Reader’s Circle - If you’ve been looking for a way to connect with book-related groups, this is it. Reader’s Circle is a free public directory that specializes in listings for book clubs and reader’s circles. Anyone may post a listing or search for a group by zip code — all for free. But now to introduce the concept of a reader’s circle. A reader’s circle is a social gathering with a format much like a large, multi-stranded book club. Participants discuss what books to read and maintain a list of those currently being read by anyone in the group. The list is then used to announce the group’s activities to itself and newcomers, and all books listed are considered optional. The intent is to loosen the usual format so participants can read more of what they want and attend meetings even if they’re still in the middle of a book. In fact, with many reader’s circles meetings are held twice a month because the focus is upon open-ended conversation, not a particular book that is up for discussion.
Another feature of reader’s circles is that there are three basic types: academic (being organized around a subject), civic (serving as a public forum), and social (being organized around an age range). Along with suggesting various possibilities for the groups, the different types are meant to provide additional structure in the absence of a specific book participants are reading together. The organization’s purpose in introducing reader’s circles and providing the directory is to help bring together a new, more inclusive community, one based on a shared interest in books and conversation. Reader’s Circle is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. This has been added to Reference Resources Subject Tracer™ Information Blog.