Make friends in San Jose › Book clubs
By Greg de Vries · Published October 11, 2026 · Updated October 11, 2026 · Listings re-checked weekly; next full review January 2027
Greater San Jose has 38 active book clubs we could verify, and nearly all are free. Most are drop-in library clubs in San Jose, Santa Clara, Campbell, Milpitas and Los Gatos, so you can just show up. Pick by format: evening clubs, silent book clubs, online clubs, or clubs in Spanish and Persian.
Which San Jose book clubs meet on evenings or weekends?
Evening and weekend book clubs suit people who work during the day. Most are free library clubs that read one book a month; a few are volunteer-run groups that also go out socially.
South Bay Book and Social Club (Co-ed)
Freeevenings
A newer co-ed club that discusses the monthly pick at a different local restaurant or bar each time and adds social outings in between.
- Accepting new members?
- Yes (open Meetup group; join on page)
- Beginner-friendly?
- Yes
- OK to go alone?
- Yes (open RSVP events for individuals)
- Next meeting
- Thu Oct 15, 2026 6:30 PM (venue TBD)
- Usual schedule
- Monthly book meeting plus social outings
- Where
- Rotates (San Jose)
Rotating restaurants, bars and venues in San Jose; exact spot posted on Meetup (recent outing at CinéArts Santana Row)
- Cost
- Free (you need a free Meetup account to RSVP)
- How to join
- Join the Meetup group, then RSVP. RSVP: Meetup RSVP
Santa Clara County Book Club Meetup (Tully Library)
Freeweekendsaccessible
A long-running monthly club that alternates fiction and nonfiction and meets at the Tully library; it also keeps a public reading list with member ratings.
- Accepting new members?
- Yes (open public library program; drop-in)
- Beginner-friendly?
- Yes
- OK to go alone?
- Yes (public drop-in program; no group or partner needed)
- Next meeting
- Sat Oct 17, 2026 10:15 AM
- Usual schedule
- 3rd Saturday monthly, 10:15 AM
- Where
- Tully/South San Jose
Tully Branch Library, 880 Tully Rd, San Jose
- Cost
- Free
- How to join
- Drop in; no registration required. RSVP: Meetup RSVP or just show up
Vineland's Evening Book Club
Freeeveningsaccessible
An after-work fiction club at the Vineland library that posts its picks months ahead and actively welcomes new faces.
- Accepting new members?
- Yes (open public library program; drop-in)
- Beginner-friendly?
- Yes
- OK to go alone?
- Yes (public drop-in program; no group or partner needed)
- Next meeting
- Wed Oct 21, 2026 6 PM
- Usual schedule
- 3rd Wednesday monthly, 6:00 PM
- Where
- Blossom Hill/Vineland
Vineland Branch Library, 1450 Blossom Hill Rd, San Jose (Community Room)
- Cost
- Free
- How to join
- Drop in; no registration required. RSVP: No RSVP needed
BYOB (Bring Your Own Book) Book Club, Joyce Ellington
Freeeveningsaccessible
No shared reading list here: bring any book that fits the month's theme and swap recommendations and quick reviews with other readers.
- Accepting new members?
- Yes (open public library program; drop-in)
- Beginner-friendly?
- Yes (Open to teens and adults; no assigned reading)
- OK to go alone?
- Yes (public drop-in program; no group or partner needed)
- Next meeting
- Wed Oct 28, 2026 5:30 PM
- Usual schedule
- Monthly, Wednesday 5:30 PM, themed
- Where
- Japantown/Northside
Joyce Ellington Branch Library, 491 E Empire St, San Jose (Group Study Area)
- Cost
- Free
- How to join
- Drop in; no registration required. RSVP: No RSVP needed
Reading on the Avenue Book Club (Willow Glen)
Freeeveningsaccessible
An evening club at the Willow Glen library that alternates fiction and nonfiction and openly invites newcomers.
- Accepting new members?
- Yes (open public library program; drop-in)
- Beginner-friendly?
- Yes
- OK to go alone?
- Yes (public drop-in program; no group or partner needed)
- Next meeting
- Wed Oct 28, 2026 7 PM
- Usual schedule
- 4th Wednesday monthly, 7:00 PM (no December meeting)
- Where
- Willow Glen
Willow Glen Branch Library, 1157 Minnesota Ave, San Jose (Community Room)
- Cost
- Free
- How to join
- Drop in; no registration required. RSVP: No RSVP needed
Friends of Village Square Library Book Club
Freeweekendsaccessible
A Saturday morning book club at the Village Square branch in Evergreen that alternates between fiction and nonfiction.
