How Do Book
Groups Work?
About the BDSMission Statement The BDS seeks to further the Federation of Workers Educational Associations’ (FWEA) aims of a just and equitable society by promoting reading as a path to learning. The BDS supports learning by purchasing and distributing books and discussion notes to groups throughout New Zealand. The BDS book groups are designed to:
The Book Discussion Scheme (BDS), established in 1973 in Christchurch, modelled itself on a similar membership scheme operated by the Victoria Council of Adult Education (CAE) in Australia. The BDS has since established itself as a unique provider of quality books to book lovers throughout New Zealand. Today we have more than 850 groups representing approximately 8500 individual members. With over 600 titles, the BDS Catalogue provides a wide choice of excellent reading. New titles are regularly available from an extensive range of authors. Booknotes supplied with books provide useful commentary and questions for discussion. Guidelines in the BDS Handbook provide detailed advice on successful group management. The BDS is a not-for-profit organisation, and a member of the Federation of Workers Educational Associations (FWEA). A group of the FWEA is responsible for the governance of the scheme, and a manager and several personnel operate the office. Volunteers cover books and review potential titles. BDS annual membership fees provide the majority of funding for the operation of the scheme, and the Tertiary Education Commission (TEC) provides grants via the FWEA. The BDS is also grateful for grants from sundry funding agencies, and support from the Telecom Community Connection Sponsorship Programme. Book Donations and Bequests are always welcome. The BDS gratefully acknowledges the following for their sponsorship, and/or financial support:          
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