GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — According to CNN, book club event listings grew by 24% in 2023, and “booktok" has become Tik Tok’s most popular community.
Social media platforms are driving younger generations to make book clubs trendier than ever before.
After being isolated during the pandemic more people are joining books clubs as a way to socialize.
It’s one of the reasons Kara Murphy started the Grand Rapids chapter of silent book club.
“I think it's just a good way to build camaraderie with likeminded people, build community, and what it is it's about human connection, and meeting people who share your values and your interests," Murphy said.
According to Eventbrite, turnout at silent book clubs nationwide increased by 24% last year.
A large number of those in attendance are Gen Z and Millennials that have grown up with so much technology.
“Having a book in hand is you know, it's just a different experience for them. I also find that there are a lot of authors that are writing material that appeals to their generation," Murphy said.
Book clubs are nothing new to the Kent District Library.
The Rockford branch has played host to one for 35 years.
“Everybody brings something different to the table, which makes reading a book and book club. So much different than and so much more exciting than reading the book on your own," Mark Dunham, Adult Services Librarian at the Kent District Library, said.
KDL book club organizers say they have noticed more interest from younger generations.
“We were reading more globally, and people have been very enthusiastic people have really embraced that," Dunham said.
A new study from the American Library Association confirms gen-z and millennials are visiting libraries more often and prefer print books.
“As technology advances, and it becomes integrated more into our daily lives, I think having that physical book in your hands, that's, that's something that's more of a retreat, and that's an escape from reality," Murphy said.
Books are the great way to use your imagination and there’s a book club waiting for you to talk all about it.
Silent book club Grand Rapids has increased meet-ups to three times a month.
The KDL book club gets together on the third Friday of every month.
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