Free Online Library Writing and Reading Clubs

Libraries are more than just places to borrow books and other materials. They’re also places that foster education, socialization, and entertainment. While some libraries remain closed because of COVID or are on a strictly curbside pickup service, others, like mine, are open regular hours with a time limit for patrons to use the building. In our case, two hours. But while no in-person programs are being offered, we’ve scheduled a variety of online classes, workshops, and groups conducted through Zoom of Facebook Live presentations. Other libraries are doing this, too, so you can check your own public library’s offerings by visiting their websites. However, many libraries, like mine, are allowing non-residents to participate in their virtual programs.

Two new programs my library is offering that are open to all are the First Draft Writers’ Club and the Fun with Fiction book Club. I’ll be hosting both meetings on a monthly basis. The First Draft Writers Club will have day and evening sessions on the last Monday and Thursday of the month starting in January. Both sessions are identical. You need only attend one but are welcome to attend both if you wish. The first session in January will introduce members of the group, their publishing backgrounds, and writing goals for 2021. The following meetings, also conducted on Zoom, will feature member readings and critiques with a writing-related theme discussion. The meetings will run 90 minutes per session. If you’re interested, you need to register in advance. You can register for the afternoon session, Monday, January 25 at 2 pm EST, here and the afternoon session, Thursday, January 28, at 7 pm EST here.

The Fun with Fiction Book Club This will meet on the first Thursday night of the month and include a discussion of a particular book theme. The first session will introduce members of the group, their reading interests, and discuss the February theme of Romance and Relationship fiction. The meetings will run one hour per session. You can register for the February, 4, 7 pm EST meeting here.

Here’s a video promo I created for both groups.