- Accepting new members?
- Yes (open public library program; drop-in)
- Beginner-friendly?
- Yes
- OK to go alone?
- Yes (public drop-in program; no group or partner needed)
- Next meeting
- Sat Nov 7, 2026 10:30 AM
- Usual schedule
- 1st Saturday monthly, 10:30 AM
- Where
- Evergreen (Village Square)
Village Square Branch Library, 4001 Evergreen Village Sq, San Jose (Community Room)
- Cost
- Free
- How to join
- Drop in; no registration required. RSVP: No RSVP needed
Calabazas Library Book Club
Freeweekendsaccessible
A weekend midday book discussion at the Calabazas library, a good option for people who work weekdays.
- Accepting new members?
- Yes (open public library program; drop-in)
- Beginner-friendly?
- Yes
- OK to go alone?
- Yes (public drop-in program; no group or partner needed)
- Next meeting
- Sat Nov 14, 2026 12 PM
- Usual schedule
- 2nd Saturday monthly, 12:00 PM
- Where
- West San Jose (Calabazas)
Calabazas Branch Library, 1230 S Blaney Ave, San Jose (Community Room)
- Cost
- Free
- How to join
- Drop in; no registration required. RSVP: No RSVP needed
Unbanned Book Club @ Books Inc Campbell
FreeCampbellweekends
A bookstore-run club that reads only books that have been banned or challenged, from classics to recent novels.
- Accepting new members?
- Yes (open Meetup group; join on page)
- Beginner-friendly?
- Yes
- OK to go alone?
- Yes (open RSVP events for individuals)
- Next meeting
- Sun Oct 25, 2026 2:00 PM
- Usual schedule
- Monthly, Sunday 2:00 PM (usually last Sunday)
- Where
- Downtown Campbell
Books Inc, Campbell (store location listed on Meetup)
- Cost
- Free (you need a free Meetup account to RSVP)
- How to join
- Join the Meetup group, then RSVP. RSVP: Meetup RSVP
Cookbook Club (Los Gatos Library)
FreeLos Gatoseveningsaccessible
Each month has a food theme; members cook a recipe from the library collection and bring it to share and talk about.
- Accepting new members?
- Yes (open public library program; drop-in)
- Beginner-friendly?
- Yes
- OK to go alone?
- Yes (public drop-in program)
- Next meeting
- Wed Oct 28, 2026 5 PM
- Usual schedule
- Monthly, Wednesday 5:00 PM (themed)
- Where
- Los Gatos
Los Gatos Library, 100 Villa Ave, Los Gatos (Conference Room)
- Cost
- Free
- How to join
- Drop in. RSVP: No RSVP needed (check event page)
Campbell Library Book Club
FreeCampbelleveningsaccessible
The Campbell library's monthly evening book club, often tied to heritage months and timely themes.
- Accepting new members?
- Yes (open public library program; drop-in)
- Beginner-friendly?
- Yes
- OK to go alone?
- Yes (public drop-in program; no group or partner needed)
- Next meeting
- Mon Nov 2, 2026 7 PM
- Usual schedule
- 1st Monday monthly, 7:00 PM
- Where
- Campbell
Campbell Library Library, 77 Harrison Ave, Campbell (Community Room)
- Cost
- Free
- How to join
- Drop in; no registration required. RSVP: No RSVP needed
Milpitas Library Science Fiction and Fantasy Book Club
FreeMilpitaseveningsaccessible
An evening sci-fi and fantasy club at the Milpitas library with a reading list already set well into next year.
- Accepting new members?
- Yes (open public library program; registration listed)
- Beginner-friendly?
- Yes
- OK to go alone?
- Yes (public drop-in program; no group or partner needed)
- Next meeting
- Mon Nov 9, 2026 7 PM
- Usual schedule
- 2nd Monday monthly, 7:00 PM
- Where
- Milpitas
Milpitas Library Library, 160 N Main St, Milpitas (Auditorium)
- Cost
- Free
- How to join
- Register through the library event page. RSVP: Library event page (online registration)
Romance UnBook Club (Santa Clara City Library)
FreeSanta Claraevenings
An 'unbook' club with no assigned reading: come talk about the romance novels, tropes and authors you love.
