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Book clubs & reading nights · Chicago

Book clubs in Chicago, come alone, bring a book.

17 upcoming book clubs, readings, poetry nights and author talks in Chicago at 17 venues — all easy to walk into on your own.

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Reading nights in Chicago and where

Chicago Public Library – Austin (1) · Chicago Public Library – Austin (Auditorium, 2nd floor) (1) · Chicago Public Library – Avalon (1) · Chicago Public Library – Budlong Woods (1) · Chicago Public Library – Chinatown (1) · Chicago Public Library – Harold Washington Library Center (1) · Chicago Public Library – Humboldt Park (1) · Chicago Public Library – Jefferson Park (1) · Chicago Public Library – Little Village (1) · Chicago Public Library – Midwest Coast Brewing Company (1) · Chicago Public Library – Sulzer Regional (1) · Chicago Public Library – Walker (1) · Chicago Public Library – West Belmont (1) · Chicago Public Library – Woodson Regional (1) · Map Room (bar), Bucktown (1) · Midwest Coast Brewing Company (1) · Rogers Park Social (lounge area) (1)

Chicago Public Library – Austin1 upcoming

Thu19Nov
SocialChicago
15:00–17:30

Song club: share a favourite track, Austin library, Chicago

Chicago Public Library – Austin

The Austin branch of the Chicago Public Library, in the city's West Side, offers a monthly gathering described as an alternative to a book club: a song club. Each person chooses one favourite track to share and brings it to play for the group. People take turns playing a piece of music, then telling the others why it matters to them, and the whole room goes around discussing reactions, thoughts and overall feelings after listening. Because the meeting is monthly, regulars are encouraged to come back with different songs each time. The programme is called Music for Self-Care and is for adults aged 18 and over. It takes place in the second-floor auditorium on a Thursday afternoon from 15:00 to 17:30. It is held in English, and the format makes talking with strangers easy because the music starts the conversation. The listing does not state a price, so check the official page before going. «Music For Self-Care: Share Your Favorite Song!» Starts 15:00, ends about 17:30. Source: Chicago Public Library events.

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Chicago Public Library – Austin (Auditorium, 2nd floor)1 upcoming

Thu17Dec
MusicChicago
15:00–17:30

Song club: share your favourite track, Austin library, Chicago

Chicago Public Library – Austin (Auditorium, 2nd floor)

Instead of a book club, the Austin branch on Chicago's West Side runs a monthly song club. Everyone brings one favourite track, the group listens to it together in the auditorium, then goes around the room sharing reactions and why it matters to them. Low-pressure and surprisingly personal; a quick way to get to know a room of strangers. The listing does not state a price, so check the official page before going. «Music For Self-Care: Share Your Favorite Song!» Starts 15:00, ends about 17:30. Source: Chicago Public Library events.

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Chicago Public Library – Avalon1 upcoming

Sat12Dec
LearningChicago
10:30–12:30

Saturday Spanish Study Group at Avalon library, Chicago

Chicago Public Library – Avalon

The motto of the Avalon branch's Spanish group on the South Side is «we teach each other»: beginners and advanced beginners work from one book, help one another with grammar and pronunciation, and practise reading, writing, listening and speaking. The first hour is for the advanced beginners, the second for those starting out, and sometimes a native speaker drops in to answer questions. The listing does not state a price, so check the official page before going. «Spanish Study Group» Starts 10:30, ends about 12:30. Source: Chicago Public Library events.

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Chicago Public Library – Budlong Woods1 upcoming

Sat21Nov
SocialChicago
11:00–12:30

Book discussion: «Remarkably Bright Creatures», Budlong Woods, Chicago

Chicago Public Library – Budlong Woods

The monthly adult book discussion at Budlong Woods library takes up «Remarkably Bright Creatures» by Shelby Van Pelt. The debut novel tells a story of loss and determination driven by a decades-old mystery, and of the unlikely friendship between Tova Sullivan, a 70-year-old widow, and Marcellus, a giant Pacific octopus. It is a warm, funny and moving read, which tends to make for a lively discussion. The branch describes the club as a way to share your love of reading, broaden your horizons and stay connected with others. The listing does not state a price, so check the official page before going. «Adult Book Discussion: Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt» Starts 11:00, ends about 12:30. Source: Chicago Public Library events.

