How to Start a Book Club in Denver

Denver, known for its vibrant arts scene, thriving coffee culture, and passionate community of readers, offers the perfect backdrop for launching a book club. Whether you’re a lifelong bibliophile, a recent transplant drawn to the city’s intellectual energy, or someone seeking deeper connections through shared stories, starting a book club in Denver is more than just a literary endeavor—it’s a gateway to community, personal growth, and meaningful dialogue. In a city where outdoor adventures and urban innovation coexist, book clubs provide a quiet, reflective counterpoint: a space to slow down, think critically, and connect over the written word.

Starting a book club isn’t just about picking a novel and meeting once a month. It’s about cultivating a culture of curiosity, inclusivity, and consistent engagement. Denver’s diverse neighborhoods—from LoHi and Capitol Hill to Boulder Hills and Aurora—each offer unique demographics, library resources, and gathering spaces that can shape the character of your club. This guide will walk you through every step needed to launch and sustain a thriving book club in Denver, from identifying your niche and finding members to selecting meeting spaces and fostering lasting discussions. You’ll also discover best practices, local tools, real-life examples, and answers to common questions that will set your club apart.

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Define Your Book Club’s Purpose and Niche

Before you send out your first invite, clarify the core identity of your club. Are you aiming for literary fiction enthusiasts? A group focused on diverse voices? A casual gathering for mystery lovers? Or perhaps a club centered on nonfiction about urban sustainability, given Denver’s environmental consciousness? Defining your niche helps attract the right members and prevents mismatched expectations.

Consider these common niches popular in Denver:

• Contemporary American fiction with a regional focus
• Books by BIPOC, LGBTQ+, or immigrant authors
• Climate fiction (cli-fi) and environmental nonfiction
• Classic literature with modern reinterpretations
• True crime and investigative journalism
• Books adapted into films or TV shows (Denver has a growing film scene)

Write a short mission statement. For example: “The Denver Mountain Reads Club meets monthly to explore nature-inspired literature and foster connections between readers who find solace and inspiration in the outdoors.” This clarity will guide your marketing, book selections, and even your meeting locations.

2. Choose a Meeting Format

Decide whether your club will meet in person, virtually, or as a hybrid. Denver’s weather and geography make both options viable. In-person meetings thrive in cozy cafés, public libraries, or even private homes. Virtual meetings via Zoom or Google Meet are ideal for remote members, shift workers, or during winter months when travel is difficult.

Hybrid models are increasingly popular. You might meet in person at the Denver Public Library’s Central Branch (which has dedicated community rooms) and offer a Zoom link for those unable to attend. This inclusivity increases retention and broadens your reach.

Frequency matters too. Most successful clubs meet monthly, allowing enough time to read the book and reflect. Biweekly meetings can be intense; quarterly meetings may lose momentum. Start with monthly and adjust based on feedback.

3. Select a Consistent Meeting Time and Location

Consistency is key to building a loyal group. Choose a day and time that works for the majority. Evenings (7–9 PM) on weekdays or midday on weekends are popular in Denver. Avoid holidays or major local events like the Denver Film Festival or Broncos game days.

For physical locations, consider these Denver-friendly venues:

• Denver Public Library (Central Branch) – Free, quiet, and centrally located. Reserve a meeting room online.
• Local Independent Cafés – Tattered Cover Book Store’s café, Kava, or Sprocket Coffee often host community groups. Call ahead to ask about their book club policies.
• Community Centers – The Baker Neighborhood Center or the Montbello Recreation Center offer affordable rentals.
• Private Homes – Rotating hosts can build intimacy and reduce costs. Use a sign-up sheet to share responsibility.

If you choose a café, be mindful of noise levels and tipping culture. Many Denver coffee shops welcome book clubs but appreciate when groups purchase drinks or snacks. Always confirm their policy in advance.

4. Recruit Your First Members

Start small—aim for 6 to 12 members. Too many can make discussion unwieldy; too few can feel intimidating. Use a mix of digital and local channels to find your tribe.

Online Platforms:

• Meetup.com – Search for existing Denver book clubs and create your own. Use keywords like “Denver Literary Fiction,” “Denver Women Readers,” or “Denver True Crime Book Club.”
• Facebook Groups – Join “Denver Book Lovers,” “Denver Book Club Network,” or “Boulder Book Club” and post your intent. Be specific: “Looking for 8 readers to start a monthly club focused on climate fiction. First meeting: June 15 at Tattered Cover.”
• Reddit – Post in r/Denver or r/BookClub with a clear title and purpose.
• Nextdoor – Ideal for neighborhood-based clubs. Mention your street or nearby landmark (e.g., “Near City Park” or “Baker District”).

