Believe it or not, getting together to discuss books wasn’t discovered by RTÉ’s Ryan Tubridy. In fact, reading circles date back to the 15th century, although US chat-show host Oprah Winfrey is credited with starting the more recent craze for book clubs after recommending a book to her 30 million viewers in 1996.

While there are hundreds of book clubs operating throughout the country, senior book clubs have become increasingly popular. “We have several book clubs operating here, although our morning book club tends to be very popular with retired people and women at home,” says Tara Doyle, senior librarian with Cabra Library in Dublin.

“People really enjoy the book clubs and I would suggest that anybody interested in setting up a group should approach their local library. If the library has space, they may hold the book club there. Some groups prefer to meet in a local café once a month, while others take turns hosting the book club in their home. But even if your group doesn’t meet at the library, we can still order in the books needed each month,” explains Doyle.

Author and journalist Anne Dempsey has written a fantastic guide to setting up a book club for older adults. Sharing a personal pleasure: All you need to know about senior reading groups’ is a must for any retirement group or individual interested in establishing a book club (available to read on www.olderinireland.ie).

“One benefit of a reading group for people who may be retired from paid work or child rearing, is in the social contact it can offer. It can provide the chance to share views and opinions on the book under discussion and also, perhaps, to use books as the social currency for an exchange of ideas on wider issues – indeed on life itself,” says Dempsey.

And joining a book club won’t do your health any harm either, she says, explaining that studies show that keeping links with friends and community is one of the most powerful ways of retaining individual health and well-being.

“Reflecting on stories read and issues presented can be a way of making sense of many aspects of our own lives, past and present. Sharing books can be a way of making new friends. Through books, you can have significant conversations about life topics at a level at which you feel comfortable. Members find they can disagree amicably, often growing in friendship,” says Dempsey.

Another popular option is online reading groups, which may suit those living in more remote areas, or anyone who needs to be more home-based. There are lots of book clubs to choose from and because online groups are largely 24/7, the good news is you can join a group almost anywhere around the globe. Some online reading groups operate like a chat-room, and members may agree to go online at an agreed time to discuss the book, while others just provide resources and information on the recommended book.

Top tips for setting up a book club

• Approach your library and talk to the librarian in charge of book clubs.
• Arrange an initial meeting with your group, ideally between six and 12 members.
• Set rules about how you will choose the books, how often you will meet and what time suits.
• Choose a venue, e.g. library, parish centre, café or members’ homes.
• Set guidelines about respecting everyone’s opinions and book choices.
• If the librarian isn’t going to facilitate the club’s meeting, discuss how you will do this to ensure that no individual dominates them.