We’re already a few weeks into 2026. If your “new year, new me” includes new books and new friends, it’s time to get out of the house and get to a book club! The bookworm community in and around Annapolis is supportive, welcoming, and enthusiastic. Find comforting vibes at local bookstores like Wyrd Bookstore, Old Fox Books, or Park Books. Or share the dinner table with groups that meet at local eateries such as Annapolis Women’s Book Club, The Crabby Chapter, and Real BFFs Annapolis. And, of course, you can “check out” one of the many book clubs run by Anne Arundel County Public Libraries.
No matter which one you attend (and you should try a few), you’re sure to find thoughtful discussions, lots of laughs, or just some peace and quiet to read. Whether you like romance, thrillers, history, or mystery, there’s something for you.
Literature Lovers
If you love stories that carry you away, regardless of genre, these clubs stick to reading the quintessential “book club books.” This includes everything from popular fiction to sweeping epics. But no matter if the books are fresh from the publisher or timeless classics, they’ll create opportunities for lively discussion and personal connection.
Adult Book Club
Host: Crofton Library
Address: 1681 Riedel Road, Crofton, MD 21114
Upcoming Date(s): Thursday, February 12 from 2 to 3 PM
Occurs On: Second Thursday of the month from 2 to 3 PM
Afternoon Book Club
Host: Busch Annapolis Library
Address: 1410 West Street, Annapolis, MD 21401
Upcoming Date(s): Tuesday, February 17 from 2 to 3 PM
Occurs On: Third Tuesday of the month from 2 to 3 PM
Books & Brews at Blues
Host: Discoveries: The Library at the Mall
Address: Seoul Blues Cafe, 2550 Annapolis Mall Road, Annapolis, MD 21401
Upcoming Date(s): Thursday, February 5 from 6 to 7:30 PM
Occurs On: Every four weeks from 6 to 7:30 PM
The Crabby Chapter
Host: Crooked Crab Brewing
Address: 8251 Telegraph Rd, Odenton, MD 21113
Upcoming Date(s): Sunday, February 15, at 4:30 PM
Occurs On: Varies from month to month, but typically on a Monday.
Adult Book Club
Host: Linthicum Library
Address: 400 Shipley Road, Linthicum, MD 21090
Upcoming Date(s): Saturday, February 21 from 11 AM to noon
Occurs On: Every four weeks from 11 AM to noon
Adult Book Club
Host: Mountain Road Library
Address: 4115 Mountain Road, Pasadena, MD 21122
Upcoming Date(s): Tuesday, February 24, from 6:45 to 7:45 PM
Occurs On: Last Tuesday of the month from 6:45 to 7:45 PM
Annapolis Women’s Book Club
Host: Annapolis Women’s Book Club
Address: Varies, but past locations have included Oscar’s Alehouse East and Libations.
Upcoming Date(s): Not yet scheduled.
Occurs On: Second Wednesday of the month from 6:30 to 8:30 PM
Book Lovers
Host: Eastport-Annapolis Neck Library
Address: 269 Hillsmere Drive, Annapolis, MD 21403
Upcoming Date(s): Thursday, February 19 from 11 AM to noon
Occurs On: Third Thursday of the month from 11 AM to noon
New Release Book Club
Host: Park Books
Address: 555 Baltimore Annapolis Blvd, Severna Park, MD 21146
Upcoming Date(s): Thursday, January 29 from 7 to 8 PM
Occurs On: Last Thursday of the month from 7 to 8 PM
Old Fox Bibliophiles
Host: Old Fox Books
Address: 35 Maryland Avenue Annapolis, MD 21401
Upcoming Date(s): Not yet scheduled.
Occurs On: Third Wednesday of the month from 7 to 8:30 PM
Open Book Club
Host: Wyrd Bookstore
Address: 135 Mitchells Chance Road, Edgewater, MD 21037
Upcoming Date(s): Thursday, January 29 from 6 to 7:30 PM
Occurs On: Last Thursday of the month from 6 to 7:30 PM
Quarterly Page Turners Club
Host: Deale Library
Address: 5940 Deale-Churchton Road, Deale, MD 20751
Upcoming Date(s): Monday, May 11 from 5:30 to 7 PM
Occurs On: No other dates on the calendar at this time.
