How Do Book
Groups Work?
Start a GroupSo you are keen to start a book group? Great! We can help you run a successful and enjoyable group. By joining the Book Discussion Scheme, you can access books from our extensive catalogue, receive discussion notes to kick-start your group's meetings, and draw on our experience and expertise. We've been running book groups for nearly 40 years, so have plenty of helpful advice to offer you if you need it! Registering your new group New groups need to register with us, so we can set up details of your group on our computer and book inventory system. This costs $30. You can register your new group with us at anyime during the year except for the Christmas holiday period. To do this, please complete the Enrolment Form and return it to us by post, fax or email (contact details on the form) along with the above registration fee. Payment can be made by cheque (via the post), cash (Christchurch only, in person) or internet banking. Contact Us if you need more information or download the Payment & Order Form which advises you of the fees to be paid. Membership fee Once your group is registered with us, members pay a programme (membership) fee. This fee covers the loan of books and discussion notes, and the cost depends on the number of people in your group (it's cheaper if you have 7 or more people) and the type of programme your book group joins up to. We have a:
You can view our table of fees under the question 'What is the cost of membership' in the FAQs (our frequently asked questions section). Near the end of your membership period, we will send out a re-enrolment pack...so your group doesn't miss out on reading more from our extensive collection of classics and latest publications! Choosing a Convenor To help your book group run smoothly, we need you or someone in your group to act as convenor. This person becomes our primary contact person and has the responsibility of returning BDS books and materials to us. This is the person we will liaise with about book group matters; who receives deliveries of books; and who gets a copy of our quarterly email newsletter Footnote, to pass on to members of their group. (If you don't have an email address, we include a copy of the newsletter with your delivery of books). Convenors pay a reduced membership fee. This is our way of acknowledging the role you play in ensuring BDS materials are distributed and returned in a timely way. Being a convenor doesn't necessarily mean you are responsible for hosting or leading your group; it is about being our liaison person. Where you meet and who leads your book group meetings is entirely up to groups to decide; some groups like their members to take turns at hosting meetings. Whatever works for you! Handbook for Book Groups We've compiled a Handbook for Groups that gives you more details about how the scheme operates. It also contains tips for running your group. The handbook is posted to you when your group enrols and can also be be viewed under the 'Publications' section of this website. Summer holidays Christmas and summer holidays are a busy time for everyone and book groups don't usually meet during this time. So we suspend delivery of books to groups in mid-November and recommence deliveries in mid-January. Groups from the greater Christchurch area who are on a full programme and who pick up their books from our Colombo Street office receive a 'holiday read' in recognition of reduction in delivery costs for their group. For a small cost, other groups can order a 'holiday read'. Want more members? Potential members can be referred to your group if you indicate ‘YES’ to referrals on the enrolment form (when you register your new group with us). The Notice Board is also a good way to find potential members. |
