Join a book club with strangers.

Save a seat to have a meaningful conversation with five new people.

What people say about after school…

“After school is the sexier, modern version of a book club for the busy New Yorker.”

— Shweta M.

“I had a blast at After School, and *super inhale* made three new friends at my very club meeting!”

— Margaret A.

“After School has been the most fruitful thing I have found in NYC for meeting like-minded people I click with- and I’ve been here a long time!”

— Brie R.

“After School is easily one of my favorite recent discoveries.”

— Cindy M.

Where Do we meet?

Club meetings can take place at multiple locations in New York within our designated areas.

New York City

More cities coming soon, click here to request a city or neighborhood.

How DOES IT work?

After School Book Club Sign Up New York Computer Image

Complete a quick form to tell us about your interests and we’ll match you with a compatible reading group.

Our editors assign your group a contemporary magazine article to read before you meet up.

We book a table at a local bar and provide you with conversation prompts about the article you read. It’s like a book club.

Image of talking emojis asking for feedback for After School Clubs in New York

Let us know what you thought of your group and reading selection and we’ll build a stronger community.

How do we choose Articles?

Our editors select reported stories, personal essays, or short fiction from well-known publications.

Sometimes, we’ll use articles that dominate the discourse, like Bad Art Friend or Cat Person.

We stay away from politics and hot-button issues. We want you to be stimulated not mad.

We always ask for your feedback to better choose stories that provoke thought and spark joy.

FAQs about After School

  • After School includes matching to a reading group, article selection, discussion worksheet, and table booking. The cost of drinks or food are paid directly at the bar.

  • We form your reading group based on your interests, age and gender distribution, and location.

  • We vary start times to fit different schedules. Check the start time when you book your date.

  • Cost vary by city and your subscription choice. You can buy a one time ticket, or a monthly subscription that allows you to attend as many reading groups as you want in a month.

  • Email us at hello@joinafterschool.org