It’s back to school month—for book club leaders! Introducing the Bookclubs Leaders Circle, our first ever book club leadership development course.
More than just a training program, it’s a members-only experience for book club admins and leaders. The program begins October 1, with five sessions over five weeks. The sessions will be led by experts and take place via live video meetings.
If you’re new to starting a book club and are looking for more than just a how-to guide or if you’ve been leading a club for years and are ready to deepen your facilitation skills, this program is for you!
Sign up for a cohort below or read on to learn more about the program.
What is the Bookclubs Leaders Circle?
The Bookclubs Leaders Circle is a private series reserved for those who aspire to lead at the highest level. More than a training program, it is a members-only experience where book club leaders gain access to advanced strategies, insider knowledge, and a network of equally passionate peers who value excellence in literary leadership.
This circle is designed not only for seasoned leaders, but also for those taking on the role for the first time or seeking to launch a new book club with confidence and distinction.
Within this circle, you will:
- Define your role as a leader and embody the presence that sets your club apart.
- Design sophisticated structures and formats that give your book club polish and longevity.
- Cultivate a safe, inclusive environment where every member feels heard and valued.
- Master the art of facilitation to spark conversations that linger long after the meeting ends.
- Curate book selections that intrigue, inspire, and keep members eagerly returning.
- Learn how to fully utilize Bookclubs app and web platform and all of its features, designed to keep your club organized and running smoothly.
By stepping into this exclusive space, you'll join a circle of leaders committed to shaping unforgettable reading experiences with purpose, confidence, and style!
What will be covered in each of the course sessions?
The Leaders Circle training includes 5 ninety-minute live video meeting sessions.
Week 1: Your Role as Book Club Leader
Step into your role with clarity and confidence. This session reveals what sets a true book club leader apart—vision, presence, and the ability to shape meaningful experiences. You’ll uncover the skills and mindset needed to inspire your group, elevate discussions, and embody the role of a leader who makes a lasting impact.
Week 2: Book Club Designs and Structures
Not every book club is the same—and the most memorable ones are built with intention. In this course, you’ll explore advanced models and frameworks that give your club distinction and longevity. From elegant meeting formats to membership structures that deepen commitment, you’ll design a club experience that feels purposeful, polished, and enduring.
Week 3: Creating Safe, Inclusive Spaces
The most exceptional book clubs are those where every member feels both welcomed and valued. This session goes beyond the basics of group dynamics, equipping you with strategies to foster belonging, navigate sensitive discussions with grace, and establish your club as a trusted space for honest, enriching conversation.
Week 4: Facilitation Techniques
Great leaders don’t just guide conversations—they spark them. In this course, you’ll master the art of discussion with techniques that balance openness and direction. Learn how to craft questions that captivate, manage group energy with ease, and draw out insights that transform an ordinary discussion into an unforgettable exchange.
Week 5: Book Selection for Engagement
Choosing the right book isn’t simply about filling the calendar—it’s about curating an experience. This session shows you how to select titles that intrigue, challenge, and delight, while keeping your members eager for more. You’ll leave with the tools to build a reading list that sets your club apart and keeps engagement at its highest.
How much does it cost to join the Bookclubs Leaders Circle?
Registration is $199 and includes all 5 live sessions, access to all session recordings, and membership in the Leaders Circle alumni club for a full year. Join our first cohorts for this reduced inaugural rate!
Why should I join the Bookclubs Leaders Circle? How do I know if it's right for me?
Why you? Because deep down, you know that book clubs have the power to transform lives. They bring people together, spark conversations that linger long after the last page, and create communities that matter. If you’re leading a club — or dreaming of starting one, or asking how to lead a book club — you’re already part of that story.
Why now? Because the need for connection in this world has never been greater. Readers everywhere are looking for safe, inclusive spaces where they can learn, share, and belong. This is the moment for visionary leaders to rise, to create clubs that go beyond the ordinary and set a new standard of excellence.
The Bookclubs Leaders Circle is your invitation-only path to that transformation. Inside, you’ll gain refined strategies, advanced facilitation tools, and the support of a private community of literary leaders. Whether you’re just beginning or ready to elevate your existing club, this is your time and space.
Because leadership isn’t just about running a book club. It’s about creating an experience your members will never forget.
Who is facilitating the Bookclubs Leaders Circle?
With more than 25 years of experience leading dynamic book clubs in the US, Canada, and Latin America, Aileen Sabanal has built a career at the intersection of literature, education, and community. A seasoned corporate facilitator and educator, Aileen brings a unique ability to guide conversations that inspire engagement, inclusivity, and connection. As a literary publicist, she has championed authors and stories, amplifying voices across the publishing world. Dedicated to literacy advocacy, Aileen also serves as a trusted partner to libraries, creating programs and partnerships that strengthen communities through the power of books for Miami Dade Public Libraries.
How do I join the Bookclubs Leaders Circle?
Sign up for one of the 4 cohorts, starting October 2025, at the links below:
- Wednesdays @10am ET from October 1-29
- Wednesdays @7:30pm ET from October 1-29
- Thursdays @10am ET from October 2-30
- Thursdays @7:30pm ET from October 2-30
Space is limited, so register early. Hope to see you there!