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Chicago Public Library – Chinatown1 upcoming

Mon30Nov
SocialChicago
18:00–19:00

Literary Lounge Book Club: Orbital by Samantha Harvey

Chicago Public Library – Chinatown

The Chinatown branch's monthly adult book club discusses this year's One Book, One Chicago pick, Samantha Harvey's Orbital, about six astronauts circling the Earth in a single day. Copies are available at the circulation desk. Space is limited and registration is required, and the small group format makes it easy to get talking. The listing does not state a price, so check the official page before going.

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Chicago Public Library – Harold Washington Library Center1 upcoming

Mon28Dec
LearningChicago
17:30–19:30

Silent Scribe writing society, Harold Washington Library, Chicago

Chicago Public Library – Harold Washington Library Center

On Monday 28 December the Silent Scribe Society meets on the eighth floor of the Harold Washington Library Center, the main library of the Chicago Public Library on South State Street. It is a quiet writing programme for adults: you bring whatever you are working on, whether journaling, a screenplay, an article for work or the final touches to a novel, and write alongside others in a calm room. The organisers stress an atmosphere of mutual encouragement and say they would love to welcome people who want to get back into a creative rhythm or widen their circle of writers. It starts at 17:30 and ends at 19:30, two focused hours after work. The listing does not state a price, so check the official page before going. «The Silent Scribe Society: Writing Program» Starts 17:30, ends about 19:30. Source: Chicago Public Library events.

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Chicago Public Library – Humboldt Park1 upcoming

Sat20Mar
SocialChicago
13:30–16:00

Library Explorers Club: walk, branch tour and reading, Humboldt Park

Chicago Public Library – Humboldt Park

On Saturday 20 March 2027 the Humboldt Park branch of the Chicago Public Library, at 1605 N. Troy Street, hosts the Library Explorers Club, a monthly program run with Books with Betsy and Read & Run Chicago for anyone who loves Chicago and wants to start a movement or reading journey. Each month the club visits one of the 82 branches. At 13:30 there is an optional run, at about a twelve-minute-mile pace, or a walk at twenty to twenty-five minutes per mile. At 14:00 a staff member introduces the branch with fun facts and insider history, and from 14:30 there is an optional library card sign-up and quiet reading, with light snacks and drinks. The listing says you don't need to be a library expert, reader, walker or runner, calls it a non-judgement space, and explicitly says come alone or with friends and join any part of the afternoon. The listing does not state a price, so check the official page before going. «Library Explorers Club: Humboldt Park Branch» Starts 13:30, ends about 16:00. Source: Chicago Public Library events.

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Chicago Public Library – Jefferson Park1 upcoming

Sat20Feb
OutdoorsChicago
13:30–16:00

Library Explorers Club walk and tour, Jefferson Park, Chicago

Chicago Public Library – Jefferson Park

On Saturday 20 February the Jefferson Park branch of the Chicago Public Library, on West Lawrence Avenue, hosts a session of the Library Explorers Club, a new monthly programme from the library with two partners, Books with Betsy and Read & Run Chicago. Each month the club visits one of the system's 82 branches for an optional run or walk, a branch tour and some reading. The afternoon runs on a simple schedule: an optional run or walk at 13:30, an introduction to the branch with fun facts and history from a staff member at 14:00, and an optional library card sign-up and quiet reading at 14:30, with light snacks and drinks. The organisers say you may come alone or with friends and join for any part of the afternoon. It starts at 13:30 and ends at 16:00. The listing does not state a price, so check the official page before going. «Library Explorers Club: Jefferson Park Branch» Starts 13:30, ends about 16:00. Source: Chicago Public Library events.

