Hello, book lovers! If you’re in your 50s or 60s and love getting lost in a good story, a book club could be your new favourite hobby. In 2025, book clubs are thriving across the UK, with The Reading Agency (2024) reporting a 30% rise in participation among over-50s since 2020. These clubs foster connection, spark lively chats, and bring stories to life. This guide explains why book clubs are perfect for midlifers and how to start one in your community, with stats and tips to make it a hit. Let’s turn the page together!
Why Book Clubs Are Booming
Book clubs combine intellectual stimulation and social bonding, ideal for midlife. Age UK (2024) says 75% of over-50s join clubs for community, while Waterstones (2024) notes 2 million UK adults attend monthly. With 80% of over-50s reading for pleasure (BookTrust, 2024), here’s how to create your own.
Step 1: Define Your Club’s Vibe
Why it matters: A clear focus attracts members. 60% of clubs choose genres like fiction or history (The Reading Agency).
How to do it: Decide on fiction, non-fiction, or mixed. Set a tone—casual or academic? Goodreads polls help choose books.
Pro tip: Start with bestsellers like Lessons in Chemistry (Waterstones, £9).
Step 2: Find Members
Why it matters: 65% of over-50s join clubs via local networks (Age UK).
How to do it: Post on Nextdoor, X, or library boards. Aim for 6–12 members. Meetup lists book club events.
Pro tip: Invite diverse ages for fresh perspectives.
Step 3: Choose a Venue
Why it matters: Comfortable spaces boost attendance. 70% of clubs meet in homes or cafes (BookTrust).
How to do it: Host at home, book a Costa nook, or use library rooms (free, gov.uk). Zoom suits virtual clubs.
Pro tip: Rotate hosts to share costs—average £5/meeting (Which?).
Step 4: Plan Meetings
Why it matters: Structure keeps discussions lively. 80% of clubs meet monthly (The Reading Agency).
How to do it: Read one book/month. Use Penguin discussion guides. Allow 2 hours, with tea and biscuits (£5, Tesco).
Pro tip: Start with icebreakers—e.g., “What character surprised you?”
Step 5: Keep It Fun
Why it matters: Social elements retain members. 55% of over-50s love themed events (Waterstones).
How to do it: Host author Q&As via Eventbrite (£10–£20). Visit Hay Festival (May 2025, £15). Share reviews on Goodreads.
Pro tip: Create a WhatsApp group for updates.
UK Resources
- The Reading Agency: Free guides at readingagency.org.uk. Supports 10,000 clubs.
- BookTrust: Book lists at booktrust.org.uk. 70% of over-50s use it.
- Libraries: Free meeting rooms (gov.uk). 80% host clubs (Libraries Connected, 2024).
- Waterstones: Book club discounts (10%). World Book Day events inspire.
- Goodreads: Track reading and find clubs. 1 million UK users (Goodreads, 2024).
Tips for Success
- Be Inclusive: Offer e-books or audiobooks (Audible, £7.99/month). 60% of over-50s use digital (BookTrust).
- Budget Wisely: Books cost £5–£15 (Amazon). Libraries save 100%.
- Stay Organised: Use Doodle for scheduling. 75% of clubs plan 3 months ahead (The Reading Agency).
- Connect Online: Share on X or Book Clubz. 50% of clubs have social media (Goodreads).
- Celebrate: Host an annual party. Average cost £30 (Which?).
Final Thoughts: Build Your Book Club
Starting a book club is a joyful way to connect and explore stories. With The Reading Agency, Waterstones, and local libraries, you’re set to succeed. Gather friends, pick a book, and start the conversation. What’s your first book choice? Share in the comments—we’d love to hear! If this guide inspired you, pass it to a friend ready to read.
Sources: The Reading Agency (2024), Age UK (2024), Waterstones (2024), BookTrust (2024), Libraries Connected (2024), Goodreads (2024), Which? (2024). Figures accurate as of June 2025.
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