Book clubs, or reading groups, are experiencing a real renaissance in Milan. This tradition, born in the literary salons of the 18th century, has evolved over time to become a social and cultural phenomenon that unites people of all ages and backgrounds.
But what makes a book club so attractive?
The magic of book clubs lies in their ability to transform the solitary act of reading into a shared experience. Here, pages come alive through lively discussions, diverse interpretations, and genuine human connections
It’s not just about reading a book, but exploring it together, discovering new perspectives and enriching one’s understanding.
In 2025, trends show a growing popularity of hybrid book clubs, which combine physical and virtual gatherings, allowing for greater flexibility and inclusiveness.
Milanese seem to favor thematic reading groups, ranging from contemporary literature to revisited classics, via fantasy, nonfiction, and niche genres.
In addition, the concept of “social book clubs,” where reading becomes a vehicle for addressing current issues and promoting change in the community, is gaining popularity.
Now, let’s dive into Milan’s vibrant book club scene, discovering 12 unique realities that are redefining the way we share our passion for books.
Blackie Book Club
Based in the historic Cascina Cuccagna, this club offers a reading experience that goes beyond the printed pages. The spring 2025 schedule offers an eclectic literary journey, ranging from classics to new publishing releases.
Upcoming events:
- March 5, 7 p.m.: “My Sweet Orange Tree” by Jose Mauro De Vasconcelos
- April 16, 7 p.m.: “Supersaurus” by Meryem El Mehdati
- May 7, 7 p.m.: “Poverina” by Chiara Galeazzi
- June 11, 7 p.m.: “Things My Grandchildren Need to Know” by Mark Oliver Everett
You can join the Telegram group to stay informed about Blackie’s book club in Milan.
Admission is free.
πWhere: Via Privata Cuccagna 2/4, 20135 Milan, Italy
Cans & Co.
Led by curator Gaia Lorusso, this group focuses on contemporary fiction, with an intriguing peculiarity: the next book is revealed only at the end of each meeting, keeping participants’ curiosity alive.
The club is distinguished by an approach that encourages the discovery of new authors and literary trends. Meetings take place in a welcoming atmosphere that encourages the exchange of ideas and the sharing of different perspectives on current literature.
Next meeting:
- March 15, 4 p.m.: Discussion on “I Who Have Not Known Men” by Jacqueline Harpman
Here is the link to the Eventbrite page to register for Gaia Lorusso’s Bookclub.
To attend the event you must reserve your spot by writing to press@hoepli.it and then purchase the book at the bookstore.
πWhere: Via Ulrico Hoepli, 5, 20121 Milan, Italy
Milan Libraries’ Reading Groups.
Milan’s libraries offer an extensive network of reading groups, each with its own identity and thematic focus. These clubs provide a unique opportunity to explore literature in all its facets, from fiction to nonfiction, via specific genres and foreign languages.
Prominent among the “special” groups are:
- “The Library for All*”: focused on differences, rights and discrimination
- “Upside Down”: dedicated to movies, comics and TV series
- “The Music Corner”: for music lovers in all its forms
- “#IoleggoMilano”: centered on Milanese characters and settings.
The libraries also host youth groups and language conversations, ensuring an inclusive and stimulating environment for readers of all ages and interests.
Upcoming events:
- Feb. 25, 8:30 p.m.: Underbelly Group, discussion of “The Road” by Cormac McCarthy
- Feb. 26, 6 p.m.: Oglio Group, reading of “It Seemed Beautiful” by Teresa Ciabatti
- Feb. 27, 4 p.m.: The Essays, discussion on “The Light of Dead Stars” by Massimo Recalcati
A full list of upcoming meetings of the Milan Libraries reading groups can be found here.
Participation is free but you must register for the event by writing to the library organizing the book club (find directions in the description of each appointment)
Cervantes Institute of Milan
The Cervantes Institute offers an immersion in Spanish and Spanish-American literature through two separate book clubs.
The first, hosted by the Jorge GuillΓ©n Library, focuses on short stories by Spanish and Latin American authors, while the second is a virtual club that embraces broader works of Spanish-language literature.
These groups not only promote reading in the original language, but also offer the opportunity to interact directly with authors, creating a unique cultural bridge between Italy and the Hispanic world.
Upcoming events:
- March 5, 2025, 6 p.m.: “La Perra” by Pilar Quintana
- April 9, 2025, 6 p.m.: “Anoxia” by Miguel Γngel HernΓ‘ndez
- May 14, 2025, 6 p.m.: “Objetos perdidos” by Karla SuΓ‘rez
To participate in the book club at the library you must write to bibmil@cervantes.es. As for the online meetings, however, you must meet two requirements: having a good level of Spanish and being a member of the Carvantes Institute. For more information, you can write to biblioteca.electronica@cervantes.es
πWhere: Via Zebedia, 5, entrance Via Achille Mauri, 2/A, 20123 Milan
Verso
In addition to being a bookstore, Verso is a true cultural laboratory that hosts an eclectic and stimulating book club. Their approach is based on the careful selection of quality independent publishers, offering participants the opportunity to explore works that are less mainstream but of great literary value.
Verso’s meetings go beyond simply discussing books, turning into full-fledged cultural events that include presentations, readings, and even cabaret and theater evenings, creating a unique atmosphere in the Milan book club scene.
Upcoming events:
- March 12, 7 p.m.: Discussion on “The Desert” by Jorge BarΓ³n Biza
- May 28, 7 p.m.: Book Club by Senza Rossetto, reading of “Kairos” by Jenny Erpenbeck
Find all the meetings organized by Verso bookstore here.
To participate in the book clubs you must purchase the book.
