Recently, PCIN libraries were informed that KitKeeper, the booking software used to reserve book club kits, will be unavailable as of December 31, 2024. The parent company has decided to shut down at the end of this year. Due to this short notice, we are unable to provide an alternative booking method immediately. Book club kits will still be available to our library users, in a limited form, until June 2025, when we hope to have a new system in place.
Until then, it is important to note that current kit bookings will be honoured until June 2025. In order to have these bookings recorded before KitKeeper is taken offline, we ask that clubs place any bookings for kits they would like to use between January and June 2025, by DECEMBER 21, 2024.
No new bookings or drop-in requests for kits will be accommodated after December 21, until our new procedures are in place. Only bookings made prior to December 21 will be filled for your club between January and June 2025. We hope to have a new booking system up and running by the time clubs are wanting to place holds for the next book club season. We thank you for your understanding as we make a rapid pivot to a new software platform.
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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. Presently, they meet twice a month as noted below. Everyone is welcome to join this group.
- 1st Tuesday of each month | 2 - 4 PM | Avondale United Church
- Thursday following the 1st Tuesday of the month | 7:00 - 8:30 PM | Stratford Public Library Auditorium
Questions about the Good Book Group? Contact John Patterson
Book Club Kits
We currently have over 150 free Book Club Kits featuring new and popular adult titles such as The Rose Code by Kate Quinn, The Things We Cannot Say by Kelly Rimmer, and Five Little Indians by Michelle Good. 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.
FAQ's
- 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?
Kits can be picked up on the main floor of the library by the Information Desk. - 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 $1 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 $15.00 will be charged for each missing item in a kit, or $150 for a full kit that may be missing.
Reader's 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
Tips for Running a Book Club
- 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
More Information
For assistance in selecting a kit for your book club or for more information on how SPL can support your book club, contact:
Melanie Kindrachuk
Public Service Librarian
splbookclubs@splibrary.ca
519-271-0220 x128