Reading may be harder to prioritise than ever, but these London book clubs might make it easier to get back into the habit.
We’ve long known the benefits of reading regularly: sharper thinking, lower stress, better mental health and yes, the oft-quoted boost in empathy — there’s even a running joke online that many people (usually men, and usually those that people are dating) could improve their emotional literacy by picking up a novel once in a while.
And yet, the ‘voracious reader’ (someone with an insatiable appetite for reading), once praised by teachers, parents and every protagonist’s love interest in period drama, feels few and far between. In 2025, reading has almost become something of a status symbol. Some people might even feel triumphant about being seen as a part of a friendship group that still swaps dog-eared paperbacks (not to be confused with the ‘performative male’ figure of someone reading something very conspicuously in public).
According to the Reading Agency, only half of the UK population currently reads books, a figure down 6% from 2020. That equates to roughly 693,000 people each year who’ve either stopped reading or never started.
Admittedly, it’s quite hard to stay consistent — even with Goodreads merrily (or mercilessly?) reminding you how far behind you are on this year’s target.
Between the pull of social media, shrinking attention spans and the fact most of us stagger home from work in a haze of exhaustion, the lure of passive scrolling while an unengaging Netflix romcom plays in the background often wins.
Should I join a book club?
Joining a book club could be an antidote to this, providing structure (for reading — it won’t solve all your problems), accountability and a sense of community. Book clubs can also offer the rather underrated pleasure of meeting new people who you actually have common interests with (no insufferable weather small talk or idle pub chat required).
Plus, sharing literature with others might even make you enjoy reading more and motivate you to stick at it in between meet-ups.
And while picking up a new hobby every month can be expensive, reading doesn’t have to be. Many book clubs do charge a fee, but there are plenty that don’t. Here are seven of the city’s best free ones, according to L360.
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Richmond libraries reading groups
Spread across libraries in southwest London including Richmond, Teddington, Twickenham, Kew and Castelnau, Richmond libraries’ reading groups cater to all reading speeds and temperaments. Haven’t finished the book? Haven’t even opened it? You’re still welcome to join, sip tea and listen in.
The libraries will even lend equipment if you fancy starting a group of your own.
When: varies by location
Fable app virtual book clubs
If you’d rather join a club from the comfort of your own home, social reading app Fable lets you track your reading, join a virtual book club or start your own. Chat rooms are often organised by chapter (no spoilers), so you can discuss the book as you go, while the ‘lobby’ provides a space for general conversation and a reflection room for sharing reviews.
There’s no scheduled meeting time, so you can dip in and out of discussions whenever suits you. Private and public clubs are both available — no video calls required.
When: ongoing
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West Norwood Library reading groups
West Norwood Library hosts standout reading groups: a general Adult Reading Group and a crime-focused group that’s aptly named Everyone’s a Suspect.
The Adult Reading Group covers both contemporary and classic fiction, notable prize-winners, translated fiction and occasionally non-fiction books — all selected from the library’s collection.
The crime reading group, as the name suggests, dives into mysteries and thrillers on the first Friday of the month.
When: Adult Reading Group, every Tuesday from 4.15pm to 5.30pm. Everyone’s a Suspect, last Friday of the month from 3pm to 4.30pm
Left Book Club
Founded in 1936, the not-for-profit Left Book Club focuses on radical writing around politics, war, inequality and justice.
Membership models vary (some are purchasable), and there are various meetings that take place across London, the UK and online — its these online options that are free.
You’ll find active WhatsApp chats and online reading groups for discussion, and you can even register your own group if you’re open to new members.
When: various
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Clerkenwell Book Club
Hosted by Finsbury Library, Clerkenwell Book Club exclusively discusses books set in the Clerkenwell area.
For the next session in mid-January, the chosen book will be Charles Dickens’ Barnaby Rudge. Set against the backdrop of the London riots of 1780, the book includes murder, mystery and suspense, and will provide much to discuss. If you’re planning on dropping in, you’d better get reading.
When: next session Thursday 15 January 6.30pm to 7.30pm
North London Book Group
The North London Book Group meets on the first and third Tuesdays of the month in various town halls and local pubs across north London, including The Snooty Fox in Canonbury.
The group reads two books a month, both of which are chosen by member vote. Even if you didn’t finish the book (or didn’t enjoy it) you’re welcome — just RSVP first.
When: first and third Tuesdays of the month at 7pm, various locations
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Pimlico Library Book Group
This Westminster-based book group meets both in person (at Pimlico Library) and online.
Most meetings are blended, giving you the chance to join via Zoom or in person. Details can be found online and on Eventbrite when securing tickets. The next meeting takes place on Monday 23 February.
When: last Monday of the month, in-person and online
Feature image: Pexels
