The present and future of book clubs and collective reading

Book clubs have made a dynamic return on the Greek book scene over the past decade. More than simple reading hubs, they have lately become drivers of cultural understanding, expanding their repertoire to include international literature and even political and historical non-fiction. Today, 26 years after the first official book club was founded, there are more than 300 active reading groups in Greece, meeting regularly in public libraries, cultural centres, and bookstores or book cafés. What are the challenges faced by book clubs at a time when image dominates? What support do they need to thrive? Are book clubs still “a women’s hobby” or are men becoming more and more involved? What are the tools needed for book clubs to both increase and expand their membership? Most importantly, can book clubs breathe fresh life into a stagnant book market? These are just some of the topics that will be discussed by representatives from the most active reading groups from all over Greece in a vibrant conversation with the audience, moderated by Mikela Chartoulari, a journalist and artistic director of the Athens International Literature Festival.