Where:
Boston
Surrounding areas
Boston, MA
Admission:
$Varies
Categories:
Art, Drinks, Meetup
Event website:
https://www.thebostoncalendar.com/events/where-to-meet-people-in-boston-if-you-re-a-book-lover
Reading is often seen as a solitary activity, but there are lots of ways to meet other literary lovers here in Boston. In addition to checking out indie bookstores, visiting Boston’s most beautiful libraries, and having a drink at the Boston Public Library cocktail bar that is. Check out these bookish events around The Hub and find your tribe.
by Celina Colby
Read Between the Wines: Literary Lounge @ Juliet Social Club
When: Wednesday 3/20
Where: Union Square
Info: Spend the evening reading quietly in Juliet’s beautiful Somerville social club, with regular breaks to chat with fellow book lovers. Accent the experience with a glass of wine from the curated list or an artisanal snack.
The Norton Lectures with Viet Thanh Nguyen
When: Wednesday 3/20 & Tuesday 4/16
Where: Harvard Square
Info: Novelist Viet Thanh Nguyen speaks in a series of lectures at Harvard about his experience as a writer, what the designation “minority” means in practice and who gets to make that determination.
Picture + Panel: On the Go with Lucy Knisley + Tessa Hulls
When: Monday 4/1
Where: Somerville
Info: Picture + Panel is a monthly conversation series at Aeronaut Brewing with a Greater Boston graphic novelist. In April hear from Lucy Knisley and Tessa Hulls moderated by Queers on Wheels founder Sandy Capecelatro.
Author Talk: Christopher Kloeble “The Museum of the World”
When: Saturday 4/6
Where: Back Bay
Info: Join the Goethe-Institut Boston to hear from author Christopher Kloeble about his new book “The Museums of the World,” based on a true story about German scientific researchers and their visionary Indian translator.
Boston Public Library Book Sale
When: Saturday 4/6
Where: Back Bay
Info: On the first Saturday of every even numbered month the Boston Public Library branch at Copley Square hosts a massive book sale where you can shop all kinds of genres for as low as $1 per book.
Adult Craft Night: Collage Poetry
When: Monday 4/8
Where: Codman Square
Info: Head to the Codman Square library branch to make poetry collages by cutting words out of old newspapers, magazines, and books. All supplies will be provided, all you have to do is bring your creativity.
‘Girl, Interrupted’ 30th Anniversary Celebration
When: Friday 4/12
Where: Porter Square
Info: Author Susanna Kaysen will chat with the Porter Square Books team about her bestselling memoir ‘Girl, Interrupted,’ which inspired the film of the same name starring Winona Ryder.
David Sedaris at Symphony Hall
When: Friday 4/12
Where: Fenway/South End
Info: Humorist David Sedaris will read new and unpublished selections from his work at Symphony Hall, commenting on the absurdities of politics, family, relationships, the pandemic, and more. Afterwards he’ll take questions and sign books.
When: Saturday 4/13
Where: Allston
Info: Convene at the Honan-Allston branch of the library for a casual book lovers get-together. The library will provide snacks and beverages and readers can share recommendations and connect with like-minded individuals.
The Age of Magical Overthinking: Author Amanda Montell on modern irrationality
When: Saturday 4/13
Where: BU Area
Info: Anxiety is high in 2024. Join Author Amanda Montell in conversation with "Strange Things'' podcast host Sasha Sagan about restoring our collective sanity. There will also be a drag performance, live music, and a book signing.
Boston Comics in Color Festival
When: Saturday 4/20
Where: Roxbury
Info: This comic book festival centers on authors and illustrators of color and features lots of local talent. Browse artist vendors, see some amazing cosplay, attend author plans, and meet some of your local comic book heroes.
When: Wednesday 5/8
Where: Cambridge
Info: Every month Lamplighter Broadway teams up with the Cambridge Public Library to host a book club showcasing marginalized voices. The May book club will discuss ‘Land of Milk and Honey’ by C Pam Zhang over craft beers and cold brews.
When: Saturday 5/18
Where: Roxbury
Info: Shop for books, meet local authors, attend workshops, hear from international literary names, and more at The Greater Roxbury Book Fair. This year includes remarks from keynote speakers Ibram X. Kendi and Jacqueline Woodson.
When: Thursday 6/6
Where: Davis Square
Info: Storytelling sprouts wings and flies from the page to the stage in this beloved event. People from all walks of life get in front of the crowd without notes to tell their stories which are recorded for The Moth podcast.
ONGOING EVENTS
When: Dates vary
Where: Around Boston
Info: Boston has some incredibly unique book clubs that are open to everybody. Whether you want to read queer-focused stories, dive into science fiction at the Museum of Science, savor romances, or read YA titles with a group of adults, there’s a book club for you.
New Stories, New Selves: An Expressive Writing Workshop
When: Weekly on Monday
Where: Jamaica Plain
Info: It may be time to take the leap from just reading stories to writing them, too. Every week Massiel Torres-Ulloa & Maya Doig-Acuña host a creative writing workshop at the Jamaica Plain Connolly branch of the library.
When: Weekly on Sundays
Where: Back Bay
Info: Bring your own works of poetry and perform them for a supportive audience at Trident Booksellers and Cafe every Sunday. If you’re not ready to share your work, you can come just to enjoy.
When: Dates vary
Where: Somerville
Info: Lehrhaus regularly hosts educational events about Jewish books, movies, and culture. These events take the form of lectures, concerts, cooking classes, and more, and all are welcome.