How Do Book Groups Work?

Groups meet monthly (same day and week, e.g. second Tuesday) on an informal basis at venues of their choice to discuss the book supplied by the BDS. The convenor or organiser of the group distributes the books at each meeting. Every member is lent a copy of the book, and booknotes.

Click on Start a Group or Find a Group to join the BDS. For further information, refer to the BDS Handbook, Publications or FAQs.

The recommended size for groups is 7-12 members. Guidelines in the BDS Handbook provide detailed information about the operation of groups.

Groups make book selections from the BDS Catalogue. They receive a maximum of ten titles during the year. New titles introduced to the scheme may be added to groups’ book selections at any time. Discussions usually range from one to two hours and may be guided by questions contained in the booknotes. At the end of the discussion, members return their books and booknotes to the convenor or member responsible for the return of the books to the BDS.

To receive the maximum number of 10 titles in the year, groups need to start late January/early February, have consecutive monthly meetings, and return all books by their due date. Local groups to Christchurch that collect their books each month from the BDS office receive an 11^th holiday book at the end of the year. Groups that have their book parcels couriered to them may order an 11^th holiday book, but there is a charge for this service.

The cost 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.