SHE
Host: Old Fox Books
Address: 35 Maryland Avenue Annapolis, MD 21401
Upcoming Date(s): Thursday, January 29 from 7 to 8:30 PM
Occurs On: Fourth Thursday of the month from 7 to 8:30 PM
Whodunits and How-Will-They-Get-Out-of-Its
Can’t get enough of Christie, Doyle, or Hammet? How about Connelly, Child, or Locke? Mystery and thriller genre lovers will have a blast discussing the clues, red herrings, and big reveals. You might like your murders with a nice cup of tea or with heart-pumping action. Some people may solve the case quickly (or only think that they have) and others may keep guessing until the end. Either way, you’ll find whodunit along with your fellow readers at one of these meetings.
Co-Conspirators Book Club
Host: Edgewater Library
Address: 25 Stepneys Lane, Edgewater, MD 21037
Upcoming Date(s): Tuesday, February 10 from 6:30 to 7:30 PM
Occurs On: Second Tuesday of the month
Murder, She Read
Host: Park Books
Address: 555 Baltimore Annapolis Blvd, Severna Park, MD 21146
Upcoming Date(s): Tuesday, February 3 from 7 to 8 PM
Occurs On: First Tuesday of the month from 7 to 8 PM
Passion, Magic, and More
The genres of romance, fantasy, and science fiction can be as far apart from each other as Pemberley is from Mordor or Mars. But exciting plots, beautiful worlds, and characters who stay with you can exist in any story. Some of these book clubs focus on one area, and others like their genres blended.
The Readers of the Realm romantasy book club has attendees who are passionate and enthusiastic about the characters and world-building. Their discussions are for anyone who loves a little spice with their pixie dust, and are ready to laugh out loud.
Adult Romance Book Club
Host: Riviera Beach Library
Address: 1130 Duvall Hwy., Pasadena, MD 21122
Upcoming Date(s): Saturday, March 14 from 2 to 3 PM
Occurs On: Second Saturday of the month
Fantasy
Host: Wyrd Bookstore
Address: 135 Mitchells Chance Road, Edgewater, MD 21037
Upcoming Date(s): Monday, February 16 from 6 to 7:30 PM
Occurs On: Third Monday of the month from 6 to 7:30 PM
The Readers of the Realm
Host: Park Books
Address: 555 Baltimore Annapolis Blvd, Severna Park, MD 21146
Upcoming Date(s): Tuesday, February 10 from 7 to 8 PM
Occurs On: Second Tuesday of the month from 7 to 8 PM
Romantasy
Host: Wyrd Bookstore
Address: 135 Mitchells Chance Road, Edgewater, MD 21037
Upcoming Date(s): Monday, February 2 from 6 to 7:30 PM
Occurs On: First Monday of the Month from 6 to 7:30 PM
Shelf Space
Host: Park Books
Address: 555 Baltimore Annapolis Blvd, Severna Park, MD 21146
Upcoming Date(s): Wednesday, February 11 from 7 to 8 PM
Occurs On: Second Wednesday of the month from 7 to 8 PM
Thirsty Thursday
Host: Park Books
Address: 555 Baltimore Annapolis Blvd, Severna Park, MD 21146
Upcoming Date(s): Thursday, February 19 from 7 to 8 PM
Occurs On: Third Thursday of the month from 7 to 8 PM
Twisted Fiction
Host: Park Books
Address: 555 Baltimore Annapolis Blvd, Severna Park, MD 21146
Upcoming Date(s): Friday, February 13 from 10:30 to 11:30 AM
Occurs On: Second Friday of the month from 10:30 to 11:30 AM
What the Fox?
Host: Old Fox Books
Address: 35 Maryland Avenue Annapolis, MD 21401
Upcoming Date(s): Not yet scheduled.
Occurs On: First Thursday of the month from 7 to 8:30 PM
The Past is Present
One of the best ways to understand ‘now’ is to look at ‘then.’ Historical fiction brings stories from yesteryear—including those that we’ve never heard, have forgotten, or have only known from one perspective—and shares them with modern audiences. Experiencing these tales as part of a book club lets us share our own histories and form connections with both the characters and the people sitting with us.
At Park Books’ Rear View book club, for example, you’ll find thought-provoking conversations that take the stories seriously, but with a group of people who offer warmth and humor.
