We love book groups!

Join one of our ongoing book groups at our branches, or let us help your book group with book sets you can borrow, reading ideas, advice on book group strategy, or extra copies to supply you.

Readers are encouraged to call the Reader’s Advisory desk (871-1700 x705), email (readersadvisory@portlandpubliclibrary.org) or come into the library to reserve copies of the books. If you have trouble finding the book in the Portland library system, please contact us and we can locate a book through MaineCat.

Main Library Book Group

Third Tuesday of each month
5:30pm – 6:30pm

The Main Library Book Group for adults meets on the 3rd Tuesday of each month and discussion is facilitated by a staff member. Selections include a thoughtful mix of fiction and nonfiction. The Main Library Book Group is always open to new members, so stop by to share or listen.

Upcoming Third Tuesday book group discussions:

• October 16: My Struggle Book 6 (Part I) by Karl Ove Knausgaard
• November 20: My Struggle Book 6 (Part II) by Karl Ove Knausgaard
• December 18:  No meeting – The book group will take a hiatus this month.

Many Voices Teen Book Group

Main Library

Second Wednesday of each month
2:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.

The Many Voices Teen Book Group recognizes the need for all teens to see themselves mirrored in the books on our shelves, and to use fiction as a window into other lives, cultures, and worldviews beyond their own.This book group welcomes all teens to the discussion about some of the most diverse (and best) teen books published in recent years.

This group is open to all teens ages 12-19 interested in exploring diversity through contemporary YA fiction. We meet in the Teen Library from 2:30-3:30pm on the 2nd Wednesday of every month (unless otherwise noted) and look forward to seeing you!

Upcoming meetings in 2018:

For our fall session, we will be doing a special reading of Tomi Adeyemi’s Children of Blood and Bone and giving away 10 FREE copies of the book! To receive a free book, teens must attend the first meeting in September and commit to attending at least one other meeting in 2018. Books will be distributed to the first ten teens who sign up.

• September 12: Book distribution – show up to get your own free copy of Children of Blood and Bone! *This is a drop-in meeting to pick up copies of the book, so feel free to come by any time after 2:30pm.*
• October 10: Children of Blood and Bone – discussion of first half
• November 14: Children of Blood and Bone – discussion of second half
• December 12:End of season party & choosing spring books! 

This group is open to all teens ages 12-19 interested in exploring diversity through contemporary YA fiction, and is a safe space for everyone, regardless of race, color, creed, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion, ancestry, national origin, or physical or mental disability. Discrimination, hate speech, and harassment will not be tolerated.

Please contact Harper at chance@portlib.org or Megan at turner@portlib.org or call us at (207) 871-1700 x773 with any questions or if you need help finding a copy of the month’s book. We meet in the Teen Library from 2:30-3:30pm on the 3rd Saturday of every month (unless otherwise noted) and look forward to seeing you!

Smart Girls Read Book Group

Main Library

Second Saturday of each month
2:00 pm – 3:00 pm

The Sam L. Cohen Children’s Library will be hosting a monthly book club for girls ages 9-12. Smart Girls Read @ PPL book club will provide a forum where girls can explore what’s on their minds: what’s really important to them as well as strengthening their sense of self. The books they read act as catalysts to spark critical conversations about the roles of girls and women in the past, and examining the girl culture of today.

Smart Girls Read @ PPL will be facilitated by the Children’s Library staff. Please contact the Children’s Desk to find out the book of the month and to get assistance procuring a copy! All you need to participate is a desire to voice your opinion, a willingness to listen to others, an interest in reading and discussing books.

Upcoming Meetings in 2018: 

• November 10: Vanderbeekers of 141st Street

Book Group for Homeschoolers!

Main Library

Upcoming Meetings in 2018:

• October 25
• November 15

Peaks Island Branch Library

Peaks Island First Tuesday Book Group

First Tuesday of each month
7:00pm – 8:00pm

This group meets in the Community Room across the lobby from the Peaks Island Branch Library. In July and August, the group meets at T.E.I.A. Clubhouse. There is a moderator for each discussion. Once a year the Fifth Grade Class from Peaks Island Elementary School joins the adults to discuss a specially chosen book. The book group is supported by the Friends of the Peaks Island Branch Library, who purchase extra copies of the books when needed.

Upcoming meetings in 2018: 

• November (Date TBD): The Call of the Wild by Jack London
• December 4: The Choice by Edith Eva Eger

For a list of books in the library catalog that The First Tuesday Book Group has recently read, click here.

Peaks Island Middle School Book Club

Third Tuesday of each month
5:30 p.m.

We’ve discovered that readers this age love to read books (lots of books!) and to share what they are reading with others. Unlike other book groups, there is not a specific book that everyone reads each month. Instead, everyone comes together to share what they are currently reading, a favorite book, or to make recommendations and have something good to eat while enjoying each other’s company.

Everyone who is in middle school (public, private, or homeschooled) is welcome to join in the discussions as listeners or contributors. Please join us!

Upcoming Meetings in 2018:

• October 16
• November 20
• December 18

Riverton Branch Library

Riverton Book Group

Second Thursday of each month
6:30pm – 7:30pm

The Riverton Book Group for adults meets on the 2nd Thursday of each month and discussion is facilitated by a staff member. Selections include a hearty mix of fiction and nonfiction, both contemporary and classic. The Riverton Book Group is always open to new members, so stop by to share or listen.

Upcoming Meetings in 2018:

• November 8: Commonwealth by Ann Patchett
• December 13: Still Life by Louise Penny

For a complete list of books that the Riverton Book Group has read, check out these links:

Riverton Book group Booklist 2018-Present
Riverton Book Group Booklist 2010-2017
Riverton Book Group Booklist 2001-2009

Portland Public Library is now offering sets of books  that you can borrow for your book group. These sets include multiple copies of the same title, often with large print or audio formats. We’ll keep the sets fresh with new titles throughout the year. What book sets are available? The sets are listed in the library’s catalog under the title  “Portland Public Library Book Discussion Sets.” You can search the catalog by that title or by  “book group sets” or “book club sets.”  Click on “Place a Hold” to be taken to a page where you can view the complete list of titles and select the specific book set that you want. You’ll need to log in to your account to place the hold online. With your library card, you can also call us to request sets (871-1700) or make your request in person at the library. MaineCat users can also request Portland Public Library Book Discussion Sets through MaineCat. Looking for more inspiration or resources to help you start your own book group? Try this list:  “Book Discussion Sets, Books About Books, & Other Resources For Your (Fantastic) Book Group.” – See more at: https://www.portlandlibrary.com/life-of-the-library/#sthash.L9JYtq1m.dpuf

Portland Public Library is now offering sets of books  that you can borrow for your book group. These sets include multiple copies of the same title, often with large print or audio formats. We’ll keep the sets fresh with new titles throughout the year. What book sets are available? The sets are listed in the library’s catalog under the title  “Portland Public Library Book Discussion Sets.” You can search the catalog by that title or by  “book group sets” or “book club sets.”  Click on “Place a Hold” to be taken to a page where you can view the complete list of titles and select the specific book set that you want. You’ll need to log in to your account to place the hold online. With your library card, you can also call us to request sets (871-1700) or make your request in person at the library. MaineCat users can also request Portland Public Library Book Discussion Sets through MaineCat. Looking for more inspiration or resources to help you start your own book group? Try this list:  “Book Discussion Sets, Books About Books, & Other Resources For Your (Fantastic) Book Group.” – See more at: https://www.portlandlibrary.com/life-of-the-library/#sthash.L9JYtq1m.dp