Offline Channels:

• Ask at your local library. Librarians often know avid readers and may post flyers.
• Place a small ad on bulletin boards at coffee shops, bookstores, or co-working spaces.
• Tell friends, coworkers, or neighbors. Word-of-mouth remains powerful in tight-knit Denver communities.

When recruiting, be transparent about expectations: How often do you meet? What’s the reading load? Is there a fee? (Most clubs are free, but some collect $5/month for snacks or book purchases.)

5. Set Up a Communication System

Once you have members, establish a reliable way to communicate. Avoid relying solely on text messages or social media DMs. Use a centralized platform:

• Google Group – Free, organized, and allows file sharing (book lists, discussion questions).
• WhatsApp Group – Great for quick updates and reminders. Ideal for casual clubs.
• Discord Server – Perfect if you want to create channels for book discussions, memes, and event planning.

Set up an automated email reminder system using Mailchimp or Google Calendar. Send a monthly reminder with the book title, meeting date, and a discussion prompt. Consistency builds trust.

6. Choose Your First Book

Your first selection sets the tone. Avoid overly long or dense texts. Aim for something accessible, thought-provoking, and discussion-rich. Consider these Denver-appropriate picks:

• “The Overstory” by Richard Powers – A Pulitzer-winning novel about trees and activism, perfect for a city that values nature.
• “Braiding Sweetgrass” by Robin Wall Kimmerer – Blends Indigenous wisdom and botany; resonates with Denver’s environmental ethos.
• “The City We Became” by N.K. Jemisin – A fantasy novel where cities come alive; ideal for a city with strong neighborhood identities.
• “Educated” by Tara Westover – A memoir that sparks conversations about identity, family, and resilience.

Let members vote on the first three options. This builds ownership and excitement. Include a short blurb and why it fits your club’s mission.

7. Prepare Discussion Questions

Don’t just ask, “What did you think?” Prepare 5–7 open-ended questions that encourage analysis. For example, for “The Overstory”:

• How does the structure of the novel mirror the interconnectedness of trees?
• Which character’s journey resonated most with you, and why?
• Does the book change how you view nature? If so, how?
• How does the novel balance activism with personal loss?

Assign a rotating discussion leader each month. This prevents burnout and empowers members. Provide a simple template: 1) Book summary (1–2 sentences), 2) 3–5 discussion questions, 3) One personal reflection.

8. Host Your First Meeting

Plan your first gathering with intention. Arrive early to set up. Have a sign-in sheet (name, email, preferred contact method). Start with a brief welcome: restate your mission, review the schedule, and ask everyone to share why they joined.

Let the conversation flow naturally, but gently guide it if it stalls. Use your prepared questions. Encourage quieter members: “I’d love to hear from someone who hasn’t spoken yet.”

End with a quick vote for the next book and confirm the next meeting date. Send a thank-you email afterward with photos (if permitted), next month’s book, and a link to where it can be purchased or borrowed.

9. Evaluate and Evolve

After three meetings, send a short anonymous survey via Google Forms. Ask:

• What did you enjoy most?
• What would you change?
• Do you feel included and heard?
• Any suggestions for future books or locations?

Use feedback to refine your approach. Maybe you need more diverse genres. Maybe the time slot doesn’t work. Maybe you want to host a potluck or a visit to the Denver Botanic Gardens themed around a book. Evolution keeps your club alive.

10. Celebrate Milestones

After six months, throw a small celebration. Invite members to bring a favorite book to swap. Host a “Book Club Anniversary” at a local brewery with a themed drink (e.g., “The Overstory IPA”). Share a group photo and post it on social media with a hashtag like

DenverBookClubChronicles. Celebrating builds loyalty and attracts new members.

Best Practices

Create a Welcoming, Inclusive Environment

Denver is one of the most diverse cities in the Mountain West, with growing populations from Latinx, Southeast Asian, and African communities. Your book club should reflect that diversity. Avoid books that center only white, cisgender, heteronormative experiences unless your niche specifically calls for it. Prioritize authors from underrepresented backgrounds. Include books in translation. Offer audiobook options for members with visual impairments or busy schedules.

Establish ground rules: no interrupting, no judgment, respect differing opinions. A simple “One speaker at a time” rule can prevent dominance by a few vocal members.

Balance Structure and Flexibility

Too rigid? You’ll lose spontaneity. Too loose? You’ll lose direction. Aim for a middle ground: have a monthly agenda but allow room for tangents. If a member brings up a powerful personal story connected to the book, let it breathe. That’s where real connection happens.