πWhere: Corso di Porta Ticinese, 40, 20123 Milan
Book In 5 Book Club
Book In 5 Club is a reading club in Milan that has a format we love because it combines reading, socializing and aperitivo. This group welcomes readers who read in different languages, promoting a rich and varied cultural exchange.
It is a once-a-month event.
The informal atmosphere and inclusive approach make this club particularly attractive to young readers and those seeking a more relaxed and social shared reading experience.
Next meeting:
- Feb. 28: Discussion on “While the Coffee is Hot” by Toshikazu Kawaguchi.
Here is the link to the Eventbrite page to sign up for this beautiful book club.
πWhere: So’ Garden Cafe, Via Bruno Cassinari, 2
Santeria Paladini 8
The book club at Santeria Paladini 8 combines individual reading, sharing and socializing. The structure of the meeting, divided into three distinct moments, creates a perfect balance between personal reflection and collective exchange.
The “Book Swap” initiative allows participants to exchange books and broaden their literary horizons in a spontaneous and fun way.
Next event:
- March 4, 7:30 pm: Book Party – vol.10
Check it out and, if you are interested in the format, book your place for free from the event page on Eventbrite.
πWhere: Santeria Paladini 8, Via Privata Ettore Paladini, 8, 20133 Milan
NOI bookstore – Neighborhood cultural space
NOI bookstore offers a unique approach with its “Nessi(e)” book club, focusing on voluminous and complex works that might intimidate the lone reader. This format allows challenging texts to be tackled in a supportive and sharing context.
Choosing works such as Dolores Prato’s “Down the Square There’s Nobody” offers participants the opportunity to immerse themselves in rich and layered narratives, exploring deep themes and innovative literary styles.
Next event:
- April 1, 8:30 pm
To participate in the book club you must purchase the book at the bookstore. You can reserve your seat at the meeting here.
πWhere: NOI bookstore, Via delle Leghe, 18, 20127 Milan, Italy
Bookclub in the Park
This reading group, organized by volunteers from the North Milan Park, combines a passion for books with contact with nature, creating a relaxing and stimulating atmosphere for the best literary discussions.
The natural environment of the park adds a sensory dimension to the reading experience, allowing participants to enjoy the beauty of the greenery while immersing themselves in stories and discussions regarding interesting books.
Upcoming events:
- April 6, 3 p.m.
- May 24, 3 p.m.
- June 28, 3 p.m.
πWhere: Cascina Centro Parco, Via Gian Carlo Clerici, 150, Sesto San Giovanni
Mandragola Bookclub
The Mandragola Bookclub, curated by sociologist and writer Francesca Coin, is distinguished by its interdisciplinary and engaged approach. This group aims to create a “toolbox” for understanding and changing the present, addressing crucial issues such as anti-racism, climate and transfeminism.
Mandrake’s approach goes beyond simply reading a book, turning each meeting into an opportunity for critical reflection and social action.
The choice of provocative and topical texts stimulates deep and potentially transformative discussions.
Upcoming dates:
- March 20, 8:30 p.m.: “Inclusive Language and Class Exclusion” by Brigitte Vassallo
- April 17, 8:30 p.m.: “Nobody Knows My Name” by James Baldwin
- May 29, 8:30 p.m.: “Hypnocracy” by Jianwei Xun
To participate you must purchase a copy of the book at the bookstore.
Here to register for the free meeting.
πWhere: NOI bookstore, Via delle Leghe, 18, 20127 Milan, Italy
The Circolo dei Lettori of Milan
Milan’s Circolo dei Lettori has a rich and varied programming that goes beyond the traditional book club format. With more than 400 meetings organized since 2018, this club offers a 360-degree cultural experience, including readings, lectures, and special events.
The collaboration with the Centro Nazionale Studi Manzoniani and the prestigious location of the Manzoni House Museum add unique historical and cultural value to the meetings.
The focus on young readers and the variety of thematic reading groups make the Circle a point of reference for literature lovers of all ages.
Circolo dei Lettori events are streamed, allowing broader and more inclusive participation. The combination of live meetings and digital content creates a modern and accessible reading experience.
On this page you can take a look at all scheduled meetings.
You can also access the Reading Circle archive and review past events.
Upcoming events:
- On Feb. 18, the 1st of three monthly book club events “π³ππππππΜ π ππππππ ππππππππ” was held by journalist and writer ππ«π’π¬ππ’π§π πππ«ππ¨π§π’. Currently the event has already reached the maximum number of participants, but you can email newsletter@ilcircolodeilettori.it to get on the waiting list and be notified if a spot should become available.
πWhere: Online and at Il Circolo dei Lettori, Via Morone, 1, 20121 Milan, Italy.
Literary Caravan
The Literary Caravan is a book club that stands out for its mission to explore global literatures by featuring a book from a different country each month.
The choice of books is democratic; in fact, it is done through a poll on the group’s Telegram channel, actively involving members in defining the reading path.
Meetings are held on the third Tuesday of the month in the Porta Romana area. The atmosphere is informal and welcoming, perfect for in-depth but relaxed discussions.
Flexibility in participation and no obligation to consume make this club particularly accessible and suitable for different lifestyles. The opportunity to continue the evening with dinner after the discussion adds a valuable social element to the experience.
Next meeting:
- March 18, 7 p.m.: “The Soul of the Party” by Tea Hacic-Vlahovic, a stylish and provocative exploration of contemporary Milan
Here is the form to sign up for the reading group.
πWhere: Yellow Square, Via Serviliano Lattuada 14, 20135 Milan
Participating in a book club is not just about reading books, but joining a community that shares a passion for stories and ideas.
We invite you to explore these 12 Milan book clubs, each with its own unique identity.