Being Read by Local Book Groups
Find Books

The Oak Park Public Library is pleased to support a number of local book groups.

Register with the Library
Local book groups who register with the Oak Park Public Library are able to request multiple copies of a title for book group members. Registered book groups also may use the Book Discussion Room at the Main Library at no cost.

To register your book group with the Library call the Fiction and Audiovisual Services Department at 708-452-3440. You will be asked to provide the name of your book group and the name and telephone number of the contact person.

Plan Your Reading Calendar
Check with the Library staff before planning your reading calendar. We may not be able to provide some titles. Current best sellers and Oprah's recent selections are not available. A title may not be requested by any Oak Park book group within two consecutive months.

Plan to read only one title per month as the Library will accept only one title request per month from a book group.

Request Books
Please allow four weeks before your book discussion date. This will allow enough time for the Library staff to locate copies of the book from other libraries and for your book group members to check out and read the books.

You can request a book for your book group by telephone or in person at any location of the Oak Park Public Library. To place a request please provide the name of your book group, name and telephone number of the contact person, discussion date, and title and number of copies needed.

Borrow Books
After you request a title allow at least a week for your books to arrive at the Library. When the books become available one telephone call will be made to the contact person. Book group books must be checked out on an Oak Park Public Library card and are loaned for a three-week period.

Library staff reserve the right to amend this process in order to maintain
interlibrary loan privileges for all patrons.

Resources for Starting Book Groups
The Readers' Choice: 200 Book Club Favorites
by Victoria Golden McMains
The opening chapter has helpful information on how to begin and manage a book group and tips on leading discussions. The rest of the book provides fiction and nonfiction titles with plot summaries, author information, and discussion questions.
view title in Library Catalog

The Reading Group Book: The Complete Guide to Starting and Sustaining a Reading Group, With Annotated Lists of 250 Titles for Provocative Discussion
by David Laskin
Readers may lose themselves forever in this amazing bounty of book recommendations.
view title in Library Catalog

The Reading Group Handbook, Everything You Need to Know to Start Your Own Book Club
by Rachel W. Jacobsohn
A "how to" manual that includes everything from book group etiquette to suggested menus. Also includes a recommended reading lists and annotations.
view title in Library Catalog