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(fiction@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.

Peaks Island Branch Library

First Tuesday Book Group

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

First Tuesday Book Discussion meets on the first Tuesday of the month at 7 pm in the Community Room, across the hall from the Peaks Island Branch Library. In July and August, meet 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. First Tuesdays Book Discussion is supported by the Friends of the Peaks Island Branch Library, who purchase extra copies of the books when needed.

Upcoming meetings in 2017:

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

Riverton Branch Library

Riverton Book Group

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

The Riverton Book Group 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 2017:

• August 10 – My Brilliant Friend by Elena Ferrante
• September 14 – H is for Hawk by Helen Macdonald
• October 12 – The Ocean at the End of the Lane by Neil Gaiman
• November 9 – All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr
• December 14, 2017- Go Set a Watchman by Harper Lee

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

Riverton Book Group Booklist 2010-Present
Riverton Book Group Booklist 2001-2009

Main Library Book Group

The Main Library Book Group is on hiatus for the summer. It will reconvene in the fall.

Many Voices Teen Book Group

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.

Upcoming meetings in 2017:

• August 19 – The Reader by Traci Che
• September 16 – American Street by Ibi Aanu Zoboi

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 call us at (207) 871-1700 x773 with any questions or if you would like to borrow 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 and look forward to seeing you!

Resources for your own book group

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.”

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