- Accepting new members?
- Yes (library page: registration not required)
- Beginner-friendly?
- Yes (No assigned book; talk about any romance you've read)
- OK to go alone?
- Yes (drop-in library program)
- Next meeting
- See the library calendar; usually the first Tuesday at 5:30 PM. Check the group's page.
- Usual schedule
- First Tuesday of the month, 5:30 to 6:45 PM
- Where
- Mission Branch Library (Old Quad)
Mission Branch Library, 1098 Lexington St, Santa Clara
- Cost
- Free
- How to join
- Just show up; registration is not required. RSVP: No RSVP needed
What is a silent book club, and where are they in San Jose?
A silent book club is a meetup where everyone brings their own book, reads quietly for about an hour, then chats about what they're reading if they want to. No assigned book, no homework. San Jose Public Library hosts two.
Silent Book Club (Vineland)
Freeweekendsaccessible
An hour of quiet reading by the Vineland library fireplace, followed by an optional round of sharing what everyone is reading.
- Accepting new members?
- Yes (open public library program; drop-in)
- Beginner-friendly?
- Yes (No assigned book)
- OK to go alone?
- Yes (public drop-in program; no group or partner needed)
- Next meeting
- Sat Oct 24, 2026 11 AM
- Usual schedule
- Monthly, Saturday 11:00 AM
- Where
- Blossom Hill/Vineland
Vineland Branch Library, 1450 Blossom Hill Rd, San Jose (Fireplace/Magazine Area)
- Cost
- Free
- How to join
- Drop in; no registration required. RSVP: No RSVP needed
Silent Book Club (East San Jose Carnegie)
Freeweekendsaccessible
Bring a book and read quietly alongside others in the East San Jose Carnegie library's quiet room. Low pressure and good for introverts.
- Accepting new members?
- Yes (open public library program; registration listed)
- Beginner-friendly?
- Yes (No discussion or assigned book)
- OK to go alone?
- Yes (public drop-in program; no group or partner needed)
- Next meeting
- Sat Nov 7, 2026 12 PM
- Usual schedule
- Monthly, Saturday 12:00 PM
- Where
- East San Jose
East SJ Carnegie Branch Library, 1102 E Santa Clara St, San Jose (Quiet Study Room)
- Cost
- Free
- How to join
- Register through the library event page. RSVP: Library event page (online registration)
Are there book clubs in Spanish, Persian, or for specific communities in San Jose?
Yes. Libraries in greater San Jose host book clubs in Spanish and Persian, an ESL book club in Santa Clara, plus clubs for women, LGBTQ+ readers, and readers with disabilities. Each is open to anyone who fits the group's focus.
Persian Book Club (West Valley)
FreePersian speakersweekendsaccessible
A monthly book discussion held in Persian at the West Valley library, open to adults and seniors.
- Accepting new members?
- Yes (open public library program; drop-in)
- Beginner-friendly?
- Yes
- OK to go alone?
- Yes (public drop-in program; no group or partner needed)
- Next meeting
- The last date we saw (Oct 10, 2026) has passed. Check the group's page for the next one.
- Usual schedule
- 2nd Saturday monthly, 3:30 PM
- Where
- West San Jose
West Valley Branch Library, 1243 San Tomas Aquino Rd, San Jose (Group Study Room)
- Cost
- Free
- How to join
- Drop in; no registration required. RSVP: No RSVP needed
Queer Readers' Cafe (Biblioteca Latinoamericana)
FreeLGBTQ+ readers and allies; teens and adultsweekendsaccessible
A relaxed queer reading hangout at Biblioteca Latinoamericana: read what you like, chat, and trade recommendations rather than discussing one assigned book.
- Accepting new members?
- Yes (open public library program; drop-in)
- Beginner-friendly?
- Yes
- OK to go alone?
- Yes (public drop-in program; no group or partner needed)
- Next meeting
- Sun Oct 11, 2026 2 PM
- Usual schedule
- Recurring program; next session listed Sun Oct 11, 2:00 PM (frequency not stated)
- Where
- Washington/Guadalupe
Biblioteca Latinoamericana Branch Library, 921 S First St, San Jose (Community room)
- Cost
- Free
- How to join
- Drop in; no registration required. RSVP: No RSVP needed
Cafecito Book Club (Los Gatos Library)
FreeLos GatosSpanish speakersaccessible
A monthly club that reads and discusses books entirely in Spanish.
