Oakville Public Library’s book clubs bring readers together to explore great books, share ideas, and connect with the community. Everyone is welcome, whether you’re a long‑time book lover or trying a book club for the first time. Monthly titles are announced in advance, so you can join the discussions that interest you most.

Why Join an OPL Book Club

Our book clubs are designed to:

• Introduce readers to new and diverse authors and stories
• Encourage thoughtful discussion and social awareness
• Strengthen community connections
• Support communication and critical‑thinking skills
• Provide a welcoming space for English‑language learners to practice reading and conversation

What to Expect

OPL book clubs are structured as individual sessions that are available multiple days and times. Mark on your calendar or register for the ones you want to attend, there is no long-term commitment required.

• The book club seasons are typically January–May and September–November.
• All sessions are facilitated by an OPL staff member. They will provide an overview of the material, author information and a series of questions to help guide the discussion.
• Didn’t get a chance to finish the material? The discussion questions include both specific references and inquiries about broader themes, topics and ideas.

How We Select Book Club Titles

Ahead of each book club season, OPL staff carefully select and review potential book club titles. This process is a collaboration between our Programming and Collections teams and is guided by OPL’s Inclusion Policy, Intellectual Freedom Policy, and Program Development and Delivery Policy.

To create a balanced and engaging reading list, selected titles typically:

• Represent diverse voices, including BIPOC authors
• Maintain a balance of male, female, and non‑binary authors
• Include at least 50% Canadian authors or Canadian content
• Cover a variety of genres (e.g., historical fiction, contemporary fiction, mystery, non‑fiction, thrillers)
• Are available in multiple formats, such as eBook and eAudiobook
• Are under 400 pages
• Are recently published and, when possible, available in trade paperback

Suggest a Book Club Title

We welcome reading suggestions from the community. To recommend a title for consideration, please email oplprograms@oakville.ca.
To be considered for the following September season, suggestions must be submitted by March.

Please note: Not all suggested titles will be selected, and placement within a specific branch rotation cannot be guaranteed. Final selections are made at the discretion of library staff.

Types of Book Clubs at OPL

These following book clubs are facilitated by Oakville Public Library staff:

Adult Book Club

• Join us in exploring a wide variety of genres and authors with thoughtful discussions. If you are an avid reader or simply looking to expand your reading horizons, this club is open to all adults who are passionate about reading.
• This is a drop-in program; no registration is required.

Cookbook Club

• Explore and discuss food culture from around the world. Each session will focus on a specific theme centered on food. Participants can read a fiction or non-fiction book from a curated list. Feel free to try out a recipe or two and discuss your experiences in this interactive new book club.
• This session requires registration.

Historical Fiction Book Club

• Step into the pages of history with our Historical Fiction Book Club! Whether you're a fan of sweeping epics, intimate personal stories, or historical mysteries, this club is the perfect place to explore the past through compelling fiction.
• The Historical Fiction Book Club is hosted at Central Branch.
• This is a drop-in program; no registration is required.

Bronte Book Club

• Join us in exploring a wide variety of genres and authors with thoughtful discussions.
• Bronte Book Club is hosted at Taste of Colombia Café by Bronte Harbour.
• This session requires registration.

Find a Book Club session in our Program and Events calendar.

Book Club Kits

Have you always wanted to start your own book club? Gather some friends, review our list of Book Club Kits, then place a hold for pickup and start reading. These book clubs are facilitated by you!
 
Since Book Club Kits cannot be reserved for an exact date, we recommend placing a hold just before your club is ready to start its next read.

Find a Book Club Kit in our online catalogue.

Each kit includes:

• 10 copies of your chosen book
• A list of discussion questions
• Tips for hosting a successful book club

Important notes:

• Borrow up to two Book Club Kits at a time.
• Loan period is six weeks, with no renewals.
• Kits may be placed on hold, but specific dates cannot be reserved.
• Pick‑up is available at any branch except OPL Express locations due to the kit size.
• Kits must be returned in person during branch open hours.
• All items in the kit must be returned together.
• Replacement fees apply for any missing components and are charged to the cardholder who borrowed the kit.

Questions?

Email us at oplreference@oakville.ca.