Skip to content

Book Drives New York

Find inspiring book drives in New York and engage with readers

The Tombs of Atuan Discussion

The Tombs of Atuan Discussion

Sun, May 31, 5:00 PM
From Astoria Fans of Tolkien Book Club

Come join us for an in-depth discussion of themes and motifs in Ursula K. Le Guin's *The Tombs of Atuan*, an indirect sequel to *A Wizard of Earthsea*! (Note: You don't need to have read *Earthsea* before reading *Tombs*, so anyone can immediately pick it up.)

  • Photo of the user
1 attendee
May Book Club Meet Up - Less by Andrew Sean Greer

May Book Club Meet Up - Less by Andrew Sean Greer

Sun, May 17, 5:00 PM
From Boozy Bronx Book Club
4.9

**Hey Book Friends!** May is all about award-winning fiction and we landed on a gem that’s equal parts witty, emotional, and incredibly readable. 📘 **Book Pick** ***Less: A Novel* by Andrew Sean Greer** A Pulitzer Prize–winning story about a writer who, rather than face a major life moment, says yes to a series of literary events around the world. What unfolds is funny, a little chaotic, and surprisingly moving. It’s the kind of book that sparks conversations about love, aging, identity, and the stories we tell ourselves. No spoilers, just come ready to laugh and have a lot to talk about. Whether you’ve been with us before or you’re thinking about joining for the first time, this is a perfect, low-pressure pick to jump in. 📅 **Date & Time** Sunday, May 17, 2026 at 1 PM 📍 **Location** Bronx Alehouse Come for the book, stay for the conversation, drinks, and a really good time.

  • Photo of the user
  • Photo of the user
22 attendees
Book Swap @ Central Park

Book Swap @ Central Park

Sat, May 30, 3:00 PM
From New York City Book Swaps

***The Meetup guest limit is 10 because of the free event limit, but we have unlimited space for people to join us.*** Book swap 11am-2pm at Sheep Meadow in Central Park. Look for books and the sign. This is a drop-in/drop-out event, meaning you don't have to stay the entire time. All genres, all sizes, and all conditions welcome. Leftover books will be recycled at future book swaps. **Don't have a book to contribute?** We'll have plenty of extras for you. **Not a big reader?** Come hang out anyway!

  • Photo of the user
  • Photo of the user
  • Photo of the user
10 attendees
A special Sunday edition of Silent Book Club hosted at Audible Story House

A special Sunday edition of Silent Book Club hosted at Audible Story House

Sun, May 17, 7:00 PM
From Silent Book Club NYC
4.7

**A special Sunday edition of Silent Book Club hosted at Audible Story House** **About this Meetup:** We invite you to bring your headphones and join us at Audible Story House, a new community hub and listening lounge, on May 17th from 3-5pm. This first-ever "bookless bookstore" is reimagining how people discover and experience audio storytelling. Feel free to BYO audiobook, or enjoy a free download code to listen to a title of your choice on Audible. You’ll also receive one complimentary coffee or tea from the cafe. **Logistics** Date: Sunday, May 17th Time: 3-5pm Location: 260 Bowery, NYC. You can find us in The Gallery on the ground floor. Note: Readers are welcome to hang out in the space until closing at 7 pm.

  • Photo of the user
  • Photo of the user
  • Photo of the user
60 attendees
The Coast Road by Alan Murrin

The Coast Road by Alan Murrin

Tue, May 19, 11:00 PM
From Pints and Prose: Irish Book Club
4.8

A poignant debut novel set in 1994 County Donegal, Ireland, focusing on two women, housewife Izzy and poet Colette, navigating restrictive societal norms and troubled marriages as they seek independence. Their friendship deepens as Colette, who left her family for a married man, uses Izzy as a go-between to see her children, leading to a tragic and liberating outcome for them. The book explores themes of female confinement, gossip, and the price of freedom in a pre-divorce Ireland.

  • Photo of the user
  • Photo of the user
10 attendees
Vermilion Sands by JG Ballard

Vermilion Sands by JG Ballard

Mon, May 18, 11:00 PM
From Hugo and Nebula Award Winners Sci-fi Book Club Meetup
4.8

Vermilion Sands is a 1971 collection of science fiction short stories by J.G. Ballard, set in a fictional, futuristic desert resort town inspired by places like Palm Springs, where leisure and bizarre art forms dominate life. The stories explore themes of art, technology, and psychological decay through unique concepts like psychotropic houses that retain emotions, singing orchids, and automated poetry machines, often featuring jaded socialites and damaged adventurers. It's known for its playful, ironic tone, which is lighter than much of Ballard's other work. It's available on the Internet Archive.

  • Photo of the user
  • Photo of the user
  • Photo of the user
19 attendees
430kMonthly events
calendar icon
60mMembers
people1 icon
4.5App store rating
appStore icon
200kGroups
people2 icon

Frequently asked questions

Meetup facilitates book drives by connecting organizers with participants interested in literary activities. It helps those passionate about reading to join events where they can meet like-minded individuals, share their love for books, and contribute to community bibliophiles in New York City.

To know if book drives are happening this weekend, check the Meetup platform. You can find upcoming events by searching for book-related activities and verify details like time and location. If nothing is available this weekend, consider sending notifications for similar future events.

Join local book drives in New York by searching on Meetup for groups focused on reading and book donations. Once you find an interesting event, you can RSVP and participate in contributing or planning these community activities.

Generally, it's best to RSVP for a book drive event to ensure your spot and help organizers plan accordingly. However, some community drives don't require an RSVP, but it's advisable to check each event’s specifics as organizers may have different policies.

Meetup is your ally in connecting with book enthusiasts in New York. Search for book clubs or literature-themed events to find not only book drives but also opportunities to engage with bibliophiles regularly.

Joining Meetup to find and attend book drives is typically free. However, some specific events might require a fee, often to cover venue costs or contributions to the community cause. Always check the event details for any potential costs.

Yes, book drive events often vary by themes such as children's books, specific genres, or literacy campaigns. Organizers usually provide details about the focus of the drive, so participants can contribute appropriately.

You can host your own book drive by creating a new group or event on Meetup. Ensure your event is well-described with all necessary details, including location, time, and book drive themes to attract like-minded participants.

The frequency of book drives in New York can vary based on the organizer and community interest. While some groups host regular events, others might align their activities with specific dates or charitable causes, so checking Meetup for updates is beneficial.

While Meetup is often used for in-person gatherings, some book drives may offer online components, especially those focusing on discussions about book submissions or logistics that don’t require physical gathering.

Meetup serves as a platform for organizing book drives but does not oversee the logistics. The success of book deliveries to communities relies on individual organizers and participant cooperation, emphasizing the importance of active involvement.

The need for volunteers varies per event. While smaller book drives may function with a few participants, larger initiatives typically welcome greater volunteer support to manage logistics, collection, sorting, and distribution.

By participating or organizing book drives, you directly impact local literacy. These events promote reading by redistributing books to under-resourced areas, supporting local libraries, or encouraging young readers through donated materials.

Participation often spans diverse genres, but it depends on the event's theme. Some drives may focus on specific genres to address particular community needs. Check event descriptions to find a drive that aligns with your preferred book donations.

Usually, book drives welcome used books in good condition. Ensure you review event guidelines regarding the types of books accepted, as organizers may have specific preferences based on recipient needs.