Best Book Clubs To Join In The Twin Cities

According to an annual survey conducted by Central Connecticut State University, Minneapolis and St. Paul are the 3rd and 7th most literate cities in the U.S. (Washington D.C. came in first). Given the large number of colleges and universities in the Twin Cities, it isn't surprising that they have helped produce a core of voracious readers, many who enjoy the social interaction of book clubs. There are book clubs for all sorts of topics such as history, mystery, children's books, best sellers including the "Hunger Games" and for men's and women's interests, too. Check out the popular clubs below, or search meetup.com to find one closer to home or more in tune with your reading interests.

Chapter & Verse
The Red Balloon
891 Grand Ave
St. Paul, MN 55105
(651) 224-8320
www.redballoonbookshop.com

When: Club meets the third Thursday of the month, 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.

This is a unique club where adults gather to discuss children's literature. Chapter & Verse is only offered in five cities nationwide, with the Twin Cities sponsors being the Children's Literature Network at the Red Balloon. Located in a former residence in the trendy Grand/Victoria neighborhood, the book shop is just down the block from the ever-popular Bread and Chocolate bakery and sandwich shop.

Related: Best Independent Bookstores in Minneapolis-St. Paul

Everyone's A Critic: A Book Club for the Opinionated Reader
Hennepin County Library - Minneapolis Central
300 Nicollet Ave
4th Floor - Room 402
Minneapolis, MN 55401
(952) 847-8000
www.meetup.com/everyonesacritic

When: Club meets the fourth Thursday of the month, 6:30 p.m.

When club founder Mark Siegel couldn't find a book club that appealed to him elsewhere, he decided to create his own. Thus, Everyone's A Critic was born during the winter of 2009. Popular and often attended by as many as 20 readers, the club encourages active participation by attendees who aren't afraid to express their opinions. Speak your mind about each read and see what other have to say.

Minnesota Book Club
Oakdale Branch Library
1010 Heron Ave N
Oakdale, MN 55128
(651) 730-0504
www.co.washington.mn.us

When: Club meets the third Tuesday of the month, 6:30 p.m.

Residents of Washington County can attend the Minnesota Book Club or others offered through the county's library system. This branch also offers book clubs for daytime readers, men and mystery-minded literates. Additional book clubs in the county system are offered at the R. H. Stafford Library in Woodbury, Hardwood Creek in Forest Lake and Park Grove in Cottage Grove. Find one that's right for you and begin reading.

Common Good Book Club
Common Good Books
38 S Snelling Ave
St. Paul, Minnesota 55
(651) 225-8989
www.commongood.indiebound.com

When: Club meets the third Monday of each month, 7 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Formerly located in the basement of Nina's Coffee Shop, Common Good moved on April 9 to a more spacious, ground-floor location to let the sun shine in. Owned by Minnesota's famous humorist and author, plus the creator of "Prairie Home Companion" on National Public Radio, Garrison Keillor, the book club sponsors lively discussions about fiction and non-fiction works. Check the store's calendar of events to attend the next special appearance by a featured author or an exciting launch party.

St. Paul Central Library Book Clubs
90 W 4th St
St. Paul, MN 55102
(651) 266-7000
www.sppl.org

When: Fiction - Club meets the second Thursday of each month, 10:30 a.m., History - Club meets the fourth Thursday of each month, 2 p.m.

In addition to the book clubs offered at the downtown library, many neighborhood branches sponsor local clubs that you may even be able to reach on foot. Attend one of these discussions in St. Paul at the Central Library Book Club. Check out the list of upcoming featured books to see if one peaks your interest. If you're more of a history junkie, join in the conversation with similar buffs during the Central Library History Book Club. History class was a bore in many early childhood educations, so make up for lost times with an array of informative works.

Related: New Books by Twin Cities Authors

New York City native Marc Friedman has called the Twin Cities home for nearly 30 years. His urban upbringing has him constantly exploring Minneapolis and St. Paul for locally owned dining spots and neighborhood shops. Marc's passions include travel, an industry which he has worked in his entire career, indie movies, a strong cup of tea with milk (his Mom is from England), dark chocolate, red wine and the Daily Show. His work can be found at Examiner.com.