Book Groups

The Santa Monica Public Library hosts regular book discussions. The Library also hosts occasional special book discussions, such as for the annual citywide reading program, Santa Monica Reads.

All Santa Monica Public Library locations are closed until further notice. Check out the Online Programs Calendar for virtual book group dates and titles.

Notable Fiction Book Group
Meets virtually at 11:00 am on the third Saturday of the month. This book group discusses prize-winning fiction titles.

Main Library Book Group
Meets virtually at 7:00 pm on the third Monday of the month. This book group alternates between fiction and nonfiction titles on a monthly basis.

Montana Branch Book Group
Meets virtually at 7:00 pm on the third Wednesday of the month. This book group discusses a mix of fiction and nonfiction titles, often on topics chosen from current events.

Mystery Book Group
Meets virtually at 7:00 pm on the third Tuesday of the month. This book group discusses domestic and international titles in the mystery genre.

Ocean Park Book Group
Meets virtually at 11:00 am on the first Saturday of the month. This book group discusses notable fiction and nonfiction titles.

Book Group in a Box

A Book Group in a Box kit contains everything your book group needs to enjoy reading and discussing your next book. Unless otherwise noted in the catalog, each kit contains 9 copies of a title, with one copy being large print. Additionally, the kit contains one information packet containing: 1. Discussion Questions & Author Biography 2. How to Facilitate a Book Group & Book Group FAQ.

View a printable list of book group titles with summaries

Print a blank 'Sign Out' list for your book group

Discussion Questions & Author Biography for 'Book Group in a Box' Titles:

Borrowing Policy

Any Santa Monica Public Library card holder in good standing may borrow a Book Group in a Box kit. Kits may be placed on hold and transferred for pickup at the card holder’s preferred library location.
Requests for Book Group in a Box kits can be made through the library catalog, by phone or in person. Kits are held for pickup at Will Call for 7 days.
The Book Group in a Box kit will be checked out on the library card of the person placing and picking up the hold. This card holder is responsible for the Book Group in a Box kit and all of its contents.
The loan period is 6 weeks. Overdue fines of $1 per day / $10 maximum will apply to kits returned after the due date.
Book Group in a Box kits may be renewed one time if the kit does not have a hold on it.
Check contents before returning the Book Group in a Box kit. The replacement cost of a book is $15 per copy, and the replacement cost of a kit is $150.

Book Group in a Box FAQ:

One of my group members forgot to return their book - who is responsible?
The person who borrows a Book Group in a box kit is completely responsible for the return of the kit and all of its contents.
Can my group members return their copies to the library?
No, the entire Book Group in a Box kit must be returned at the same time.
What if a book is lost?
If your group loses a book, you may either replace it with a new copy of the book or a $15 replacement fee will be billed for the lost book.
May I place a hold on a Book Group in a Box from the Library catalog?
Yes, all Book Group in a Box kits can be requested using the library catalog. Call Telephone Reference: 310-434-2608 if you need assistance placing a request.
What if my group needs more copies than are in the Box?
Use the library catalog to request more individual copies of a title as needed.
Someone in my group prefers audiobooks, how can I help them?
Use the library catalog to find the title in different formats.
Can my book group suggest titles for the Book Group in a Box Collection?
Yes. E-mail your suggestion to bookgroupinabox@smgov.net, or contact a Library service desk for assistance.