Making Space for Diverse Book Lovers

Online I saw a post:

I keep wanting to join a in person book club but just keep finding ones that say for women or girls and I'm like not either of those. Just want a nice book community in my area that welcomes trans and nonbinary people.

It turns out that the individual does not live in my state but some of my suggestions seemed useful for them so I am sharing them here in case they would be useful for others

Your Local Library

For example The Chicago Public Library currently has 40+ virtual book club meetings which cover everything from short stories to horror to cookbooks to mysteries. 

If you go to the library's event page you can search for book clubs at the top, and on the left side under location you can click online events. And you can sign up with an email, you don't need a library card. 

Your Independent Bookstores

For example in addition to a wonderful monthly book club that covers a wide range of books, this summer my Three Avenues Bookshop is once again doing its Summer Reading Challenge for all ages including adults. 

Silent Book Clubs 

Many communities are setting up silent book clubs where readers meet somewhere and silently read their own books. 

If you happen to live in an area where you are struggling to find a book club that works for you setting up a silent book club is pretty easy, just find a local coffee shop or pub that is ok with you hanging out and reading or in the summer pick a local park to meet at and starting reading.