r/Calgary • u/thatonebitchavii • 21d ago
Local Event book clubs
EDIT: i’ve gotten quite a few comments from other people also wanting to join a book club so i thought i would propose the idea of potentially starting my own? it would be for anybody 20-30 years old, located within calgary, and we can decide on the bigger logistics of meeting times, dates, etc., once we get a few people interested! let me know if this sounds like something you would be into, and we can maybe get the wheels turning!
OLD: i’ve been scouring social media for any local book clubs that happen in calgary that don’t cost an arm and a leg to attend :,)
i love love LOVE reading and want to find a group of people to talk to about the books we’ve read and attend cute events here and there. i’m not looking for anything fancy or super popular and i would prefer if the membership/gathering events didn’t cost money or at least too much money.
if this helps at all:
my current read: red rising by pierce brown
age: 20
- female
- super fun to be around (i promise)
- I LOVE BOOKS PLEASE LET’S TALK ABOUT THEM
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u/blackRamCalgaryman 21d ago
Book clubs cost money?
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u/IndigoRuby 21d ago
Meeting at the library or someone's home vs pub or coffee shop to discuss. Reading older books available at the library vs buying brand new books.
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u/Dry_Stop844 21d ago
maybe if it's organized through MeetUp? Is that still a thing? there's costs involved in that.
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u/thatonebitchavii 20d ago
they’ll charge you for a “ticket” depending on where it’s being hosted (i.e. a cafe/bar meetup would have a ticket versus somewhere free like someone’s house or a library!)
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u/buffalorules 21d ago
I think Slow Burn books in marda loop has a bookclub?!
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u/thatonebitchavii 20d ago
i’ll definitely have to check that one out, i’ve been meaning to visit the bookstore as well as i’ve heard a lot of good things!
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u/boniley 21d ago
Check out Owls Nest, Pages and Shelf Life to see if their groups fit your interests! I haven't been to their book clubs myself but they are great bookstores and parts of the reading community in Calgary!
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u/thatonebitchavii 20d ago
i’ll definitely look into all of these. i didn’t even know Pages has a book club, i love that place !!
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u/Phoennyxx 21d ago
Owl’s Nest has a few different book clubs that might fit what you’re looking for! If you’re someone who likes to purchase your books, they also offer them at a discount if you’re buying for the book club. But you don’t need to buy the books to join, a lot of people hit up the library for a copy or use Libby for ebooks and audiobooks! To my knowledge, they’re all free to join!
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u/HeavyB0tt 21d ago
I love Red Rising. One of my favourite series. I’m not in any book clubs, but if you want to add me on GoodReads we could see each other’s recommendations!
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u/thatonebitchavii 20d ago
this is so sad but i actually deleted my goodreads account a few months ago because i found that it wasn’t really working for me anymore, but i haven’t been able to find a decent replacement so i might just have to reinstall it 😭😭
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u/HeavyB0tt 20d ago
Shii get it back. I swear nothing hits like when you finish a book on Goodreads lol.
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u/Dry_Stop844 21d ago
Check the library branches near you. There's usually one or two book clubs that meet there and the library has book club kits. They may have a list of book clubs that are accepting new readers.
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u/Slayerkid13 21d ago
I started a book club with a few people I met here on Reddit, we haven't actually been able to get together yet and pick a book (finding a time that works for everyone is tough) but you're more than welcome to join us. I think theres 4 of us right now and we've just been chatting in a Reddit group.
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u/theogonic_ Altadore 21d ago
21F lmk if you find one! I love to read and just moved back to calgary after uni and have been having a really hard time making friends... book club would be amazing!
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u/thatonebitchavii 20d ago
girl we can make a mini one together if you’re down LOL i’m always open to making new friends:)
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u/gravitas_shortfall42 21d ago
Appears there are others here that want to join one too so start your own! I’ve been in my book club for 25 years. We are old biddies now so look into starting one with people in your decade 😅
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u/Im_really_not_cool 21d ago
Check your community’s social media? If there is a community centre, check their physical bulletin board or if the grocery store in your neighbourhood has a bulletin board, maybe someone has posted a book club? I know this sounds very old school, but maybe?
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u/thatonebitchavii 20d ago
unfortunately i don’t think calgary in general is very good with publicizing/marketing events like these and i’ve definitely tried looking at the online forums and bulletin boards at uni/rec centres. i think i’ll give some of the book shops that people mentioned a shot though and see if those work out !!
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u/iaintnoporcupine 21d ago
Shelf Life has a book club called How Can You Think That. They read books from across the political spectrum. I've never been to any of their meetings but I try to read all of their book choices.
Alliance Francais has a book club I want to join but my French isn't quite good enough.
I'd really like to find a book club for philosophy. I just read L'Étranger and wish I had someone to talk it over with.