Rear View
Host: Park Books
Address: 555 Baltimore Annapolis Blvd, Severna Park, MD 21146
Upcoming Date(s): Tuesday, February 10 from 7 to 8 PM
Occurs On: Second Tuesday of the month from 7 to 8 PM
Time Travelers
Host: Wyrd Bookstore
Address: 135 Mitchells Chance Road, Edgewater, MD 21037
Upcoming Date(s): Monday, February 23 from 6 to 7:30 PM
Occurs On: Fourth Monday of the month from 6 to 7:30 PM
Stories from the Real World
Books don’t need to spring from the imagination of the author. Nonfiction books can allow you to find ways to relate to everything from politics in another country to environmental conditions at home.
Explore the World in Books, for example, provides a country or culture as a topic, rather than a specific reading assignment. Then, club members can bring in anything from novels to cookbooks that will tell the stories of that culture.
We the People
Host: Busch Annapolis Library
Address: 1410 West Street, Annapolis, MD 21401
Upcoming Date(s): Tuesday, February 10 from 6 to 7:30 PM
Occurs On: Every four weeks
Explore the World in Books
Host: Glen Burnie Library
Address: 1010 Eastway, Glen Burnie, MD 21060
Upcoming Date(s): Tuesday, February 3 from 2 to 3 PM
Occurs On: First Tuesday
Memoir (currently full)
Host: Wyrd Bookstore
Address: 135 Mitchells Chance Road, Edgewater, MD 21037
Upcoming Date(s): Wednesday, February 18 from 6 to 7:30 PM
Occurs On: Third Wednesday of the month from 6 to 7:30 PM
Love is Love
Spaces to share stories that affirm and validate are as important now as ever. Even though LGBTQ+ stories are more visible than ever, threats to LGBTQ+ people haven’t stopped (here or in other parts of the world). These book clubs aim to be safe, welcoming, and judgment-free. And their hosts will fight to make sure they remain available to anyone in the community who needs them.
Queer Book Club
Host: Wyrd Bookstore
Address: 135 Mitchells Chance Road, Edgewater, MD 21037
Upcoming Date(s): Monday, February 9 from 6 to 7:30 PM
Occurs On: Second Monday of the month from 6 to 7:30 PM
The Queer Agenda Book Club
Host: Odenton Library
Address: 1325 Annapolis Road, Odenton, MD 21113
Upcoming Date(s): Tuesday, February 17 from 6:30 to 7:30 PM
Occurs On: Third Tuesday at 6:30 except for May 19 at 5:30
Think Outside the Book: Poetry, Essays, Plays and Other Genres
For all other types of stories, Old Fox Books has you covered. Their book club Citizens & Sovereigns has read everything including nonfiction, novels, essays, and plays. And their Versed Fox club reads and dissects the work of a poet from any time in history.
Citizens & Sovereigns
Host: Old Fox Books
Address: 35 Maryland Avenue Annapolis, MD 21401
Upcoming Date(s): Not yet scheduled.
Occurs On: Second Tuesdays of the month from 7 to 8:30 PM
Versed Fox
Host: Old Fox Books
Address: 35 Maryland Avenue Annapolis, MD 21401
Upcoming Date(s): Wednesday, February 11 from 7 to 8:30 PM
Occurs On: Second Wednesday of the month from 7 to 8:30 PM
Shhh…Silent Book Clubs
You heard me right (or I suppose you didn’t hear me, and that’s the point). These book clubs offer space and time for people to read whatever they want. No pressure to finish by the meeting date. No guilt when you DNF (“did not finish”) a book you didn’t like. Just enjoy a bit of socialization and relax with whatever you feel like reading that day. It’s the best of both worlds! Check out the private Facebook groups for Edgewater and Kent Island Silent Book Clubs.
I realize that this is the end of the article but I want you to read this part very carefully. Are you paying attention? Good. Go to the book club. You will have fun and be glad that you went. I think you know this but I want to remind you. Yes, it’s cold out. Yes, many of these book clubs take place in the evening. Yes, that hour or so right before you have to leave will be filled with regret for signing up. But it’s worth it to carve out the time for yourself. So discover characters, stories, and settings with your book club besties!
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