The 5 Best Book Clubs for Adults in NYC (2025 Guide)
New York has no shortage of people, but finding your people? That’s harder. If you’re tired of dating apps, networking mixers, or doing everything solo, joining a book club might be one of the most rewarding, low-pressure ways to connect with others who actually want a conversation.
Here are five book clubs in New York City that go beyond your average literary night—and help you make meaningful, in-person connections along the way.
1. After School Book Club (multiple locations)
After School is a weekly, small-group book club for curious adults looking for new connections and better conversations. Every Tuesday night, strangers gather in small groups (usually 6 people) to discuss a single short story or article—no homework required. It’s hosted in cozy bar settings across NYC neighborhoods, and the vibe is friendly, curious, and always a little surprising.
Why it works: You show up solo, leave with new ideas—and sometimes new friends. The reading is always short and smart, and there’s no pressure to impress.
👉 Join a reading group near you.
2. Silent Book Club NYC
This global book club trend has strong NYC chapters. You bring your own book, read silently in a group for 45–60 minutes, and then casually socialize afterward. Great for introverts or anyone looking for low-key connection with fellow readers.
Check the schedule on silentbook.club
3. The Brooklyn Institute’s Reading Groups
For those who want more structured and academic literary discussions, the Brooklyn Institute offers semester-based reading groups and deep-dives into philosophy, literature, and critical theory. Great if you’re into the intellectual side of things and want a seminar-style format.
Explore offerings at thebrooklyninstitute.com
4. Book Clubz App Groups (Locally Organized)
BookClubz is an online tool that helps people create and join book clubs—many of which meet offline. Search by location and you’ll find public NYC-based groups around genres like historical fiction, women’s lit, sci-fi, and more. Quality varies, so look for ones with active membership and regular meeting cadences.
Check out: bookclubz.com
5. Start Your Own Mini Club
Sometimes the best book club is the one you create. Text a few friends, pick a short story or article, and meet at a café or bar to talk about it. Keep it chill: just one thing to read, no pressure. It’s easier than it sounds—and more fun than scrolling.
Not sure where to start? Steal After School’s format and build from there.
Final Thoughts: NYC Book Clubs Are Having a Moment
Whether you're an avid reader or just craving better conversations, New York’s literary scene has options for everyone. Book clubs are becoming more social, more diverse, and more welcoming—especially for people looking to meet new friends as an adult.
👉 Ready to Try One for Yourself?
After School hosts weekly literary nights in small groups across NYC. We provide the reading, the bar reservation, and the structure. You just show up—and maybe leave with something real.
