How to Build Community Intentionally in Bookish Spaces
By Bobbie Wright
The direct connection between reading and community —
As avid readers, we all find ourselves engrained in a bookish community of some sort, whether that be as a library patron, a book club member, writer, or a bookish content creator. However we decide to settle in these spaces has a big impact on us as individuals.
Not only do we influence each other through simple acts like swapping book recommendations—persuading our friends to pick up certain titles—, but we also directly impact the nature of reading and the publishing industry itself.
According to Yale Daily News, “Due to promotions on social media, certain genres have become more popular than others—romance, fantasy and young adult are leading the pack. These genres appeal strongly to the group of readers who use TikTok to discover new book titles. This trend is evident in the types of books that customers are choosing in bookstores.”
Being intentional with your bookish community is a must —
Just by engaging with each other in virtual spaces, we have all made an impact on a new era of literature—some positive, some negative. The community and bonds we create with each other can transcend social media (via meetups and local conferences) and become a tool for connection even while social media platforms come and go.
Yailin Jiménez of The Stanford Daily expounds on this concept, saying, “reading is a crucial instrument for shaping young minds, nurturing empathy and encouraging critical thinking. . . . A strong reading culture stimulates powerful discussions and connections, both online and offline. Book clubs, whether in-person or virtual, create spaces for analysis and debate. Readers ought to engage with complex narratives that force them to think beyond the surface and develop soft skills, which are increasingly necessary in an era of misinformation and shallow-level digital consumption. Without these conversations, literature becomes just another form of passive entertainment rather than a catalyst to deeper understanding.”
Bookish communities shape the culture of reading and, therefore, the future of literature itself. It is easy to focus on the downside of a consumerist-driven book world, but how can we make sure we are influencing good change as avid readers? The answer is simple: find the reading community you thrive in, where your voice is welcomed and amplified.
Find the bookish spaces that are right for YOU!
It’s impossible to vibe with every bookish space. Inevitability, you will have to decide where you do and don't fit in. For instance, there are a lot of avid readers on social media who prefer to frequent booksta over booktok and vice versa, similar to those of us who prefer reading at a library versus a busy cafe. Some readers find that certain spaces hold more bookish content that aligns with their personal/political outlook.
Likewise, some people don’t vibe with certain reading tracker apps; some people can’t stand Nonfiction recommendations; others prefer to read more diversely rather than sticking to one genre. There’s beauty in knowing where you belong and where you’d rather not stay. Either way you decide to engage with bookish spaces, here are some golden tips to finding your people:
Determine your favorite ways of engaging with other readers! Do you like in-person yap sessions discussing books? Or would you rather find visual creators on Youtube or Tiktok who share a similar taste in books? Maybe you prefer a good carousel of book recommendations with a nicely-worded caption on IG!
Storygraph, an indie book-tracking website, has a community tab, where you can see what your friends are reading, check out user updates across the app, and host or join book clubs.
Be the community you need! If it seems like bookish creators aren’t catering to your type of reading style(s) then become the content creator you always needed! Maybe there’s no bookclubs in your city that relate to you and your age group? Create one! Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there and create spaces that others are just dying to be a part of.
Be mindful and meet bookish friends where they are. Reading is a way to escape life’s usual craziness for many people, so it isn’t always feasible to think someone can invest as much time into extracurricular bookish activities like speedy buddy readers or expensive bookish conventions. Be ready to meet people where they are and advocate for the same treatment for yourself and your boundaries.
Lastly, do your research! Always know exactly what friends/creators/spaces/events your investing your time and money into and make sure they align with your ideals.
The impact of being an intentional community member —
It’s important, now more than ever, to tailor your bookish spaces to your intent. If you are already exercising some of these tips, without knowing it, you are making a direct impact on the community of readers around you (locally and virtually). Individuals, like your family and friends, look to you for good book recommendations. Young readers are influenced by the books you choose to highlight in your posts. Booksellers order books they think you would buy based off your shopping trends. You are not just a singular reader, you are THE community.
If you are looking to join bookish spaces intentionally, start by asking yourself some simple questions: How do you see yourself influencing the next generation of readers, on or off social media? How comfortable are you in spaces with those who choose not to read diversely? How do you seek out readers with a similar mindset as you so that your are able to cultivate a safe space for your most beloved hobby?
Works Cited
BookTok: A new era in the history of reading - SJP [yale article]
From the Community | The death of authentic reading culture [Stanford article]