As the world begins to reopen again, we’re all eager to return to restaurants, hug our friends, and experience travel. And if your book club is local, meeting in person again!
If you feel like you’ve forgotten how to socialize with people without a laptop screen as a barrier, then you are not alone. As exciting as the idea of meeting with your book club in-person again is, you may be feeling at a loss of how to even structure your in-person meetings after so many months of virtual hangs. We have some tips and tricks to cut through the post-pandemic awkwardness to make sure your next book club meeting is fun, warm, and makes all of your members feel safe.
Figure out where to have the meeting — and have a backup plan
For at least the next few months, try holding your meeting outside weather permitting. This will help subdue any anxiety that comes with meeting in a group. To help everyone feel safe, you can space out seating and request that members wear their masks. In the off-chance that it will rain, or if meeting outside is not feasible, have a backup plan in place.. This could be a virtual meeting, or indoors if everyone feels comfortable with meeting inside. The important thing is to have open communication with your members and gauge comfort levels before taking the steps to meet in-person! (The anonymous polling feature in Bookclubz is a great way to do this!)
Decide how and if you want to share drinks/snacks
Go all out! Celebrate this first meeting with all of your members, and make it special by planning a fun cocktail or potluck! If you are nervous about sharing food or drinks, maybe you can recommend everyone BYOB, or come to your meeting with their own cups and utensils. If your members decide to make dining part of the meeting, be prepared with hand sanitizer and wipes so that everyone can feel comfortable taking part! And don’t forget to make sure to decide who is bringing what ahead of time so that nothing is left up in the air! (Use the Bookclubz polling feature for this, too!)
Consider a hybrid option if your club isn’t all on the same page
Some of your members may still be waiting to receive their vaccine, or may not be fully comfortable with in-person meetings just yet. You don’t want to hurt others feelings or leave members out, so you could always offer to do a zoom meeting as well, for those who aren’t ready to meet face to face.
If your local guidelines allow, consider hosting at a local restaurant, coffee shop or brewery
If you really want to go big, why not have your book club meeting as a way to support local business? Find a quiet coffee shop, restaurant, or brewery with outdoor seating where your members will feel safe and comfortable — and support a local business while you’re chatting about your latest book! Don’t forget to call ahead to make reservations or make sure any smaller local establishments can support hosting your group!