What is the Bookclubs Leaders Circle?
The Bookclubs Leaders Circle is a welcoming community for new and seasoned book club leaders. 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 passionate peers.
The Circle is accessible to leaders at all stages of their book club journey, whether you have yet to launch a club or have been leading one for years. There are three levels of the innovative and exclusive program: Foundations, Mastery, and Literary Visionary - all starting in January!
Which Level is Right for You?
The Foundations course is focused on book club design, structure, and facilitation. The Mastery Leaders Circle is dedicated to advanced strategies to nurture long-term commitment and deepen member engagement. The Literary Visionary level is for leaders hoping to elevate their book club prowess, bringing a refined literary lens to their reading and discussions. Read on for program descriptions, dates, and how to register.
Foundations
Launching Thursday January 29th
An exclusive circle for book club leaders—new or seasoned—ready to inspire, connect, and create unforgettable reading experiences. Are you ready to start a book club or bring your book club to the next level?
The Leaders Circle members participate in 5 ninety-minute live video meeting sessions once a week over 5 weeks. These 5 sessions equip leaders at every stage with tools, vision, and strategies to inspire lasting communities:
- Your Role as Book Club Leader
- Bookclub designs and structures
- Creating safe, inclusive spaces
- Facilitation techniques
- Book Selection For engagement
In addition, members have access to all session recordings for a limited time, and are given membership in the Leaders Circle alumni club for a full year.
To register, sign up for your 5-week cohort beginning Thursday January 29th below
Mastery
Launching Wednesday January 14th
A premier community for experienced book club leaders who are ready to expand their impact, sharpen their craft, and collaborate at a higher level. If you’ve been leading a book club for over a year or a recent alumni of the Foundations course, this training track will help you elevate your leadership and strengthen your book community.
The Mastery Leaders Circle members participate in 5 ninety-minute live video meeting sessions once a week over 5 weeks. These 5 sessions include:
- The Art of Club Distinction
- Sustaining Momentum & Member Loyalty
- Emotional Intelligence for Literary Readers
- Programming Beyond the Book
- Community Leadership as a Legacy
In addition, members have access to all session recordings for a limited time, and will continue to maintain membership in the Leaders Mastery Alumni Circle for a full year.
To register, sign up for your 5-week cohort beginning Wednesday January 14th below
Literary Visionary
Launching Tuesday January 20th
This advanced level is for seasoned leaders who want to refine their literary lens, master the art of literary leadership, and advocate for the broader cultural impact of book clubs.
The Literary Visionary Circle members participate in 5 ninety-minute live video meeting sessions once a week over 5 weeks. These 5 sessions include:
- The Literary Lens: Reading for Meaning, Voice and Relevance
- Mastering the Art of Literary Conversation
- Curatorial Leadership & Building Transformational Reading Journeys
- Mentoring the Next Generation of Literary Leaders
- Advocating for the Literary Arts in Community & Culture
In addition, members have access to all session recordings for a limited time, and will continue to maintain membership in the Leaders Visionary Alumni Circle for a full year.
To register, sign up for your 5-week cohort beginning Tuesday January 20th below
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. Alumni of our October 2025 Foundations course receive a 50% registration discount.
Why should I join the Bookclubs Leaders Circle?
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.
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 3 Levels, starting in January 2026, at the links below:
Foundations
Thursdays @ 10:30am ET - January 29th - February 26th, 2026
Thursdays @ 6:30pm ET - January 29th - February 26th, 2026
Mastery
Wednesdays @ 10am ET - January 14th - February 11th, 2026
Wednesdays @ 7:30pm ET - January 14th - February 11th, 2026
Literary Visionary
Tuesdays @ 10am ET - January 20th - February 17th, 2026
Tuesdays @ 7:30pm ET - January 20th - February 17th, 2026
Space is limited, so register early. Hope to see you there!
COMMENTS
Aileen Sabanal
Dec 09, 2025 - 5 days
Come join me in the Bookclubs Leaders Circle— Foundations, Mastery and Literary Visionary— there’s a spot just for you. See you in the Circle soon!