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Chicago Public Library – Little Village1 upcoming

Sun6Dec
SocialChicago
14:00–16:00

Spanish book club on Onetti, Little Village library, Chicago

Chicago Public Library – Little Village

The Enhorabuena Spanish-language reading club, a programme of Illinois Humanities, meets monthly at Little Village library to discuss books in Spanish. This month's title is «La vida breve» by the Uruguayan writer Juan Carlos Onetti, a classic of Latin American fiction. The group is open to any adult who is interested in reading and talking about reading with other adults, and it is held in person on a Sunday afternoon. The library asks participants to register and confirm details by emailing the coordinator, whose contact is on the event page, in case of any changes; there is space for up to thirty people. The listing does not state a price, so check the official page before going. «Club de Lectura en Español: La Vida Breve / Juan Carlos Onetti» Starts 14:00, ends about 16:00. Source: Chicago Public Library events.

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Chicago Public Library – Midwest Coast Brewing Company1 upcoming

Wed18Nov
SocialChicago
18:30–19:30

Weird Book Club, Midwest Coast Brewing, Chicago

Chicago Public Library – Midwest Coast Brewing Company

On Wednesday 18 November Chicago Public Library's Weird Book Club meets at Midwest Coast Brewing on West Walnut Street. It is an adult discussion group for people who enjoy science fiction, fantasy, horror and other speculative fiction and non-fiction, and it gathers on the third Wednesday of each month. This edition belongs to the One Book, One Chicago programme, and the listing says the title was to be revealed in early September. Reserved copies can be borrowed from the Manning branch while supplies last, and many titles are available as e-books or audiobooks. You are welcome even if you did not finish the reading. The language is English. It runs from 18:30 to 19:30, a sociable evening where a pint is optional. The listing does not state a price, so check the official page before going. «Weird Book Club at Midwest Coast Brewing: OBOC» Starts 18:30, ends about 19:30. Source: Chicago Public Library events.

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Chicago Public Library – Sulzer Regional1 upcoming

Sat6Feb
CultureChicago
14:30–16:30

Comic Book Roundtable: Doctor Doom at Sulzer Regional Library

Chicago Public Library – Sulzer Regional

A monthly meet-up for adult comic fans with a new topic each time; this session turns to Marvel's Doctor Victor von Doom, his greatest storylines and why the ruler of Latveria is such a compelling villain. Suggested reading includes Books of Doom and One World Under Doom. The listing does not state a price, so check the official page before going. «Comic Book Roundtable: Doctor Doom» Start time as published; the end time is approximate. Source: City of Chicago Data Portal — Chicago Public Library.

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Chicago Public Library – Walker1 upcoming

Sat9Jan
OutdoorsChicago
13:30–16:00

Library Explorers Club walk and tour, Walker Branch, Chicago

Chicago Public Library – Walker

On Saturday 9 January 2027 the Walker Branch of the Chicago Public Library, at 11071 South Hoyne Avenue, hosts the Library Explorers Club, a monthly programme run with Books with Betsy and Read & Run Chicago. Each month the club visits one of the system's 82 branches. The listing sets out the afternoon: an optional run or walk at 1:30 PM, an introduction to the branch with fun facts and history from a staff member at 2:00 PM, then optional library card sign-up and quiet reading from 2:30 PM, with light snacks and drinks provided. It is open to anyone, and you do not need to be a runner, walker or reader. Come alone, come with friends and join for any part of the afternoon. The afternoon starts at 13:30 and ends at about 16:00. The listing does not state a price, so check the official page before going. «Library Explorers Club: Walker Branch» Starts 13:30, ends about 16:00. Source: Chicago Public Library events.

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Chicago Public Library – West Belmont1 upcoming

Tue17Nov
Free
SocialChicago
18:30–19:30

Cookbook club on baking, West Belmont Library, Chicago

Chicago Public Library – West Belmont

The West Belmont branch of the Chicago Public Library, on North Narragansett Avenue in the north-west of the city, holds its monthly Cookbook Club on Tuesday evening. Members explore new cooking styles and themes each month, and the library says that anyone who likes cooking or just enjoys browsing cookbooks is welcome. November’s title is «Baking Across America» by B. Dylan Hollis, and copies are available at the branch’s circulation desk. Participants may bring a sample dish to share, but nothing says it is required, so you can also come to chat and listen. Online registration is suggested by the library. Accessibility help such as sign-language interpretation can be requested from the library, with at least fourteen business days of notice. The session starts at 18:30 and ends about 19:30, an easy evening for anyone who loves baking and enjoys talking about food. The listing states that it is free. «Cookbook Club: Baking Across America» Starts 18:30, ends about 19:30. Source: Chicago Public Library events.

