Fostering connections within the community, popular local independent bookstore, The Book Cow in Kingston is helping bookworms to find their tribes. They’re doing this by launching two new themed book clubs that aim to foster meaningful connections in a safe and welcoming environment.

The first, titled Rainbow Holstein Book Club, has been pioneered as a way for LGBTQIA+ community members and allies to explore the wide range of queer literature available.

Meeting once every three months at The Book Cow, the group will be engaging with queer voices, stories and characters from a wide range of genres. At each meeting, people will be able to reflect on what the book meant to them, the ideas it evoked, and the difficult task of choosing which book to dive into next.

“Members can turn up to the sessions having read the book, with poignant questions, thoughts, likes and dislikes – or not having read the book at all, and be simply excited to hear other’s ideas,” says Peter Arnaudo, owner and operator of The Book Cow.

The second club is targeted at our younger community members. The Mini Holstein Book Club invites readers over eight years old to come along and meet fellow bookworms while discussing recent books. Readers will be invited to bring along a book that fits that session’s theme to discuss and share with their fellow members. The first session is focused on volcanoes, adventure and dinosaurs.

Both book clubs are free to join and participate in, and members receive 10 per cent off any in-store purchases. Meetings will be capped at 45 participants to ensure the space is cosy, not crowded. However, the club is open to as many members who want to join, anticipating some may not be able to attend every event.

“If you want to join, but will not be able to attend every meeting, you are welcome to come along to all that you can. Updates will come through online on what books we are reading next, so that is one way to stay in touch with what to read,” Peter says.

The team at The Book Cow believe that book clubs are a vital lifeblood of the community, having the power to unite members and empower passionate and creative discourse. In the wake of the pandemic when some people may still be still feeling out of touch and isolated, book clubs provide a path for connection while finding solace in imagined and new worlds.

“Book clubs inspire creativity in their communities. They bring their members closer together and lead to lifelong bookworm friendships. New writers’ ideas are nourished, and avid readers nurtured,” Peter says.

“Our Rainbow Holstein Book Club, in particular, will construct a safe place in Canberra to explore queer literature, books and stories that form fundamental pieces of the Australian community.”

Want to be involved but the thought of finishing an entire novel in time seems daunting? The clubs are open to everyone interested in reading, including those who are a bit slower or struggle to complete a whole book.

“All members are welcome, even if you don’t get through the whole book. You can always come along, ready to chat about ideas from what you have read or come along simply to listen to what others say.”

Find out more about The Book Cow and the two new book clubs online at bookcow.com.au