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Best Book Clubs In Pittsburgh

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Slow down and settle in with a book from some of the best book clubs around. Each of these five book clubs offer a wide variety of subject matter to appeal to the interests of any reader. From discussions in a library and museum setting to meet-ups at local eateries, coffee shops and bars, there is a book club to suit any Pittsburgher's literary tastes. Read on to find out more about these book clubs that make reading fun and social.

The Pittsburgh Chick Lit Book Club
Various locations around the city
www.meetup.com

If books with strong female leads are what dominate your bookcase and nightstand, join up with the gals in The Pittsburgh Chick Lit Book Club. This group meets on a very regular basis at coffee shops, restaurants and the like in Monroeville, North Hills, Shadyside, Robinson, South Hills and Sewickley. A group of nearly 400 readers, this club is organized on meetup.com and since 2007 has hosted 380 events. See the website for current reading selections and scheduled meet-ups.

Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh: Black Holes, Beakers and Books
4400 Forbes Ave.
Pittsburgh, PA 15213
(412) 622-3114
www.carnegielibrary.org

This is not your typical best-seller book club. Looking for something a bit deeper than popular fiction? Get a dose of science with the Black Holes, Beakers and Books book club at the main branch of the Carnegie Library about one Sunday a month from 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. in the Director's Conference Room on the 1st floor. This club concentrates its reading list on popular science books published within the last five years. Visit the club's website for a schedule of meetings and to see the reading list for discussions through January. (Some of the titles may surprise you!)

Carnegie Museum of Art: Bound Together Book Club
Museum of Art Lobby
4400 Forbes Ave.
Pittsburgh, PA 15213
(412) 622-3288
www.carnegielibrary.org

Meeting on the second Thursday of each month at 6:30 p.m., this brilliant book club weds together two fabulous subjects: books and art. Each month's book selection is related to a current exhibition in the museum. The meeting starts with a quick discussion about the link between books and visual art so participants can get into the right mindset for the open discussion with fellow readers and library staff from the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh. Visit the website for the featured read and information about the current exhibit on display that directly correlates to the book's subject matter. This club, though it boasts a very regal setting, is casual, free and open to all, but you must call ahead to register because space is extremely limited.

Related:  Best Specialty Bookstores In Pittsburgh

Book Buzz: A Book Discussion With A Twist
Various locations around the city
www.clpbookbuzz.wordpress.com

Think book clubs are stuffy and dull? Let "The Buzz" show you otherwise. Headed up by young librarians and library staffers at various Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh branches, Book Buzz meetings take place in hip and upcoming eateries throughout the city. Books on the book list range from nonfiction to biographies to books made into current films. Check out the website for the current book and location where it will be discussed. The CLP staffer leading each month's discussion will post thinking points, themes to look out for and questions about the book to consider on the blog before each event.

Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh: Storytime
CLP Branches throughout the city
www.carnegielibrary.org

Book clubs aren't just for adults. Get the whole family in on the fun of reading with any of the numerous storytime events at each CLP branch. From babies, to toddlers, to preschoolers, the CLP offers events throughout the week to get kids and their caregivers interested in reading so they can grow up to start or join book clubs of their own.

Related: Most Community-Centered Bookstores In Pittsburgh

Sally Turkovich Wright lives in her beloved city of Pittsburgh with her husband, Jason and German Shepherd, Zeus. She is a policy analyst by training, an eyewear stylist by trade and an amateur healthy-living advocate by choice. She also writes a column for Twoday Magazine. Catch up with her there at twodaymag.com. Her work can be found at Twodaymag.com.

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