Library book clubs for kids and teens

Library book clubs for kids and teens usually show up in two simple forms: a library-run group that meets to talk about books, or a book club kit that lets one organizer borrow multiple copies of the same title plus discussion help for the whole group. The exact rules vary by library, but many families, teens, teachers, and youth staff can either join a club, borrow a kit, or ask a local library to request one through a state or regional sharing program. (in.gov)

What a kids or teen library book club can look like

Not every youth book club works the same way, and that is good news. Some clubs ask everyone to read the same title before meeting. Others are lighter and more flexible. Gretna Public Library's Bookwyrms club is for young adults in 6th through 12th grade and uses a bring-your-own-book format built around a theme or challenge. Caldwell Public Library's teen club invites ages 13 to 17 to read a book that interests them in the month's category and then discuss it together. (gretnapubliclibrary.org)

That means a book club does not have to feel like extra homework. A youth club can be a quiet discussion group, a themed reading challenge, or a social hour with snacks and book talk. Gretna says its club includes books, games, crafts, and company, while Caldwell describes a monthly discussion over snacks. (gretnapubliclibrary.org)

Age ranges also vary a lot. One library may group teens by grades, while another uses a set age band. Gretna uses grades 6 through 12 for Bookwyrms, and Caldwell welcomes teens ages 13 to 17. The easiest way to see what is offered near you is to search your city, county or ZIP or browse the site's state-by-state pages. (gretnapubliclibrary.org)

What is usually inside a youth book club kit

A youth book club kit is meant to save time. Instead of finding copies one by one, the library bundles the reading materials and the discussion help together. Official examples show how different these kits can be: Chicago Public Library says its Reading Sets include 8 to 12 copies, Indiana's kids and teen kits include 15 copies, Indiana's Spanish kits include 30 copies, and Kentucky says youth kits include up to 20 copies. (chipublib.org)

The discussion piece matters too. Indiana says its kids and teen kits include a discussion guide. Kentucky says its book discussion kits include an audiobook when available and a discussion guide, and some youth kits also include a large print and-or Spanish copy of the title. Chicago says select Reading Sets feature discussion questions. (in.gov)

For a parent, teen volunteer, teacher, or youth librarian, that can remove a lot of planning work. If you want help finding local kits, start with the Book club kit finder, then read How to borrow a book club kit from your library for the step-by-step basics. (in.gov)

How borrowing usually works

The biggest surprise for many families is that one person is often responsible for the whole kit. Chicago Public Library says the reservation holder must pick up the Reading Set in person, the full set must be returned together, and each item in the set is checked out to that one cardholder's account. If there are 10 copies in the set, all 10 copies go on that one account. (chipublib.org)

Loan periods and advance notice can be very different from place to place. Chicago's Reading Sets check out for a 35-day period, must be reserved at least 7 days in advance, have a 14-day buffer between reservations, and cannot be renewed. Indiana's kids and teen Book Club Kits check out for 90 days, and the state library tells borrowers to add 2 weeks to the front of the reservation for shipping. Colorado's statewide Book Club Resource loans sets for 8 weeks at a time, with renewals if no other holds are waiting. (chipublib.org)

Before you place a hold, check these points:

• Who is allowed to borrow the kit: an adult, a teen, a teacher, or a staff contact.
• How many copies come in the set.
• How long the checkout lasts.
• Whether renewals are allowed.
• How far ahead you need to reserve.
• Whether one person is responsible for every copy in the bag.
• Whether pickup and return happen through your branch, a partner library, or a state courier. (chipublib.org)

Because local borrowing rules can change, confirm deadlines, card requirements, and any lost-item or replacement rules with your library or the relevant state library office before you plan your schedule. (in.gov)

