If you’re looking to meet new people and share your love of reading, book clubs in Liverpool offer something for everyone. Joining a book club isn’t just about reading—it’s about connection, conversation, and community.
For many people, book clubs offer a rare opportunity to switch off from screens and engage in thoughtful discussion. Whether you’re new to the city or simply looking to make new friends, they can be a great way to meet like-minded people. Some clubs lean more toward socialising over a drink, while others offer more structured or themed discussion formats—so there’s something to suit all personality types.
Shared reading groups, like those led by The Reader, are especially beneficial if you want to ease into conversation gradually. There’s no pressure to speak or read aloud—many people go simply to listen and enjoy being part of a story.
From lively pub meet‑ups and wellbeing-focused reading sessions to LGBTQ+ groups and crime-themed author events, the city is home to a growing and diverse book-loving community. Whether you’re a lifelong reader or just getting back into books, here’s where to start.
Perks of Reading CIC
Perks of Reading CIC is a mobile pop-up running book events around Liverpool. They are community-focused and informal.
Contact: Instagram @perksofreadingcic for current meet-ups, themes, and timings.
Book Club In The Pub
Book Club In The Pub meets at The Little Taproom (a cosy community micropub on Aigburth Road, Liverpool). The snug room hosts these monthly gatherings.
Contact & Info: Follow their Instagram @book_club_in_the_pub for upcoming dates, book titles, and special pub features. Hosted by Alyssa Sian Reads.
The Reader – Shared Reading Groups (Calderstones & Liverpool Libraries)
The Reader is a Liverpool charity headquartered in the historic Mansion House at Calderstones Park, Liverpool (L18 3JB). It champions an evidence-backed programme known as Shared Reading, which brings people together in small groups to read aloud poems, short stories, or extracts from novels—with one person acting as a trained Reader Leader.
They have Shared Reading groups across the Liverpool City Region, including Spellow Library Group: Every Monday 4pm–5pm at Spellow Library Hub, Walton (125 County Road, Liverpool L4 3QF). Drop-ins welcome, no cost.
Contact: Call +44 151 729 2200 or visit The Reader’s website to find a group or join the email list. Drop-ins welcome.
Liverpool Central Library Book Group & Proud Readers’ Book Club
Liverpool Central Library, William Brown Street, L3 8EW hosts a number of reading and shared reading groups:
- Shared Reading: Mondays 2pm–3:30pm (drop-in). There’s no pressure to talk, you can just go along and listen if you like.
- Dementia‑friendly Readings: Aimed at people living with dementia, their carers, family members and friends. Just drop in, grab a cuppa and enjoy listening to a poem or story – no pressure to talk or read. Wednesdays 1pm–2:30pm. Email alison.cassidy@liverpool.gov.uk for more information.
- Proud Readers’ (LGBTQ+ fiction): Last Wednesday each month, 6pm–7:30pm (book via Eventbrite).
Liverpool Book Club (Meetup)
Meetup.com is a social networking platform designed to help people organise in-person (and virtual) events based around shared interests—everything from book clubs and hiking groups to language meet-ups and much more. Visit Meetup to find even more book clubs in Liverpool.
Tips for Reaching Out & Joining
- Instagram & Meetup: Most clubs manage scheduling and book announcements via Instagram or the Meetup platform—follow/subscribe for updates.
- Email or Phone: Use the Reader’s contact line for any Shared Reading queries or specific library groups.
- Drop‑in Friendly: Many sessions—especially Shared Reading and library meets—allow walk-ins without prior booking.
- Event Booking: Formal meetings like themed author events (Palm House, special Liverpool Book Club talks) often require booking or emailing in advance.
If you know of any book clubs in Liverpool please let us know in the comments or email shout@liverpoolnoise.com.
