Book Clubs
Looking to spend some time with fellow readers discussing your favorite books, or just comparing notes in a group environment? You can find a Library-sponsored book club at many of the branches throughout the county. You can find a complete listing of upcoming book clubs here.
BOOK CLUB IN A BAG
We’ve got over 100 titles for you and your Book Club to choose from! Don’t just sit there, head over to the Library of Things catalog and reserve your bag today. Book club bags can be reserved for pick-up at any of our library locations.
Active Book Clubs at JCLS
JCLS offers a variety of book clubs across various branches. Use the lists below to see what book clubs are available at certain branches. If you see one you are interested in, feel free to call its associated branch to sign up! You can also visit a book club in person and sign up there.
For Adults
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Books @ Noon Ashland Branch
First Tuesday of the month
Join a group of voracious readers each month at the Ashland Library. Share what you are reading and find your next great read. -
Banned Book Club Medford Branch
First Wednesday of the month
Once a month, read and discuss a banned book. Explore what caused these books to be banned, what being banned means, and how this impacts us as a society. We will talk about the who and the why, and if we agree or disagree. Stop by the Medford Reference desk to pick up a copy of the month's current title! -
Medford Book Chat Medford Branch
Second Tuesday of the month
The Medford Library Book Chat group discusses interesting books with other readers on the second Tuesday of each month. We meet in a hybrid format. Join us via zoom, or in person in the Adams Community Room. Come to the Medford Reference Desk to pick up a copy! -
Gold Hill Book Club Gold Hill Branch
First Friday of the Month
Discuss classics, book prize winners, and some "for fun" books that entertain and challenge you. -
Romance Readers Gold Hill Branch
Second Tuesday of the month
Join other romance readers for discussion, sip, and snack. -
New Age Non-Fiction Gold Hill Branch
First Thursday of the month
*Starting in the fall*
Come join a book club dedicated to delving into the realms of New Age non-fiction literature. Each month, we will explore a different book, covering a wide range of topics such as spirituality, mindfulness, holistic healing, metaphysics, personal growth, and other mysteries of the universe! Engage in stimulating discussions and gain fresh perspectives in a fun open-minded space. -
Gold Hill Book Club Gold Hill Branch
Third Thursday of the month
The Gold Hill Library Book Club discusses thought-provoking books with other book lovers. -
No Strings Attached Jacksonville Branch
Fourth Thursday of the month
Join us to discuss the different books we're reading — recent reads, old favorites, or anything in-between. No required reading, just read what you love, then share with the group!
For Teens
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Tea Time Tuesday Medford Branch
Third Tuesday of the month
Meet in the Medford Teen Library to discuss our chosen book while drinking tea and eating snacks that are themed around the book!
For Kids
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Family Storytime Medford Branch
Every Wednesday at 2pm
Join us for a journey into Junior Fiction! Each week we will read a chapter from a different novel and then complete a fun project that goes along with the story. Did you enjoy the book we read together? Check it out and read more!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Book Club in a Bag?
They’re bags filled with everything you need to run a book club (except the people, that would be weird and probably illegal).
That means you get at least 10 copies of a single book, a check out sheet, author information, and suggested discussion questions. Some book bags contain two large print copies, an audiobook of the title, and some have a DVD of the book featured (spoiler: it is inevitably not quite as good as the book). There is a card on the bag listing the contents so you know exactly what you’re getting and what to return.
How do I get one?
The Book Club Bags are part of our Library of Things and use a reservation system separate from the main library catalog. This makes it easy for you to:
- See what kits are available (cover image, description, etc.)
- See when kits are available
- Place reservations for book club use over the next 6 months
- Reserve a specific kit
- Remember when the kit can be picked up
- Remember when the kit is due back at the library
See how to make your reservation here (English) or here (Spanish)
How long will they check-out?
You can check out a Book Club in a Bag kit for up to 42 days. Bags cannot be renewed. Reservations can be made for up to 6 months in advance using the Library of Things catalog.
Where are the kits?
The kits are housed at the Medford Library, but they like to go on trips and our couriers will deliver the bags to your preferred branch location for easy pick-up. When you’re done with it, return it to any of our library branches (during business hours, please) and we’ll take care of seeing them back home until they’re requested again.
Are there terms and conditions?
Well, you don’t need your firstborn as collateral, just know that the person who checks out the book club bag is responsible for the kit and all its contents. All the items on the inventory list need to be returned at the same time in the original bag. Please see our Library of Things lending agreement here and our supplement waiver here.
Where’s the list?
Right here! Visit the Catalog button below.