A bookworm’s guide to Canberra book clubs
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Grab your emotional support water bottle, we’ve found some of Canberra’s best book clubs.
With the reading revolution here to stay (was there ever truly a moment where it wasn’t cool to read?) and being caught with the latest Sally Rooney or a dog-eared copy of “The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo” practically a personality trait, Canberra is home to an abundance of book clubs for every kind of reader.
Here are some local book clubs serving main character energy with a side of literary discourse that would make your FYP proud.
Happy reading!
The NFSA Book Club
Perfect for those who can’t resist the one-two combo of a book to movie adaptation, in partnership with the Canberra Writers Festival, the National Film and Sound Archive is hosting a year-long program to debate which is better (and it’s not always the book).
Exploring the reimagination of culturally significant books into films through a series of screenings and discussions, the 2025 program includes Romeo + Juliet, Battle Royale, Strangers on a Train, The Color Purple, and more.
Find out more here.
Book Cow Book Clubs
Because who says you can only be in one? The Book Cow in Kingston is home to three regular book clubs to cure your literary cravings – Translations, OzLit, and the Rainbow Holstein Book Club.
Each with their own focus (Translations features books that have been translated from other languages and the Rainbow Holstein Book Club explores the wide range of queer literature available), they’re casual gatherings that are perfect for meeting new people.
Find out more here.
The Silent Book Club
Just want a quiet spot where you can read alongside other book lovers? The Cafe Stepping Stone Silent Book Club is for you. Running every fortnight on Sundays in Strathnairn, there’s no assigned reading or discussion – just bring along your current read, order your favourite beverage, and enjoy some uninterrupted reading time.
Find out more here.
Gals Evolving Bookclub
This is a feminist book club hosted by the CBR Gals Network that provides a safe space for gals to grow, learn, share ideas and become fuller versions of themselves!
Diving into everything from memoirs to novels, biographies and short stories by women and gender minorities of colour, living with disabilities, and those who have navigated through patriarchal challenges, the aim of the selection is to offer a holistic view of feminism.
Go along to enjoy some nibbles, drinks and conversation – you can “read” the book in whatever format you want! Just go ready to chat.
Find out more here.
Canberra’s Best Book Club
They said it, not us. What sets this book club apart is you can read anything you want – from romantasy to Manga.
Coming together on the second(ish) Wednesday(ish) of the month, the way it works is simple: they go around the table and chat about whatever you have read. There’s never a fixed book and you don’t even have to have finished it!
Find out more here.
Popular Fiction Book Club
This casual catch-up is perfect for those who love to read popular fiction but don’t have anyone to talk about it with. Selecting the books (yep, sometimes there’s more than one) from requests on the day, it’s all about getting together to discuss the concepts and ideas raised.
Haven’t had time to read the book? Don’t worry – they won’t kick you out. In fact, they encourage everyone to come along.
Find out more here.
Canberra Women’s Book Club
This is a group for women in the Canberra region to get together, discuss what they’ve recently read, and have some great conversations.
Meeting once a month, find out more here.
Book Club, Movie Club, Podcast Club
Because why stick to just one? This is a fun and social group to discuss interesting books, movies, and podcasts, with the option to actually read/watch/listen to all three!
With one of each medium assigned each month, they cover all genres with something for everyone.
Find out more here.
Start your own Book Club
Looking to start your own book club? ACT Libraries is here to help! All you need to do is register your book club and they will send out 12 copies of the same tiles from their collection.
Find out more here.
