Book Clubs
The Children's Department hosts book club discussion groups for children in 2nd-7th grades. Book club participants currently meet in-person at the Main Library’s Children’s Department one Tuesday a month, October through May. Participants discuss a new book each month in a small group setting facilitated by a library staff member. Book Club books are available for checkout at the Children’s Desk at the Main Library one month prior to the meeting date, and may be available in digital format from the AFL’s digital library or streaming services.
All participants are expected to have finished the assigned title before the meeting and be ready to participate in the discussion. Book Club is a peer-driven club for kids who like to read and talk about books, not a reading-level or reading intervention program. If your child reads at a higher level than their classmates at school, they should still join the club that reflects their grade level. Books chosen may seem easy to read for some, but the discussion topics are complex and the peer group social experience is of great value.
Because our Book Clubs are so popular, participants are selected by lottery. Our groups will be limited to 15 participants each. Watch for announcements via the library’s social media pages, our Events Calendar, and posted outside and inside the library for new sessions. We realize that schedules change, so it’s important to let staff know if your child will miss a meeting or needs to drop out of the club.
Beginning Book Club: Children in 2nd and 3rd grades
Meetings will typically be held on the first Tuesday of the month at 3:30
Intermediate Book Club: Children in 4th and 5th grades
Meetings will typically be held on the second Tuesday of the month at 3:30
Advanced Book Club: Children in 6th and 7th grades
Meetings will typically be held on the third Tuesday of the month at 4:00
Contact the Children's Department by email at aflkidsbookclub@gmail.com , by phone at 510-747-7705, or in person at the Main Library Children's Desk.