Join an HPL Book Club or Create One

If you’re looking to discuss the last book you read and always on the lookout for the next great read, join a HPL Book Club, or create a club.  

Whether fiction, non-fiction, French or other genre, there are a variety of clubs to join at HPL. If you would like to join a HPL book club, check out our virtual clubs hpl.ca. HPL is currently not hosting book clubs at branches at this time.

If you are keen to create a club with fellow book lovers, HPL has more than 405 titles to choose from in the Book Club Kit collection. Each kit has 10-12 books of the same title, along with a discussion guide, author bio and reviews — all contained in a large bag.

To borrow a kit, you need a valid HPL library card. Then, browse the collection, place holds or pause the kit for pick up at a later date. Kits can also be renewed, to hold on to a little longer, if no other book club is waiting for it.

Visit or call your neighbourhood branch and join a book club or go to hpl.ca for more information on borrowing a Book Club Kit.  

Have more questions? Read through the Book Club Kit FAQ below. 

Book Club FAQ

What is a Book Club Kit?
A Book Club Kit contains 10-12 copies of one title. The kit also contains discussion questions, reviews, a sign-out sheet and an author biography.

Who can borrow Book Club Kits?
Anyone with a valid HPL card. Need one? Head to any HPL branch to sign up for a card. Bring two pieces of identification: one with your photo and one with your current address.

Can I still use my Book Club Kit HPL card?
Yes. But new Book Club Kit cards are no longer created, as all Members can place holds on any items in the catalogue with their personal HPL card.

Can Book Club Kits be reserved in advance?
Yes. You can browse the kits from our library catalogue and titles can be paused for a later date. Titles cannot be reserved for a specific date. Branch staff can help you place holds on Kits. Contact HPL at 905-546-3200, email askus@hpl.ca or chat at hpl.ca.

Does HPL have recommended titles for Book Clubs?
Yes. Search in the catalogue for Book Club Kits (10-12 books per Kit), or search for Off the Shelf (titles with 10 copies available) or use the OverDrive list of Book Club Suggestions (titles with 10 copies available.)

How many Book Club Kits can I put on hold?
You can place holds on up to 50 Kits. Book Clubs are encouraged to use Pause Holds to manage their Kits. You can see where you are in the holds queue to determine when your Kit may become available.

Where can Book Club Kits be picked up?
Kits can be picked up at any of our 22 branches. 

How long can book clubs keep a Kit?
They can be borrowed for six weeks. Kits can be renewed if there are no other clubs waiting for the title. No fines are charged so you can hold on to your kit a few days longer if needed.

Can Book Club Kits be renewed?
Yes. Book Club Kits can be renewed if there are no other clubs waiting for the title. No fines are charges if you need to hold on to the Kit a little longer.

How many kits does HPL have?
HPL has over 405 kits.

How are Book Club Kits selected?
HPL’s Collection librarians carefully choose titles for purchase. They take into consideration reviews and current events when purchasing Kits.

Can I suggest a Book Club Kit title for HPL’s collection?
Submissions are accepted here, however this service is on pause until 2021, due to the pandemic. Not all submissions are selected for purchase.

How can I host a book club virtually?
There are instructions on how to host a Google Meet, if your club wishes to meet online. In-person Book Clubs and meeting rooms at HPL locations remain closed, due to health precautions.

What if I return a copy damaged or lose my Kit?
Fines are not charged from now until Dec 31, 2021. Please let HPL staff know if a copy is damaged/lost.