- Accepting new members?
- Yes (open public library program; drop-in)
- Beginner-friendly?
- Yes
- OK to go alone?
- Yes (public drop-in program)
- Next meeting
- Thu Oct 15, 2026 10 AM
- Usual schedule
- 2nd Thursday monthly, 10:00 AM
- Where
- Los Gatos
Los Gatos Library, 100 Villa Ave, Los Gatos (Conference Room)
- Cost
- Free
- How to join
- Drop in. RSVP: No RSVP needed (check event page)
ESL Book Club (Santa Clara City Library)
FreeSanta ClaraEnglish learnersweekdays
A monthly book club for adults practicing English, reading award-winning novels, nonfiction and American classics at Santa Clara's Central Park Library.
- Accepting new members?
- Yes (library page: registration not required)
- Beginner-friendly?
- Yes (For adults practicing English reading, speaking and listening)
- OK to go alone?
- Yes (drop-in library program)
- Next meeting
- See the library calendar; usually the first Friday at 10:30 AM. Check the group's page.
- Usual schedule
- First Friday of most months, 10:30 AM to 12:00 PM
- Where
- Central Park Library (Homestead Rd)
Central Park Library, Sycamore Room (1st floor), 2635 Homestead Rd, Santa Clara
- Cost
- Free
- How to join
- Just show up; registration is not required. RSVP: No RSVP needed
Which San Jose book clubs meet on weekday mornings or afternoons?
Daytime book clubs are mostly at library branches and suit retirees, remote workers and people on shift schedules.
Berryessa Book Club
Freeaccessible
A daytime monthly discussion group at the Berryessa library, with picks that lean toward classics and well-known titles.
- Accepting new members?
- Yes (open public library program; drop-in)
- Beginner-friendly?
- Yes
- OK to go alone?
- Yes (public drop-in program; no group or partner needed)
- Next meeting
- Fri Oct 16, 2026 2 PM
- Usual schedule
- 3rd Friday monthly, 2:00 PM
- Where
- Berryessa
Berryessa Branch Library, 3355 Noble Ave, San Jose
- Cost
- Free
- How to join
- Drop in; no registration required. RSVP: No RSVP needed
Readers' Book Club (Almaden)
Freeaccessible
An Almaden branch club that picks thought-provoking adult fiction across genres and welcomes readers of all ages and backgrounds.
- Accepting new members?
- Yes (open public library program; drop-in)
- Beginner-friendly?
- Yes
- OK to go alone?
- Yes (public drop-in program; no group or partner needed)
- Next meeting
- Wed Oct 21, 2026 1 PM
- Usual schedule
- Monthly, Wednesday 1:00 PM
- Where
- Almaden
Almaden Branch Library, 6445 Camden Ave, San Jose (Program Room)
- Cost
- Free
- How to join
- Drop in; no registration required. RSVP: No RSVP needed
West Valley Book Club
Freeaccessible
A small monthly discussion group meeting in a West Valley library study room.
- Accepting new members?
- Yes (open public library program; drop-in)
- Beginner-friendly?
- Yes
- OK to go alone?
- Yes (public drop-in program; no group or partner needed)
- Next meeting
- Tue Nov 3, 2026 4 PM
- Usual schedule
- 1st Tuesday monthly, 4:00 PM
- Where
- West San Jose
West Valley Branch Library, 1243 San Tomas Aquino Rd, San Jose (Study Room)
- Cost
- Free
- How to join
- Drop in; no registration required. RSVP: No RSVP needed
Willow Glen Library Book Club
Freeaccessible
A daytime monthly club at the Willow Glen library with a full-year reading list and an open door for newcomers.
- Accepting new members?
- Yes (open public library program; drop-in)
- Beginner-friendly?
- Yes
- OK to go alone?
- Yes (public drop-in program; no group or partner needed)
- Next meeting
- Wed Nov 4, 2026 1 PM
- Usual schedule
- 1st Wednesday monthly, 1:00 PM
- Where
- Willow Glen
Willow Glen Branch Library, 1157 Minnesota Ave, San Jose (Community Room)
- Cost
- Free
- How to join
- Drop in; no registration required. RSVP: No RSVP needed
Monday Morning Book Club (Los Gatos Library)
FreeLos Gatosaccessible
A weekday morning club focused on prize-winning and literary novels.
