culture
Buffalo Book Clubs Provide Ongoing Options Across Libraries and Stores
Venues including the Buffalo and Erie County Public Library and independent shops maintain regular meetings for readers of different ages and interests.
How we reported this
The Buffalo and Erie County Public Library continues to run multiple book clubs at its branches, including the Nature Book Club held quarterly via Zoom, the Speculative Fiction Book Club on the third Wednesday from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., and the New Adult Hangout on monthly Saturdays from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Central Library. These sessions give readers structured ways to discuss titles without needing to travel to a single location each time.
Library and Roving Options
Alice, Ever After Books operates the free all-ages roving club called Bookin' It with Alice, which meets on the first Saturday of every month at 8:30 a.m. at 295 Parkside Avenue for reading combined with walking or running. The Buffalo and Erie County Public Library programs complement this by offering both in-person and remote formats that fit different schedules.
Store-Based Groups
Black Rock Books at 1239 Niagara St runs monthly clubs focused on books in translation, a silent book club, and an introverts book club that places no attendance limits and allows online conversation. Talking Leaves Bookstore hosts a queer book club, while Westside Stories Used Books at 398 Grant St holds its own monthly meetings, one example being the October 10 discussion of Americanah.
Art Center Program
The Burchfield Penney Art Center schedules a Kids Book Club on the fourth Saturday of each month from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. that includes reading, gallery tours, and art activities tied to a featured title such as Rainbow Bear, with registration required in advance.
These clubs operate on predictable calendars that locals can check through the hosting organizations. Interested readers can visit the Buffalo and Erie County Public Library site for branch details, contact Alice, Ever After Books for the roving group, or reach out directly to Black Rock Books, Talking Leaves Bookstore, Westside Stories Used Books, and the Burchfield Penney Art Center to confirm current titles and participation steps.