• Reading is widespread, but participation in shared reading is much less common: 75% of U.S. adults read at least part of a book in the past year, while only 7% participated in a book club.
• Traditional book clubs can create barriers related to time, mobility, disability, language, reading commitment and comfort with group discussion.
• Libraries have an opportunity to expand adult literacy and lifelong learning by offering multiple ways to engage with books, ideas and one another.
• Diverse communities need opportunities to encounter perspectives and authors they may not otherwise discover.
• Reading can also support broader learning, family connection and community participation.

• Innovative formats: Virtual, Silent, accessible, international-language and longform article clubs remove barriers related to mobility, time, disability, language and reading commitment.
• Intentional book selection: Citywide initiatives spotlight diverse perspectives and titles that might not otherwise receive broad attention, including local authors. Librarians also develop clubs around genres and community interests.
• Reading as a gateway to learning: Books spark author conversations, workshops, panels connecting literature to climate, history, caregiving, preservation and community life.
• Community-driven development: Librarians use participant requests and feedback to shape programs and reading experiences.
• Organic audience building: A monthly newsletter focused on book clubs and author events extends engagement beyond programs. Its subscriber base has grown organically through relationships developed at book clubs and related events.

• SFPL offered 334 book club programs across 22 locations, with 2,682 attendees and 31 active recurring clubs.
• Multiple formats expanded access: 53 virtual, 51 Silent, 29 international-language, 18 accessible and six longform article clubs.
• One City One Book generated 34 programs, 1,182 attendees and 5,030 items in circulation.
• One Book One Coast connected readers across California, Washington and Oregon; SFPL programs drew 748 attendees and generated 3,673 items in circulation.
• On the Same Page offered 14 programs around five diverse titles, reaching 239 attendees.
• The monthly newsletter grew from 0 to 350 subscribers in its first year, beginning in July 2025. Across 3,907 emails sent, it achieved a 74.29% unique open rate and 1,045 total clicks.
• Patron feedback shows impacts beyond reading, including family members using virtual book clubs to connect.
• Librarians report that community-driven clubs remain strong and shared interests bring participants citywide.