Our Kits
We currently have over 130 kits different, free Book Club Kits featuring new and popular adult titles such as Becoming by Michelle Obama, On Earth We're Briefly Gorgeous by Ocean Vuong, and Albatross by Terry Fallis. Check out the full list here.
- Each kit contains 10 copies of the book
- Many kits include discussion questions
How it Works
- Visit KitKeeper
- Browse by title or by date for availability
- Click Reserve this Kit and follow the steps on the screen
It's that simple! For step by step instructions, check out our guide to using KitKeeper.
If you need assistance choosing a title for your club or help with KitKeeper, contact Melanie Kindrachuk, Book Club Coordinator at splbookclubs@pcin.on.ca.
More Information
For more information on how SPL can support your Book Club, contact:
Melanie Kindrachuk
Public Service Librarian
splbookclubs@pcin.on.ca
519-271-0220 x128
- What is a Book Club Kit?
A book club kit consists of 10 copies of a book packaged in an easy to carry tote bag, alongside some book club leader resources. - Who can borrow Book Club Kits?
Book club kits can be borrowed by any local book club. The Book Club Kit will be checked out on the library card of the person picking up the bag. That person assumes responsibility for the bag and all its contents.
These kits are not available for Interloan at this time. If you don't have a library card, apply for one online! - What titles are available as a Book Club Kit?
All sorts! See the complete list of Book Club Kits that we hold in our system. - How can I reserve Book Club Kits in advance?
Book clubs must sign in to KitKeeper using a current PCIN library card (Stratford, St Marys, West Perth, Perth East or North Perth). Using the KitKeeper scheduling software, clubs can check on kit availability and book up to a year in advance! Instructions on using KitKeeper - Where can I pick up a Book Club Kit?
For the time being, kits can be picked up during our Curbside Pickup hours. - How long may I keep a Book Club Kit?
The loan period for a Book Club Kit is a default of 5 weeks. The return date will be set when you book your kit on KitKeeper. It is important to return all books in the Book Club Kit together and on time as other book clubs may have reserved them. - Can I renew a Book Club Kit?
No. Book Club Kits cannot be renewed in order to ensure that the set is available for use by other book clubs. - Where can I return Book Club Kits?
Book Club Kits must be returned together as one unit, with all books and resources inside, as they were checked out. A Book Club Kit will not be checked in unless all books and resources are inside. Book Club Kits may be returned through the book drop as long as all items are included and the bag is zipped closed to keep all items together. - What is the late charge for books in a Book Club Kit?
The late charge is 25 cents per day per complete set. The late fees are applied to the card of the person who signed out the kit. - What is the charge if one of the books is missing?
A flat rate of $10.00 will be charged for each missing item of a kit owned by Stratford Public Library. Kits owned by PCIN member libraries may have alternate replacement fees.
While SPL does not have it's own Book Club at this time, there is one book club that meets at the library and is open to everyone.
Good Book Group
The Good Book Group has been meeting at the Library since 1989. They are an ever-changing group of people who enjoy getting together to talk about books. Books are chosen for discussion several months in advance and the upcoming selections are listed below.
When? 1st Tuesday on each month at 2pm and 7pm
Where? The Stratford Public Library Auditorium.
UPCOMING TITLES
Readers' Advisory Resources
- Novelist: Book discussion guides available through Stratford Public Library
- Dewey Divas and Dudes: The adventures of book reps on the road
- Library Thing: Great book tools
- Which Book: Clever ways to choose a good book
- Good Reads: Great ideas for readers; requires free registrations
- All Readers: Another good book site
- The 49th Shelf : Find out new & upcoming Canadian reads, or explore older favourites
- Canada Reads: Canada's annual battle of the books competition
- CBC Books: Great reading lists and more
How to Run a Bookclub
- Tips on Running a Successful Bookclub from Edmonton Public Library
- I Love Libraries is an American organization but has some great ideas and resources for book clubs everywhere
- ReadingGroupGuides.com and LitLovers.com offers great resources for book-specific discussion questions
- The Literary Gathering is operated by a bookclub in Hamilton that shares book choices, discussion questions, and inspired menus
Stratford Public Library is an official partner of the Amnesty International Book Club.
The AI Book Club is a great place to select your club’s next read, as the organization aims to support readers beyond just the book. What does that mean? High-quality book titles are regularly featured, along with a great range of accompanying support information including interactive author interviews, podcasts, discussion questions, and of course, how the item examines human rights issues. The AI Newsletter has well over 6,000 subscribers and is mailed monthly with the latest news in books, actions, reflective essays, and a discussion guide.
For more information, check out their website.