Lees said the concept is a bit healthier than having a pub meal and a couple of glasses of wine and is more informal.
First-time participant Mel Norris, from South Melbourne, said she got stuck at the end of a table at one book club held at a pub and she found it regimented.
The idea of walking and talking about books appeals to her. “I prefer the idea of moving around,” Norris said. “I feel like it’s more conducive to conversation.”
Kate McCarthy, who travels 30 kilometres from Warranwood, in Melbourne’s outer east, said that as well as introducing her to new books, the group is “really social, and it gets me up and moving on the weekend”.
Meg Watts, from Mount Waverley, described the group as fabulous.
“Walking and being outside and connection with people is good for my mental health. And reading is a passion, so I can combine them both,” Watts said.
While Lees’ group is independent, Public Libraries Victoria says the number of library-facilitated book clubs rose from 1425 in 2022-23 to 1758 in 2023-24.
Sharon Mullins, a consultant for Public Libraries Victoria, said walk-and-talk book clubs are fast becoming a popular format.
“The combination of physical exercise, a natural outdoor environment and a common interest in books creates a solid foundation for a cohesive group, with added health benefits above and beyond reading,” Mullins said.
Monash Public Library Service, in Melbourne’s south-east, runs two groups that walk around Jells Park in Wheelers Hill before discussing a set book.
And Echuca Library, in Victoria’s north, runs a group that discusses a book in the library after a walk among gum trees, overlooking the Murray River, said library services manager Jenny Mustey.
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