Frequently Asked Questions

How do I join a group?

How do I start a group?

How many members does a group need?

What is the cost of membership?

How do I pay membership fees?

What books are available?

How do I return books?

What happens if I lose or damage a book?

What happens if I’m late returning books?

What does it cost to return books to the BDS?

Where can I get advice on managing a book group?

Who runs the BDS?

Who funds the BDS?

How do I join a group?
• Click on the map at Join a Group to find groups wanting new members in your region, and complete the Join a Group Enquiry Form.

• Leave a message on the Notice Board for groups to read.

• Email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it Ph 03 365 6210, or send an enquiry at
Contact Us

How do I start a group?
Complete the Enrolment Form on the Start a Group page and forward it to the BDS with your $35 start-up fee.  If you would like to chat about it first, either email us at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it    or telephone 03 365 6210 - we welcome your enquiry. 

How many members does a group need?
The recommended size for groups is 7-12 members. We supply a maximum of 12 books to each group. Groups with 6 or less members pay a minimum fee of $366. We encourage small groups to increase their numbers to 7 or more.

What is the cost of membership?
The cost of membership is $56 per member per year. Convenors of groups with 7 or more members pay $30. Groups with 6 or less members pay a minimum fee of $366. Groups may only have a maximum of 12 members. New groups joining the scheme are required to pay an administrative fee of $35, which is non-refundable.

The cost of returning books to the BDS is the responsibility of groups and not included in the BDS membership fee. Groups may order pre paid courier bags through the BDS as an optional method of returning books. See Courier Information.

How do I pay Membership Fees?
We prefer convenors to pay by Internet banking or direct bank deposit but cheques will be accepted.  Please make your group's membership fee in ONE payment to keep our staff requirements as low as possible.

• Internet banking — Contact Us to obtain our bank account number and your group's individual identification code.  Internet banking transactions shoudl always be identified with this code (preferably) or at least the group number or convenor's name.

• Existing BDS groups can use the direct bank deposit slip provided in re-enrolment packs each year for use at any BNZ branch.  If you are a new group or do not have access to the deposit slips, please  Contact Us for our bank account details. 

• Cheque/cash — send cheque or cash to PO Box 7126, 440 Colombo Street, Sydenham, Christchurch 8240.   Please make cheques out to the Book Discussion Scheme and always identify your group on the back of the cheque.   Please remember – never put money in books!

What books are available?
The BDS Catalogue provides a extensive choice of good reading. New titles are regularly available and the range of authors is extensive. The catalogue is updated regularly.

How do I return books?
Local groups to Christchurch may return books to 440 Colombo Street, Sydenham. Groups may order pre-paid courier bags through the BDS as an optional method of returning books.

What happens if I lose or damage a book?
Three months after the due date, an invoice for the replacement cost of the outstanding book/s is sent. Damaged books are invoiced within a week of receipt by the BDS.

What happens if I’m late returning books?
If four or more books are overdue from a group, the next issue of books is delayed until the overdue books are returned.

What does it cost to return books to the BDS?
Return postage costs are the responsibility of the group and not included in the BDS membership fee. Groups may order pre-paid courier bags through the BDS as an optional method of returning books.  The courier parcels can be left at any NZ Post Shop OR telephone CourierPost and they will collect the parcels at no extra cost (this option is not available for rural delivery addresses).  Courier bags can be purchased for:

Lineflow Bags  (395 mm x 440 mm)

Foolscap Bags (275 mm x 380 mm)

A4 Bags (250 mm x 325 mm)

Where can I get advice on managing a book group?
You are welcome to talk to BDS personnel about book group operation. Please Contact Us if you would like advice. Several websites on our Links page provide useful information, and there are books that give book group guidance.

How is the BDS run?
The BDS is a member of the Federation of Workers Educational Associations' (FWEA). A sub-committee is responsible for the governance of the BDS, and a manager and several personnel operate the office. Volunteers cover books and review potential titles.

Who funds the BDS?
BDS membership provides the majority of funding. Since 2004, The Tertiary Education Commission (TEC) has also provided grants via the FWEA.

We are also grateful for grants from sundry funding agencies, and support from the Telecom and Community Connection Sponsorship Programme. Donations and Bequests are always welcome.