Social media is making book clubs more popular among young people than ever before. In Grand Rapids, Michigan, the rise in book club events is notable, with a 24% increase in 2023 alone. This surge is largely attributed to “booktok,” TikTok’s most beloved community.
The trend is partly due to people seeking social connections after the isolation brought on by the pandemic. This desire for community and connection led Kara Murphy to establish the Grand Rapids chapter of the silent book club. She believes book clubs are a fantastic way to find camaraderie and connect with others who share similar interests.
Eventbrite has observed a 24% increase in attendance at silent book clubs across the country last year. A significant portion of these attendees are from the Gen Z and Millennial generations, who have been raised in a digital world. For them, holding a physical book offers a unique experience. Murphy notes that many authors today write content that resonates with these younger generations.
Book clubs have been a staple at the Kent District Library for decades, with the Rockford branch hosting one for 35 years. Mark Dunham, an Adult Services Librarian at the library, points out that book clubs offer diverse perspectives, making the reading experience more enriching than doing it solo. The library’s book clubs have seen a rise in interest from younger people, who are keen on reading more globally.
Recent findings from the American Library Association confirm that Gen Z and Millennials are frequenting libraries more often and show a preference for print books over digital formats. Murphy suggests that in an age where technology is ever-present, physical books serve as a welcome escape from the digital world.
Books ignite the imagination, and there’s a book club out there eager to discuss these adventures. The Silent Book Club in Grand Rapids has increased its meetings to three times a month, while the KDL book club gathers every third Friday.
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