Book Clubs
Townsville Citylibraries Book Club service offers opportunities to meet new friends, connect with books you love, discover new writers and enrich your reading experience. Whether you are starting your own group or joining an existing one, Citylibraries can provide the tools and support to make your book club experience enjoyable and easy.
On this page you can find:
What We Offer to Book Clubs
Townsville Citylibraries offers the following tools and support to book clubs:
Access to Over 120 Book Club Sets
Each set contains 6 to 12 copies of the same title, making it easy for all members to read the same book.
Discover the full range of book clubs sets in our online catalogue.
Flexible Borrowing Period
Borrow up to two book club sets for up to six weeks.
Easy Online Requests
Book your club’s selected titles online, quickly and conveniently.
Invitations to Special Events
Opt in to receive e-News regarding upcoming Citylibraries events.
Free Use of Library Meeting Rooms
Book a library space for your club meetings at no charge.
Register Your Book Club
Start your own book club and take advantage of the range of free services Citylibraries has on offer.
All book club members must have an active Townsville Citylibraries membership. You can register for a free membership online or visit a Citylibraries branch in person.
After that your book club's coordinator should:
Join an Existing Book Club
Interested in joining an established book club? Some community-led book clubs welcome new members.
You can search the catalogue to find clubs that are open to new participants.
For more options, including online and interstate clubs, explore Book clubs around Australia, where you’ll find a growing list of book clubs and reading communities from across the country.
Local bookshops often host their own book clubs. These can be discovered through a quick online search or by browsing their social media pages. For further details, we recommend reaching out to the bookshops directly.
Online Book Clubs
Prefer an online book club? Townsville Citylibraries provides free access eLibrary resources including Libby, the Library App.
Libby, the Library App
Libby, the Library App, offers a wide selection of eBooks, audiobooks, and magazines. Through Libby, you can also participate in exciting online book clubs that bring readers together across Australia.
Ben's Book Club
Ben’s Book Club, hosted by Australian author Ben Hobson, features a new book each month from local authors. Readers can explore these titles and join insightful virtual discussions.
For more information and to connect with fellow readers head to Ben’s Book Club Facebook group.
Together We Read
Together We Read is a two-week, nationwide digital book club, enabling Australians to borrow and enjoy the same eBook or audiobook simultaneously, without waitlists or holds. It’s a unique opportunity to participate in a shared reading experience and connect with others.
Australia's Biggest Book Club
Looking for an engaging online book club? Each month, The Australia Institute hosts a live webinar featuring a new non-fiction title and its author. Participants can enjoy exclusive book offers and the chance to interact with acclaimed writers.
For more information and to join the club, visit the Australia Institute website.
eAudiobooks and eBooks for Book Clubs
Many book club titles are available digitally as eAudiobooks or eBooks.
Check out our eLibrary for available formats and enjoy flexibility in your club’s reading experience.
Useful Online Resources for Book Clubs
Some useful online resources for your book club are:
- Citylibraries Reading Recommendations
- Better Reading
- Goodreads
- LitLovers – resources, reviews, reading guides
- Reading Group Guides – an online community for reading groups, offers new ideas, reading group guides and other helpful information
- Good Reading Magazine – an Australian resource offering book club reading recommendations, reading notes, podcasts, and more via their online platform. Physical copies of the magazine are available in-branch and can be reserved with your personal library membership.
Book Club Questions and Answers
What is a book club?
A book club is a welcoming space where people come together regularly to read and discuss a shared book. It’s more than just reading – it’s about connecting with others, exchanging ideas, and exploring different perspectives through literature.
By joining a book club, you’ll have the opportunity to:
- meet new people who share your interest in reading
- discover new authors and genres you might not have chosen on your own
- stay motivated to read and explore a wider range of books
- engage in meaningful discussions that deepen your understanding and enjoyment of each book
- be part of a friendly, local community that values thoughtful conversation and shared learning.
Our Book Club Collection is thoughtfully curated to encourage engaging discussions and diverse viewpoints. We purposely include books from a wide range of voices, stories and authors, celebrating diversity and promoting inclusion across cultures, identities and experiences.
Who can use the book club service?
Any Townsville Citylibraries member aged 18 or over can register a book club and borrow book club sets.
All participants using the book club service must hold a current Citylibraries membership.
How many people do we need to start a book club?
We recommend a minimum of 4 members to encourage engaging and meaningful discussions. Our book club sets have an average of 8-10 copies, so please keep this in mind when planning your group size.
If your club has more than 10 members, additional participants are welcome to borrow a general copy using their personal library membership. Many book club titles are also available in our general lending collection, making it easy for everyone to access a copy.
Prefer digital? Members can also check for eBooks and eAudiobooks through our eLibrary, perfect for reading or listening on the go.
Can we return a book club set early or late?
What happens if a book is lost or damaged?
Please contact us as soon as possible. Replacement costs may apply; staff will guide you through the process.
Can we change our club’s contact person?
Yes, just get in touch with the library via email to libraryexperiences@townsville.qld.gov.au to update your club’s details.
Can you help us find new members?
Yes! If your club is open to new members, we can list it on our online catalogue where the community can browse and contact your club directly. Contact us to opt in.
What if our club disbands?
Please email us so we can update our records and cancel any future bookings.
Can our club recommend new titles to be bought for the Book Club Collection?
Yes, staff will reach out and invite book clubs to suggest new titles for our collection updates. Book Club coordinators will receive an email notification when the suggestion period is open.
While we cannot guarantee your suggestion will be purchased, your input helps shape a collection that continues to inspire and engage our community of readers.
Is there a book club for young people?
Yes. The High School Book Club is a monthly program created for high-school aged students who enjoy reading and want to connect with others. Each session includes reading time, group discussion, and a creative activity or craft.
No bookings are required.
Supervising adults must remain in branch during the session.
For upcoming dates and locations, please visit What's On Townsville.
More Information
For further queries, please email libraryexperiences@townsville.qld.gov.au or visit your local Citylibraries branch.
Whether you're forming a new book club or joining an existing one, the Citylibraries team is here to support you.