Encourage Participation, Not Performance

Don’t expect members to write essays or give presentations. The goal is conversation, not academic analysis. A good discussion doesn’t require a perfect answer—it requires honest reflection. Remind members: “There are no wrong interpretations, only different ones.”

Partner with Local Institutions

Denver’s libraries, universities, and bookstores are eager to support community initiatives. Contact the Denver Public Library’s Community Engagement team. They may provide free book copies, promotional support, or even a librarian to moderate a session. The University of Denver’s English Department sometimes partners with public clubs for guest speakers.

Local bookstores like Tattered Cover, BookBar, and Bookies offer discounts or free copies to clubs. Ask about their “Book Club Program.” BookBar even hosts monthly in-store events for clubs.

Manage Conflict Gracefully

Disagreements about books are natural—and healthy. But if someone dominates conversations, is dismissive, or makes others uncomfortable, address it privately. Say: “We value your insights, and we want everyone to feel heard. Could we try giving others a little more space next time?”

If someone consistently doesn’t read the book, gently ask if they’re still enjoying the group. Offer alternatives: “Would you like to join as a listener this month? Or maybe we can suggest a shorter book next time?”

Keep It Sustainable

Don’t let your club become a burden. Rotate responsibilities: one person picks the book, another sends reminders, another brings snacks. If you’re the founder, step back after six months. Let someone else lead. A club that survives is one that’s shared.

Connect with Other Clubs

Denver has dozens of active book clubs. Attend one as a guest. Join the Denver Book Club Association’s monthly meetup. Exchange book lists. Collaborate on a citywide “Denver Reads” event. Cross-pollination enriches your own group and strengthens Denver’s literary ecosystem.

Tools and Resources

Book Discovery Tools

• Goodreads – Join Denver-specific groups like “Denver Book Lovers” and browse “Top 100 Books Read in Colorado.”
• BookBub – Get personalized recommendations and discounts on e-books.
• Library of Congress Book Lists – Curated lists by genre, theme, or region.
• The New York Times Book Review – Search for “Denver authors” or “Colorado settings.”
• Book Riot’s “Read Harder” Challenge – Offers prompts like “Read a book by a nonbinary author” or “Read a book set in the American West.”

Discussion and Organization Tools

• Google Calendar – Schedule meetings and send automated reminders.
• Notion – Create a shared workspace for book lists, notes, and resources.
• Discord – Use text channels for ongoing discussion and voice channels for live chats.
• BookClubHub.com – Free tool to generate discussion questions and track reading progress.
• Libby or Hoopla – Free library apps to borrow e-books and audiobooks. Denver Public Library offers unlimited access.

Denver-Specific Resources

• Denver Public Library – Offers free meeting rooms, book club kits (10 copies of a book + discussion guide), and librarian-led sessions. Visit denverlibrary.org/book-clubs.
• Tattered Cover Book Store – Hosts monthly book club events and offers 20% off for club members. Email their events team to join their program.
• BookBar – A bookstore and bar in Denver’s Five Points neighborhood. Offers free book club nights with wine and snacks. Sign up at bookbar.com/book-clubs.
• Denver Writers’ Workshop – Offers free literary events and sometimes partners with book clubs for author Q&As.
• Denver Arts & Venues – Lists community events, including literary festivals like the Denver Book Festival (held each fall).

Free and Low-Cost Book Sources

• Denver Public Library – Over 1.5 million items, including audiobooks, e-books, and large-print editions.
• Little Free Libraries – There are over 300 across Denver. Find one near you at littlefreelibrary.org/finder.
• Thrift Stores – Goodwill, Salvation Army, and local used bookshops like Book Exchange in Boulder or Denver Book Exchange in the Highlands.
• Book Swaps – Host a quarterly swap at your home or a café. Members bring a book they’ve read and take one they haven’t.

Real Examples

Example 1: The Hillside Readers (Capitol Hill)

Founded in 2020 by two librarians, The Hillside Readers meet monthly at a quiet corner of the Tattered Cover Book Store. Their focus: “Books by women of color with Colorado connections.” They’ve read works by Joy Harjo, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, and Denver-based author Kali Fajardo-Anstine. The group started with five members and now has 18. They partner with the Denver Public Library for book kits and host a yearly “Women of Color Authors Night” at the Central Library. Their secret? Consistency, intentionality, and a commitment to amplifying marginalized voices.

Example 2: The Trail & Tale Club (Boulder/Denver Metro)

This hybrid club meets monthly in the mountains or via Zoom. They read nature writing and environmental nonfiction—books like “A Sand County Almanac,” “Braiding Sweetgrass,” and “The Hidden Life of Trees.” Members often bring hiking gear and share photos from their outdoor adventures. They’ve organized two “Book & Hike” events: one at Red Rocks, one at Rocky Mountain National Park. Their membership includes teachers, park rangers, and remote workers. They use a private Facebook group to share trail photos and book quotes.

