to share with others. You can expect a lively discussion and share about different genres of fiction and non-fiction books alike.
The online book club meets the last Monday at 1 in the afternoon. The public library branches of Edgewater Branch Library, as well as the associations Friends of the Edgewater Library and Edgewater Village Chicago, help to promote and provide structure to The No Book Club.
Connect with The No Book Club.
3. Chicago Nerd Social Club Bookclub
Chicago Nerd Social Club’s Science Fiction/Fantasy Bookclub is an extension of Chicago Nerd Social Club, a group of science fiction and fantasy enthusiasts who enjoy and want to promote an active discussion and sharing about great reads. Located in Chicago, Illinois, the book club meets on the second Monday of every month to share books, ideas and opinions.
Past discussions at Chicago Nerd Social Club Bookclub have ranged from religion, history and politics to philosophy and science, so participants joining Chicago Nerd Social Club Bookclub for the first time can expect a wide range of subject matter. For information about current meeting times and locations, email Chicago Nerd Social Club Bookclub for updates.
Speak to Chicago Nerd Social Club Bookclub
4. One Book, One Chicago
Established in 2001 by the Chicago Public Library, One Book, One Chicago is a book club that aims to encourage reading within the community. The aim of One Book, One Chicago is that, by reading books that uplift and educate, the community of Chicago can have an opportunity to learn together with like-minded individuals.
Since those early days, One Book, One Chicago has continued to grow and add members who love the camaraderie that One Book, One Chicago offers. In 2013, One Book, One Chicago expanded its mission and project as a book club and now promotes not simply a book a month but themes that Chicagoans can learn about through reading.
Contact One Book, One Chicago.
5. Nasty Women Bookclub
Nasty Women Bookclub is a book club that was originally launched in Washington, D.C., in 2017 and has since expanded to a number of locations across the country, including one in Chicago, Illinois. The Chicago edition of Nasty Women Bookclub is run by Annie Brown, who manages the book club meetings on the website Meetup.com.
Nasty Women Bookclub is a book club that reads a range of books, including feminist novels and modern popular fiction. On occasion, Nasty Women Bookclub will meet for brunch on Saturday to change the venue and atmosphere. Members should know that there is a 22-dollarfee for every meeting of the book club that goes towards the cost of maintaining an active Meetup membership.
Find out more about Nasty Women Bookclub.
6. The Far Northside Co-Ed Book Club
Situated in Chicago, Illinois, The Far Northside Co-Ed Book Club is a book club that meets in locations within the local areas of Edgewater, Andersonville and Rogers Park. Participants who might live or work outside of those areas are, of course, welcome to join as well! Their meetings are held in local restaurants or online.
The Far Northside Co-Ed Book Club is a well-organized book club and publishes the books that the book club will discuss at its meetings a few months in advance, allowing students and working participants to find the time to complete reading the books in question. Book club participants are encouraged to vote for the books they are interested in reading online.
Learn what else The Far Northside Co-Ed Book Club is up to!
7. Logan Square Book Club
Logan Square Book Club is a book club that meets up in private homes and other local venues in Chicago, Illinois. Active since 2012, the book club is run by the head organizer Kirsten Park, who manages Logan Square Book Club with the help of other members of leadership.
Participants of Logan Square Book Club should remember to bring 2 dollars to the book club meeting, money that will go towards staying in good standing with Meetup.com. Logan Square Book Club encourages people to bring their favorite snack (with enough to share!) and come prepared for a lively discussion about the book of the meet.
Check out Logan Square Book Club.
8. Lakeview/Southport Book Club
Based in Chicago, Illinois, Lakeview/Southport Book Club is a book club run by organizer Kim Yeatts. The book club meets in person monthly, usually on a Wednesday, and has a total membership of over 200 active participants. Actively meeting since 2020, the book club meetings are usually joined by an average of 5-6 book club readers, making it a cozy atmosphere to discuss a book and make new connections.
Lakeview/Southport Book Club has discussed both fiction and non-fiction books in the past, and the group is very responsive to book club members’ requests and book recommendations. Many of Lakeview/Southport Book Club’s reads are popular books for adults.
Discover Lakeview/Southport Book Club!
9. Books to Change Your Life Chicago Book Club
Books to Change Your Life Chicago Book Club is a book club in Chicago, Illinois. The book club meets online, and members are welcome to join with video or only audio. Meetings are monthly, usually on Monday. The book club has been active since 2020.
Since many of the books that Books to Change Your Life Chicago Book Club goes through are long and challenging, the book club often covers a single book in a number of meetings. Books to Change Your Life Chicago Book Club’s actively looks for great books like fiction novels, classic literature, and non-fiction books on history, philosophy, economics, and science.
Start a conversation with Books to Change Your Life Chicago Book Club.
10. The Mahogany Book Club
The Mahogany Book Club is a book club and social club that promotes books written by black authors. Different events include book club meetings at restaurants and cafes and special events involving food and drinks. The Mahogany Book Club is made up of active, friendly readers who are always on the search for the next good read.
The books that The Mahogany Book Club promotes at its meetings include fiction and non-fiction books. Participants can enjoy books about spirituality and self-improvement and simply books for enjoyment with other The Mahogany Book Club participants.
Take a look at The Mahogany Book Club!