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Chicago Public Library – Woodson Regional1 upcoming

Sat16Jan
LearningChicago
14:00–16:00

Harsh Readers Circle: Marable's Malcolm X Biography at Woodson

Chicago Public Library – Woodson Regional

The Vivian G. Harsh Research Collection opens its 2027 reading year with Manning Marable's biography of Malcolm X. A shared, substantial book gives plenty to talk about with new people. The listing does not state a price, so check the official page before going.

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Map Room (bar), Bucktown1 upcoming

Mon30Nov
SocialChicago
19:00–20:00

Weird Book Club at the Map Room bar, Bucktown, Chicago

Map Room (bar), Bucktown

Once a month, on the last Monday, a Chicago Public Library book club for fans of strange fiction meets in a local bar, the Map Room, on Hoyne Avenue in Bucktown, rather than inside a branch. The group reads science fiction, fantasy, horror and anything speculative or odd. This month's book is «The Paper Menagerie and Other Stories» by Ken Liu, a collection of fourteen short stories that draw on myths and legends of the Asian diaspora. Copies can be borrowed from the Bucktown-Wicker Park branch while supplies last, and many titles are also available as e-books or audiobooks through the library's apps. On arrival you find the sign-in sheet at the back of the bar. It runs from 19:00 to 20:00. The listing does not state a price, so check the official page before going. «Weird Book Club: The Paper Menagerie and Other Stories» Starts 19:00, ends about 20:00. Source: Chicago Public Library events.

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Midwest Coast Brewing Company1 upcoming

Wed16Dec
SocialChicago
18:30–19:30

Weird Book Club at Midwest Coast Brewing: Thistlefoot

Midwest Coast Brewing Company

This monthly library book club for fans of science fiction, fantasy, horror and other speculative books meets in a brewery to discuss GennaRose Nethercott's 'Thistlefoot'. Copies are available at the Manning Branch while supplies last, and registration is open on the library website. A book club over a beer is a very easy way to meet new people. The listing does not state a price, so check the official page before going.

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Rogers Park Social (lounge area)1 upcoming

Wed16Dec
CultureChicago
19:00–20:00

Weird Book Club in a bar: Kafka's «The Trial», Rogers Park, Chicago

Rogers Park Social (lounge area)

The Rogers Park branch takes its Weird Book Club out of the library and into Rogers Park Social, a neighbourhood bar on Glenwood Avenue by the Morse 'L' stop. Readers of science fiction, horror and plain strange books meet in the lounge, to the right of the entrance, on the third Wednesday of the month; in December the book is Kafka's The Trial. Even if you did not finish it, you are welcome. The listing does not state a price, so check the official page before going. «Weird Book Club at Rogers Park Social: The Trial» Starts 19:00, ends about 20:00. Source: Chicago Public Library events.

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First time?

How to join a book club alone

  1. Check the book, then relax. Many groups welcome people who have not finished it — the official page says if reading ahead matters.
  2. Arrive five minutes early and tell the host it is your first time; they will introduce you.
  3. Say one thing — a line you liked or a question. That is enough for a first evening.
  4. Nothing that suits you? Host a silent reading night: 60 minutes silent, 15 minutes talk, phones away, any book, finish at a café.

Phrases in the local language for your evening: Phrases for tonight · Library events in Chicago

Questions people ask

Where can I join a book club in Chicago?

This page lists 17 upcoming book clubs, readings, poetry nights and author talks in Chicago at 17 venues, from city open data. Public libraries and bookshops run most of them, and most are free.

Can I go alone to a book club in Chicago?

Yes. Most people at public book clubs and readings come alone; the host opens the conversation, and having finished the book is often optional. Arrive early and say it is your first time.

Is there a silent reading party in Chicago?

If none is listed, host one: create a free invite on party.comealone.app, pick a café, read silently for 60 minutes, talk for 15, phones away, any book.

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