- Accepting new members?
- Yes (open public library program; drop-in)
- Beginner-friendly?
- Yes
- OK to go alone?
- Yes (public drop-in program)
- Next meeting
- Mon Oct 12, 2026 11 AM
- Usual schedule
- 2nd Monday monthly, 11:00 AM
- Where
- Los Gatos
Los Gatos Library, 100 Villa Ave, Los Gatos (Conference Room)
- Cost
- Free
- How to join
- Drop in. RSVP: No RSVP needed (check event page)
Milpitas Library Adult Book Discussion Group
FreeMilpitasaccessible
The Milpitas library runs each month's book twice, a weekday morning and an evening, so you can pick whichever fits your schedule.
- Accepting new members?
- Yes (open public library program; drop-in)
- Beginner-friendly?
- Yes
- OK to go alone?
- Yes (public drop-in program; no group or partner needed)
- Next meeting
- Wed Oct 21, 2026 11 AM
- Usual schedule
- Monthly, two sessions: Wednesday 11:00 AM and Thursday 7:30 PM
- Where
- Milpitas
Milpitas Library Library, 160 N Main St, Milpitas (Program Room)
- Cost
- Free
- How to join
- Drop in; no registration required. RSVP: No RSVP needed
Central Book Club (Santa Clara City Library)
FreeSanta Claraweekdays
Santa Clara City Library's general book club for adults, reading a mix of fiction and nonfiction, with a casual monthly discussion at Central Park Library.
- Accepting new members?
- Yes (library page: registration not required)
- Beginner-friendly?
- Yes (General adult book club; fiction and nonfiction)
- OK to go alone?
- Yes (drop-in library program)
- Next meeting
- Mon Oct 26, 2026 10:30 AM (The Thirteenth Tale by Diane Setterfield)
- Usual schedule
- Fourth Monday of most months, 10:30 to 11:30 AM
- Where
- Central Park Library (Homestead Rd)
Central Park Library, Board Room (2nd floor), 2635 Homestead Rd, Santa Clara
- Cost
- Free
- How to join
- Just show up; registration is not required. RSVP: No RSVP needed
Are there online or hybrid book clubs in San Jose?
Yes. San Jose Public Library runs several book clubs entirely online, and some branches let you join an in-person club over Zoom.
Rose's Book Club (virtual)
Freeeveningsonlineaccessible
A monthly online book club run through the Rose Garden library that reads a different title each month, with the year's list posted in advance so you can plan ahead.
- Accepting new members?
- Yes (open public library program; registration listed)
- Beginner-friendly?
- Yes
- OK to go alone?
- Yes (public drop-in program; no group or partner needed)
- Next meeting
- Tue Oct 13, 2026 6:30 PM
- Usual schedule
- 2nd Tuesday monthly, 6:30 PM (online)
- Where
- Online
Online via Zoom (San Jose Public Library program)
- Cost
- Free
- How to join
- Register through the library event page. RSVP: Library event page (online registration)
Pearl Avenue Book Club (virtual)
Freeeveningsonlineaccessible
A monthly online discussion run by the Pearl Avenue branch; register to get the Zoom reminder on meeting day.
- Accepting new members?
- Yes (open public library program; registration listed)
- Beginner-friendly?
- Yes
- OK to go alone?
- Yes (public drop-in program; no group or partner needed)
- Next meeting
- Wed Oct 14, 2026 5:30 PM
- Usual schedule
- Monthly, Wednesday 5:30 PM (online)
- Where
- Online
Online via Zoom (San Jose Public Library program)
- Cost
- Free
- How to join
- Register through the library event page. RSVP: Library event page (online registration)
Access Book Club (virtual)
FreeAdults with disabilitiesonlineaccessibleaccessible
An online library book group created for adults with disabilities to build friendships through shared reading. Members keep each other's information private.
- Accepting new members?
- Yes (open public library program; drop-in)
- Beginner-friendly?
- Yes
- OK to go alone?
