A friendly monthly book club for local readers, meeting first Saturday of each month from 4pm–6pm at Longbeach Learning and Activity Centre in Chelsea.
Ongoing activity
15 Chelsea Rd, Chelsea VIC 3196, Australia
$3
Bayside Book Club is a welcoming, community-focused group for people who love reading and good conversation. Designed to fit into busy family lives, it offers a relaxed space to discuss books, meet neighbours and enjoy a meal together afterwards. If you enjoy library events, book clubs or finding new reading friends, this is an easy, low-key way to connect.
Come ready for a warm, informal discussion led by friendly members rather than a formal host. Sessions run on the first Saturday of each month from 4pm to 6pm, and conversation ranges from contemporary fiction to memoirs and local interest titles. This is a great match for parents looking for community, reading groups and social time that fits around school and weekend routines.
After the discussion the group often heads to a nearby pub or restaurant for a shared meal, which makes the club part book chat and part social night out. Expect laughter, thoughtful takes on the month’s reading and new friendships formed over dinner. The mix of library-style discussion and social dining is ideal for those who want both intellectual stimulation and relaxed social time.
The atmosphere is inclusive and low-pressure, welcoming newcomers who want to drop in or become regulars. Members bring their own copies of the book or borrow from the local library, and conversations are parent-friendly and considerate of different schedules. Keywords: book club, libraries, reading, social groups.
The club meets monthly on the first Saturday from 16:00 to 18:00 and is open to adult readers of all ages. There is a small participation cost of $3 to cover room hire or refreshments. The focus is on reading, lively discussion and social connection rather than formal analysis, so parents can relax and enjoy quality time with other book lovers.
Contact for the group is Lorraine Harris — the listing gives a phone contact for RSVPs and questions. If you prefer online info, the Social Planet listing provides additional details about sessions and occasional schedule changes. This event suits parents seeking local activities that combine culture and community without a heavy time commitment.
Participants are encouraged to bring the book for that month, a notebook if they like to jot thoughts, and a friendly attitude. The club welcomes regulars and drop-ins, and is a good way to support local library events while building social connections in Chelsea.
Meetings are held at Longbeach Learning and Activity Centre, 15 Chelsea Rd, Chelsea 3196 — a short walk from local bus routes and within easy driving distance for surrounding suburbs. The centre is a familiar community hub, close to local shops and eateries where the group often goes for dinner after the meeting. SEO-friendly details: Longbeach Learning and Activity Centre, Chelsea book club, local libraries.
Consider walking, cycling or taking public transport to reduce parking stress; the venue information suggests leaving the car at home where possible. Practical access tips include:
- Public transport: check local bus timetables for services stopping near Chelsea Rd
- Cycling/walking: safe local paths and on-street bike racks
- Parking: limited on-street parking nearby, so carpool if you can
If you have mobility needs or questions about accessibility at the venue, contact the organiser ahead of time so they can assist. The centre aims to be welcoming and accessible for parents with prams or mobility aids, and being prepared helps the evening run smoothly.
Cost is a modest $3 per session, typically collected at the meeting; bring small change if you can. The club is informal so plans like dinner afterwards are optional — parents can choose to head home after the session or join the group for a meal. This flexibility makes the event ideal for those juggling school pickups and weekend commitments.
If you or your family have dietary restrictions and plan to join the after-meeting meal, mention this when you RSVP so the group can choose a suitable venue. Also check the Social Planet listing or contact Lorraine if you need to confirm dates during holiday periods or public holidays when schedules may shift.
The group runs in a community venue and follows local guidelines for safety and accessibility. If you need additional support to attend, contact the organiser in advance so arrangements can be discussed. Bringing a current library loan or a purchased copy of the book helps the discussion flow.
The event fee is $3 per person, noted on the event snapshot, and generally payable at the meeting; no complex booking is usually required. For more formal RSVPs, or to confirm a particular session, contact Lorraine Harris by phone as listed on the event page or view the Social Planet activity listing for details and updates.
If you would like to reserve a spot or ask about the monthly book selection, call Lorraine (phone on the listing) or visit the online link for the activity. Parents who prefer planning ahead often message the organiser to confirm the post-meeting dinner location and any venue accessibility needs.
For the most up-to-date information, including any changes to dates or times, check the Social Planet listing or contact the organiser directly; this ensures you have the latest details before heading out with the kids or arranging childcare.
