New Plymouth 018 decided to upcycle their end of year celebrations. Convenor Beverly Wilson wrote in to explain about her book group's last meeting of the year: "We all had to come dressed in red... Read More

A collection of books is making its way to children of prisoners. CHCH 277 agreed at their November meeting to support a chosen charity and unanimously chose Pillars. The organisation supports... Read More

SORRY...we are now sold out of this print-run of BDS Tote bags. (17 Dec 2018)   Whether you're heading out to book club or down to the shops, make sure you're wearing this fairtrade, premium... Read More

Timaru 008 sent in this end-of-year pic to say they have been going for 20 years. Three of the group are the originals.  "We are very proud of our group and have been there for one... Read More

Rachel, a migrant who attends a BDS-resourced book group for speakers of other languages, succinctly sums up a key aspect of any book-club experience. "When I read a book I think I understand the... Read More

How many book clubs have a patron? Dunedin 058 does. A patron is 'a loyal supporter of someone or something'. Google tell us that a patron of the arts 'helps support starving artists'; we hope... Read More

A new function on our website allows Convenors to check if any of their group's books are overdue. The online information, which can be accessed through the Convenor part of the BDS website, allows... Read More

Peter Swan's all-male book club might seem to encourage stereotypical 'bloke' behaviour but at closer inspection his 'Beverage and Books' group does anything but. The former civil-structural... Read More

A Mount Albert man believes his all-male book group not only promotes a love of reading but encourages tolerance. Michael Loo, who meets up monthly with four other male readers, says belonging to a... Read More

The coordinator of an all-male book group in Dunedin is staggered – and delighted – by the candour with which the men talk about themselves. "What has really struck me is the conversations start... Read More

For a part-time bush worker, his men’s book club provides much needed social interaction. Whakatane semi-retiree Peter Fergusson, who works for Manawahe Eco Trust helping to eradicate pest animals... Read More

Reading our own New Zealand stories can be a powerful experience and Invercargill 004 enjoyed hosting the author of a book in the 'New Zealand Stories' series produced by educational publisher... Read More

Prison volunteer Celia Bockett received an award from Department of Corrections Ara Poutama Aotearoa for her help in running a BDS book group at Tongariro prison.  BDS was advised of Celia's... Read More

“As a writer, I’m the end product of everything I’ve read,” said respected New Zealand author Lloyd Jones to an audience of 30 BDS members on Saturday night (1 September). Lloyd, a... Read More

New Zealand-based  author Charity Norman made a special visit to the BDS office on Friday 31 August to visit staff (no, we didn't quite 'See her in September', groan).  We... Read More

It's not unusual for Book Discussion Scheme to receive the occasional card or email of thanks from members who appreciate the service we provide or to share how much they are enjoying their book... Read More

Squeezing some Mills and Boon romance into her evening paid dividends for Book Night winner Wendy Horne. "I read for escapism," says Wendy. "I was reading a trashy romance; I hope no-one will diss... Read More

Mid Canterbury school principal Sean Wansbrough is a keen advocate of the pastime of reading, so much so that the school's homework policy reflects this. Pupils' homework requirements have been... Read More

An interest in farm equipment and animals helped Waikato pre-schooler Jett Wait win first prize in Book Night, our annual nationwide reading event for all ages. The 3-year old from Pirongia, located... Read More

BDS offers high schools a student book-group programme for the first part of the academic year. Fifteen student groups are operating this year, including an all-boys group at Sancta Maria College... Read More

A cupcake and specially made commemorative pin were given to members of group AUCK 058 to mark the 25th anniversary of their group. All twelve current members of the West Auckland group, plus... Read More

Lilliput Libraries are a Dunedin phenomenon but the concept has spread to Canterbury, thanks to a BDS staff member and her local Presbyterian church. Annie Boardman, who works part-time at BDS... Read More

Having poor eyesight doesn’t mean you can’t be part of a book group, according to a Far North reader Jean Dowson. Jean coordinates a Book Discussion Scheme book group that has been going for 22... Read More

  Member's feedback about BDS books and discussion notes is vital. Book groups' comments - whether positive or 'constructive' - help the scheme to maintain a quality selection of titles and... Read More

 When is a question a ‘good’ question? New Zealand author Tina Shaw is one of 22 Book Discussion Scheme notewriters who are faced with crafting ‘good’ questions and informative material... Read More

When a box of sparkling new books arrives at the Sydenham office of Book Discussion Scheme, not all staff view the arriving package with the full reverence it deserves! One such person is our... Read More