BAKER CITY — In Baker County, Betty’s Books has a roster of book clubs and the Baker County Public Library is launching a new one.

Baker County Public Library

The Baker County Public Library, 2400 Resort St. in Baker City, will soon start a Jane Austen Book Club in honor of the author’s 250th birthday in 2025.

Staff member Missy Grammon is gathering feedback through a Google form to determine the best day and time for this club to meet. Access the form through the library’s Facebook page for the Baker County Library District, or check at the library.

This book club is designed for high schoolers in grade nine up through adult readers.

Betty’s Books

Betty’s Books, 1813 Main St., has long-standing book clubs and others that are just getting started. Plus, book club members get a discount on purchases. More information can be found at the store, through social media pages (@bettysbooksbakercity), or scanning the QR codes on flyers that link to the Bookclubs App for Betty’s Books.

The Book Club Yet To Be Named

This book club, sponsored by Betty’s Books, started in 2019 and has continued ever since — even switching to a Zoom option during the pandemic that remains an option for members in other places or traveling.

The club picks a wide range of genres.

“It’s an everything book club — a place for supportive growth and community and lots of laughter,” said Jeana Phillips, who owns Betty’s Books. “We take turns choosing the book and there’s no requirement to finish — but if you don’t finish, be prepared for spoilers.”

It meets on the last Friday of each month, 5:30 p.m. at the bookstore, 1813 Main St. For information, inquire at the shop or send a message through social media.

Knitting & Crafting Book Club

This new book club is starting at Betty’s Books this summer. Attendees are invited to bring crafts or join the staff in knitting while discussing the book chosen for the month.

Silent Book Club

With a rotating location every month — check Instagram or Facebook pages for Betty’s Books — this club welcomes readers to support a local business and sit back to enjoy quiet reading time.

YA and Sci-Fi/Fantasy Book Club

This new book club, started in January 2025 as a re-read for “The Empyrean Series” before the release of book three, “Onyx Storm,” will continue focusing on YA as well as sci-fi/fantasy genres. Created by a new staff member, this book club will focus on readers of all ages who are interested in these genres specifically.

“We want a space for young adults and others to explore the power, impact and joy that reading, representation and community can foster,” Phillips said.

Middle Grade Book Club

In the beginning stages of planning, this book club will include all genres for youth interested in middle grade books.

Banned/Challenged Book Club

This club is in the works and more information will be released soon.

Did You Know?

The Sage Library System has more than 200 book club kits available to check out that contain multiple copies of the same book. To find one, visit your library’s website, and click on Browse the Catalog.

In the search bar, type “book club kits.”

For type, select “Subject.”

For format, select “All Formats.”

Then hit “search” to see the results.

For more information, check with your local library.

We’re looking at public book clubs around the region that are hosted by libraries, book stores and more. In this series, we’ll focus on one county at a time. If you want to let us know about one, send an email to editor@goeasternoregon.com.