How to Start a Book Club in Your Assisted Living Community

Building connections and sharing experiences are essential aspects of life, especially in an assisted living community. One beautiful way to foster relationships, spark insights, and celebrate individuality is through a book club. Whether you’re a resident, staff member, or family member looking to enrich the lives of your loved ones, starting a book club can bring immense joy.

Here are some tips to keep in mind when starting your community’s book club: 

• Find out what books residents like the most. 

• Pick books and stories that are accessible to residents. 

• Create a welcoming environment for readers. 

• Set a schedule and assign roles to members. 

• Encourage thoughtful discussions. 

• Find opportunities for growth. 

Why Start a Book Club?

Before jumping into the logistics, you might wonder, “Why a book club?” Here are a few wonderful benefits of book clubs:

• Connection: Book clubs provide a consistent opportunity for residents to connect and interact, combating loneliness and building friendships.
• Stimulation: Reading and discussing stories keep the brain active and engaged, enhancing mental clarity and creativity.
• Individuality: Every reader brings their unique perspective to the table, fostering a sense of individuality and respect for diverse opinions.
• Structure: A weekly or monthly gathering adds structure and something to look forward to in residents’ lives.
• Conversations: Books can inspire thought-provoking discussions about history, life lessons, humor, and shared memories.

How to Start Your Book Club

Getting your book club going will take a little bit of work, but the results are worth it. Here are some steps you can take to get your book club off the ground. 

Step 1: Get to Know the Interests of Your Community

Every book club thrives when members are excited about the selection of books and feel represented by the choices. Start by getting to know the interests and preferences of your assisted living community. Here’s how:

• Invite residents to a casual get-together to discuss the idea of starting a book club. Use this time to learn about their favorite genres (mysteries, romances, classics, etc.).
• Distribute a simple survey asking residents about the types of books they’d enjoy, how often they’d like to meet, and whether they prefer physical books, large print, or audiobooks.
• When possible, chat individually with residents to encourage participation and learn more about their reading preferences.

By tailoring your book club to the community’s preferences, every member will feel seen and excited to join.

Step 2: Choose the Right Books

The success of your book club often hinges on picking the right books. Here are some tips for making selections:

• Select accessible reads. Choose books with clear language and engaging stories. Avoid overly complex plots that may be tricky to follow.
• Offer large print copies and suggest audiobooks as alternatives for those with vision challenges or who prefer to listen.
• Look for themes that resonate with the group, such as courage, humor, and community.
• Begin with shorter novels or novellas to avoid overwhelming new members. 
• Rotate Choices: Allow each member to have a turn suggesting a book to read, fostering a sense of ownership and inclusion.

Step 3: Create a Welcoming Space

The setting of your book club can make all the difference in creating a positive and inviting atmosphere. Here’s how to set the tone:

• Host your meetings in a comfortable and quiet space, like a lounge area or activity room, with cozy seating arrangements.
• Decorate the space with flowers, soft lighting, or even thematic décor that matches the book!
• Offer tea, coffee, and light snacks to create a more relaxed, friendly environment.

When the space feels welcoming members are more likely to engage and participate openly.

Step 4: Determine the Logistics

Every successful book club needs a little organization. Here’s how to plan the details:

• Choose a schedule that works for everyone, such as weekly, biweekly, or monthly gatherings.
• Pick a time that is convenient for most members, keeping in mind energy levels and daily routines.
• Consider assigning roles like a facilitator (someone to guide the discussions) or a note-taker to jot down key points.
• Send out gentle reminders a day or two before each meeting to help members keep track of the schedule.

Step 5: Host Thoughtful and Inclusive Discussions

The heart of a book club lies in its discussions. These conversations should be dynamic, inclusive, and fun! Here’s how to make it a success:

• Start with icebreakers, a fun question or casual chat to ease into the discussion, such as, “What’s your favorite childhood book?”
• Ask open-ended questions. Encourage participation by asking questions like, “How did the story make you feel?” or “What did you think about the main character’s choices?”
• Respect everyone’s voice. Create a safe space where everyone feels comfortable sharing, and discourage interruptions.
• Encourage creativity, introduce interactive activities like sketching a scene from the book or writing alternative endings.

Step 6: Build a Sense of Community

A book club can become more than just a reading group; it can be a close-knit community. Here are ways to strengthen bonds:

• Celebrate together by hosting special events like themed potlucks inspired by the books you’re reading.
• Start traditions such as swapping favorite quotes from each book or taking a group photo at the end of each meeting.
• Invite guest speakers like local authors or librarians to your sessions for added enrichment.
• Keep members engaged with newsletters featuring upcoming book selections, meeting recaps, and fun reading challenges.

The more inclusive and dynamic your club’s activities are, the stronger that sense of camaraderie will grow.

Bring Joy to Your Community

Starting a book club in your assisted living community can be a great way to bring residents together over shared ideas, laughter, and discovery. The stories you read and the connections you build will transform these gatherings into moments of genuine joy.

At Mira Vie, we can help you bring joy through engaging activities to your assisted living community. Contact us today for more information.