- Yes (public drop-in program; no group or partner needed)
- Next meeting
- Fri Oct 16, 2026 10 AM
- Usual schedule
- Monthly, Friday 10:00 AM (online; check calendar)
- Where
- Online
Online via Zoom (San Jose Public Library program)
- Cost
- Free
- How to join
- Drop in; no registration required. RSVP: No RSVP needed
Women's Book Club, Wine, and Snacks
FreeWomeneveningshybrid
A large women-only book club that meets over wine and food at a local restaurant, with a virtual session each month for people who cannot make it in person.
- Accepting new members?
- Yes (open Meetup group; join on page)
- Beginner-friendly?
- Yes
- OK to go alone?
- Yes (open RSVP events for individuals)
- Next meeting
- Wed Oct 21, 2026 7:15 PM
- Usual schedule
- Monthly, two sessions (in person Wed 7:15 PM, online Thu 7:15 PM); plus poetry nights and socials
- Where
- Midtown / Downtown
In person at Palermo Italian Restaurant, 791 Auzerais Ave, San Jose; second session online
- Cost
- Free to join; you pay for your own food and drinks
- How to join
- Join the Meetup group, then RSVP. RSVP: Meetup RSVP
Full Bloom Book Club (Rose Garden)
Freehybridaccessible
A weekday afternoon club at the Rose Garden library with a published reading list and the option to join remotely.
- Accepting new members?
- Yes (open public library program; registration listed)
- Beginner-friendly?
- Yes
- OK to go alone?
- Yes (public drop-in program; no group or partner needed)
- Next meeting
- Thu Oct 22, 2026 1 PM
- Usual schedule
- 4th Thursday monthly, 1:00 PM; in person + Zoom
- Where
- Rose Garden
Rose Garden Branch Library, 1580 Naglee Ave, San Jose (1st Floor, Community Room)
- Cost
- Free
- How to join
- Register through the library event page. RSVP: Library event page (online registration)
Body, Mind & Page Book Group (Santa Teresa)
Freehybridaccessible
Reads fiction and nonfiction about health and well-being, then talks it through at the Santa Teresa library or on Zoom.
- Accepting new members?
- Yes (open public library program; registration listed)
- Beginner-friendly?
- Yes (Registration needed only for the Zoom link)
- OK to go alone?
- Yes (public drop-in program; no group or partner needed)
- Next meeting
- Mon Oct 26, 2026 2 PM
- Usual schedule
- 4th Monday monthly, 2:00 PM (3rd Monday in Dec); in person + Zoom
- Where
- Santa Teresa
Santa Teresa Branch Library, 290 International Cir, San Jose
- Cost
- Free
- How to join
- Register through the library event page. RSVP: Library event page (online registration)
Science Fiction Book Club (hybrid, Pearl Avenue)
Freehybridaccessible
Sci-fi fans meet monthly at the Pearl Avenue library, with a Zoom option for anyone who cannot make it in person.
- Accepting new members?
- Yes (open public library program; registration listed)
- Beginner-friendly?
- Yes
- OK to go alone?
- Yes (public drop-in program; no group or partner needed)
- Next meeting
- Mon Oct 26, 2026 4 PM
- Usual schedule
- 4th Monday monthly, 4:00 PM (in person + Zoom)
- Where
- Blossom Valley
Pearl Avenue Branch Library, 4270 Pearl Ave, San Jose
- Cost
- Free
- How to join
- Register through the library event page. RSVP: Library event page (online registration)
Cambrian and Pearl Mystery Book Club (virtual)
Freeeveningsonlineaccessible
A joint online mystery and crime fiction club from the Cambrian and Pearl Avenue branches, covering everything from cozy mysteries to darker thrillers.
- Accepting new members?
- Yes (open public library program; registration listed)
- Beginner-friendly?
- Yes
- OK to go alone?
- Yes (public drop-in program; no group or partner needed)
- Next meeting
- Wed Oct 28, 2026 6 PM
- Usual schedule
- Monthly, Wednesday 6:00 PM (online)
- Where
- Online
Online via Zoom (San Jose Public Library program)
- Cost
- Free
- How to join
- Register through the library event page. RSVP: Library event page (online registration)
Evergreen Book Club (virtual)
Freeeveningsonlineaccessible
The Evergreen branch's monthly club meets on Zoom and welcomes new members at any point in the year.
- Accepting new members?
- Yes (open public library program; registration listed)
- Beginner-friendly?