Statewide programs can open more choices

A local branch may not own many youth kits, but that does not always mean the answer is no. Some state libraries and statewide networks lend kits to local libraries, which then pass them along to community groups. Colorado's Book Club Resource says the program exists so library staff can gather materials for book clubs, that sets may be used for internal library programs or sub-lent to community book clubs, and that there is no cost to use the program. Its sets go out for 8 weeks at a time. (coloradovirtuallibrary.org)

Indiana's State Library runs Book Club Kits for Kids and Teens for public library youth librarians and teachers across the state. West Virginia says its State Library has more than 360 Book Discussion Group kits for public libraries to borrow. Kentucky's state library also offers youth book discussion kits in different genres and themes. (in.gov)

Planning rules can also look different in these statewide systems. Indiana allows up to 24 youth Book Club Kits per month and says there are no back-to-back reservations of the same kit. West Virginia asks groups to send about a year's worth of titles, plus 3 to 5 alternate choices, and notes that most kits have 10 to 15 available copies. (in.gov)

If your branch does not have what you need, ask whether staff can request a kit through a state program or another sharing network. Our guide to Using interlibrary loan for your book club can help you ask the right questions. (coloradovirtuallibrary.org)

How to join or start a club for kids or teens

Joining is usually easier than starting from scratch. Ask the youth services desk or teen librarian whether the library already has a children’s, tween, or teen discussion group. If nothing is listed, ask whether staff would support a small pilot group with regular copies, a book club kit, or a themed bring-your-own-book format. Gretna and Caldwell both show that teen clubs can work with flexible formats, not just one assigned title for everyone. (gretnapubliclibrary.org)

If you want to start one, keep the first version simple:

1. Pick a clear age band or grade range.
2. Choose a format: one shared title or a theme-based club.
3. Decide whether you need a book club kit or ordinary copies.
4. Ask about lead time before you announce the date.
5. Keep the first meeting short and welcoming. (gretnapubliclibrary.org)

A teen-friendly club does not have to be formal. Gretna's Bookwyrms uses a themed format, while Caldwell's club invites teens to bring a book that fits the category and discuss it over snacks. If your library likes the idea but has no ready-made plan, share How to start a book club at your library with staff or volunteers. (gretnapubliclibrary.org)

Good youth book clubs make room for different readers

One reason kits work well for youth groups is that they reduce access problems. Kentucky says some youth kits include large print and-or Spanish copies. Indiana offers separate Spanish Book Club Kits with 30 copies and a discussion guide. Those details can make a real difference for bilingual groups, mixed reading needs, or clubs that want every child to have a copy in a format that works. (kdla.ky.gov)

Flexible formats can help too. A theme-based club may work better when reading levels or interests are spread out, because readers are not locked into one title. Gretna's bring-your-own-book model is one example, and Caldwell's category-based teen club is another. When you do want a shared title, a kit with built-in discussion questions can make the meeting easier to lead. (gretnapubliclibrary.org)

Frequently asked questions

Do kids or teens need a library card to join?

Sometimes yes, sometimes no. Chicago requires a cardholder in good standing to reserve a Reading Set, but Caldwell says its teen book club is free and open to the public with no library card or registration required. Check the club page or ask staff before you invite a group. (chipublib.org)

Can one person borrow the whole kit for the group?

Often, yes. Chicago says the reservation holder is responsible for the entire set, and all copies are checked out to that one account. In Colorado's statewide program, dedicated library staff manage the loan from the State Library and may sub-lend the set to a community book club. (chipublib.org)

What if my library does not have youth book club kits?

Ask whether staff can request one through a state or regional sharing system. Indiana, Kentucky, Colorado, and West Virginia all offer official statewide youth or community book club lending options in different forms. You can also use our How to borrow a book club kit from your library guide to prepare your request. (in.gov)

How far ahead should we plan?

It depends on the system. Chicago says to reserve at least 7 days ahead. Indiana says to add 2 weeks to the front of the reservation for shipping. West Virginia asks recurring groups to send about a year's worth of title choices, plus 3 to 5 alternates, when planning ongoing book club use. (chipublib.org)