Example 3: The Midnight Mystery Mavens (Aurora)

A group of five women who met through a Nextdoor post, they focus exclusively on classic and contemporary crime fiction. They meet at a member’s home every third Thursday. Each member brings a themed snack: “Aginata” (a fictional dessert from Agatha Christie) or “The Hound of the Baskervilles” cookies. They’ve read every Sherlock Holmes story and now rotate between international authors—Scandinavian noir, Japanese psychological thrillers. They’ve even written their own short mystery story as a group project.

Example 4: The Denver Lit Lab (Online-Only)

Started during the pandemic, this club has 40+ members across Colorado. They meet on Zoom, read one book per month, and host a guest speaker every quarter—authors, editors, or translators. They’ve had visits from Colorado Poet Laureate Crystal Simone Smith and editor of Denver Quarterly. They use a Notion dashboard to track books, assign discussion leads, and archive past notes. Their motto: “No geography limits our imagination.”

FAQs

Do I need to be an expert reader to start a book club?

No. Book clubs thrive on diverse perspectives, not academic expertise. What matters is curiosity and willingness to listen. Many successful clubs are led by people who simply love stories and want to share them.

How do I handle members who don’t read the book?

Approach it with kindness. Ask if they’re still enjoying the group. Offer to suggest a shorter book next time. Some members may prefer to listen and contribute occasionally. If someone consistently skips reading and disrupts the group, it’s okay to gently ask them to step back.

Can I charge a fee for my book club?

You can, but it’s not common. Many Denver clubs are free. If you do charge, keep it minimal—$5/month to cover snacks, book purchases, or room rentals. Be transparent about how funds are used.

What if no one shows up to the first meeting?

Don’t panic. It happens. Reach out to those who RSVP’d. Ask for feedback. Maybe the time or location didn’t work. Adjust and try again. Sometimes, the second meeting has better turnout.

How do I find books that reflect Denver’s culture?

Look for authors who live in or write about Colorado. Try “The Last Days of Dogtown” by Jill Bialosky, “The Wilds” by Julia B. Smith, or “A Million Miles in a Thousand Years” by Donald Miller. Visit the Denver Public Library’s “Colorado Authors” display. Ask librarians for recommendations.

Can I start a book club for kids or teens?

Absolutely. The Denver Public Library offers youth book clubs. You can also partner with local schools or after-school programs. Choose age-appropriate books and include fun activities—crafts, drawings, or themed snacks.

How do I make my club feel more inclusive?

Use diverse book selections. Offer multiple formats (audiobook, large print). Ask members about accessibility needs. Avoid jargon. Welcome all backgrounds. If someone shares a cultural reference you don’t understand, ask respectfully. Inclusion isn’t perfection—it’s presence.

Can I turn my book club into a nonprofit?

It’s possible, but rarely necessary. Most clubs function best as informal groups. If you want to host large events or seek grants, consider partnering with an existing nonprofit like the Colorado Humanities or Denver Arts & Venues.

What if I want to meet less often than monthly?

That’s fine. Some clubs meet every six weeks or quarterly. The key is consistency. If you meet less often, choose shorter books or short story collections.

Can I have a book club focused on poetry?

Yes! Poetry clubs are growing in Denver. Try reading one poem per meeting and discussing its imagery, rhythm, and emotion. Use collections like “Citizen” by Claudia Rankine or “The Carrying” by Ada Limón. Poetry clubs often have deeper, more emotional discussions.

Conclusion

Starting a book club in Denver is more than organizing a reading group—it’s planting a seed for community, connection, and collective imagination. In a city that celebrates both the solitude of mountain trails and the vibrancy of urban life, a book club offers a rare space where quiet reflection meets shared revelation. Whether you meet in a café with steam rising from your latte, on a Zoom screen with a view of the Rockies behind you, or around a table in a cozy living room, the act of reading together transforms individuals into a community.

The steps outlined here—from defining your niche to celebrating your first anniversary—are not rigid rules but flexible frameworks. Adapt them. Let your club evolve as your members do. Listen more than you speak. Choose books that challenge you. Welcome voices that differ from your own. Let the stories you read become the threads that weave your neighborhood closer.

Denver is full of readers. You don’t need to find them—they’re already there, waiting for someone to say, “Let’s read together.” Start small. Be consistent. Stay curious. And remember: every great book club began with one person who dared to invite others into the world between the pages.