- Yes
- OK to go alone?
- Yes (public drop-in program; no group or partner needed)
- Next meeting
- Wed Nov 4, 2026 6 PM
- Usual schedule
- 1st Wednesday monthly, 6:00 PM (online)
- Where
- Online
Online via Zoom (San Jose Public Library program)
- Cost
- Free
- How to join
- Register through the library event page. RSVP: Library event page (online registration)
Santa Teresa Book Club (Hybrid)
Freehybridaccessible
A two-hour afternoon discussion of general and historical fiction at the Santa Teresa library, with a Zoom link sent the day before.
- Accepting new members?
- Yes (open public library program; registration listed)
- Beginner-friendly?
- Yes
- OK to go alone?
- Yes (public drop-in program; no group or partner needed)
- Next meeting
- Thu Nov 12, 2026 1 PM
- Usual schedule
- 2nd Thursday, Jan to Nov, 1:00 to 3:00 PM; in person + Zoom
- Where
- Santa Teresa
Santa Teresa Branch Library, 290 International Cir, San Jose (Community Room)
- Cost
- Free
- How to join
- Register through the library event page. RSVP: Library event page (online registration)
Mystery Lover's Book Club (Los Gatos Library)
FreeLos Gatoseveningsaccessiblehybrid
A librarian-led mystery club you can join in person or on Zoom.
- Accepting new members?
- Yes (open public library program; drop-in)
- Beginner-friendly?
- Yes
- OK to go alone?
- Yes (public drop-in program)
- Next meeting
- Wed Oct 14, 2026 5 PM
- Usual schedule
- 2nd Wednesday monthly, 5:00 PM; in person + Zoom
- Where
- Los Gatos
Los Gatos Library, 100 Villa Ave, Los Gatos (Conference Room)
- Cost
- Free
- How to join
- Drop in. RSVP: No RSVP needed (check event page)
Tuesday PM Bookclub (Los Gatos Library)
FreeLos Gatoseveningsaccessiblehybrid
An early-evening librarian-led discussion with a Zoom option.
- Accepting new members?
- Yes (open public library program; drop-in)
- Beginner-friendly?
- Yes
- OK to go alone?
- Yes (public drop-in program)
- Next meeting
- Tue Oct 20, 2026 5 PM
- Usual schedule
- 3rd Tuesday monthly, 5:00 PM; in person + Zoom
- Where
- Los Gatos
Los Gatos Library, 100 Villa Ave, Los Gatos (Conference Room)
- Cost
- Free
- How to join
- Drop in. RSVP: No RSVP needed (check event page)
Common questions
Are San Jose library book clubs free?
Yes. Book clubs at San Jose Public Library, Santa Clara City Library, Santa Clara County Library (Campbell, Milpitas, Cupertino) and Los Gatos Library are free drop-in programs. You usually don't need to register; just come to the listed room.
Do I have to finish the book to go?
No. Library book clubs welcome people who haven't finished. Silent book clubs and the BYOB (Bring Your Own Book) club at Joyce Ellington have no assigned book at all.
How do I get the book for a library book club?
Ask at the branch that hosts the club. Many San Jose library clubs keep extra copies, and you can place a hold through the library catalog.
Is there a book club for people in their 20s and 30s in San Jose?
South Bay Book and Social Club is a co-ed volunteer club that pairs a monthly book meeting with social outings. Women's Book Club, Wine, and Snacks meets monthly in Midtown San Jose.
Is there a queer book club in San Jose?
The Queer Readers' Cafe meets at Biblioteca Latinoamericana library. It's a reading hangout rather than a one-book discussion. It's free and open to LGBTQ+ teens, adults and allies.
About the editor. SanJoseClubs is run by Greg de Vries, a longtime South Bay local. Greg owns Living Well Event Center in Los Gatos, is Managing Director at BTB Capital, and has taught meditation and mindfulness for 25 years. He started SanJoseClubs to make it easier for people to find a group and actually show up. Every listing is checked against the group's own page, and groups never pay to be listed. Reach him at
[email protected]. Listings are checked against each group's own public page (Meetup, Strava, groups.io, library calendars, or the club website). A group is listed only if we saw an upcoming event or dated activity within about the last 90 days.
How we verify listings.
Photo: Allie_Caulfield, CC BY 2.0