Local Book Club connects generations as it expands across Joondalup

JOONDALUP, WA — A locally founded book club supported for a second year through the City of Joondalup's Corporate Sponsorship Program is expanding to a third location, creating an intergenerational community for readers across the City.

The Book Club currently holds evening events at Currambine Bar and Bistro in the north and daytime events at RISQ Small Bar in central Joondalup. From October, it will add events at The Greenwood Hotel, making its welcoming community accessible across a broader part of the City of Joondalup.

The expansion follows strong community growth, with around 100 people attending across the monthly daytime and evening events. Approximately 80 per cent of attendees come alone, and participants can range in age from their twenties right
through to their eighties.

The Book Club has also been named a national finalist in the Community Impact Award category at the 2026 AusMumpreneur Awards, recognising the local initiative's contribution to connection and belonging. Reading is the beginning of the connection.

Founded by Emma Kenworthy and Clare Dodds, who first met through a book club themselves, The Book Club was designed to offer more than a traditional book discussion. It's a celebration of the book and a facilitated event combining conversation, activities and shared experiences in a relaxed environment where people can arrive alone and feel instantly welcome and included.

"We try to keep the books as accessible as possible, so you'll see popular books that have been out for a while and that people can borrow from the local library, pick up in a charity shop or buy locally. We also blend in a few new releases, special genre events and books timed to coincide with cinema releases. Hearing the venues buzzing with
people connecting over that month's book and feeling comfortable sharing their own personal story or opinion is what makes The Book Club so special." — Emma Kenworthy, co-founder of The Book Club

The wide age range creates a genuinely intergenerational experience. Readers at different life stages share perspectives that may not otherwise meet in everyday life, while the books provide an easy starting point for meaningful conversation.

City of Joondalup Corporate Sponsorship has helped The Book Club keep events affordable while developing new activities, enhancing the event experience and reaching more residents through local promotion. 

A local idea growing across the City. The third venue represents the next stage in The Book Club's development: establishing a sustainable network of events across the City while retaining the warmth and personal welcome that have driven its growth.

About The Book Club
The Book Club is a welcoming community built around a shared love of books, conversation and connection. Founded by Emma Kenworthy and Clare Dodds, it hosts facilitated events. Its purpose is simple: to help people connect, feel welcome
and share the joy of reading.

Media enquiries
Emma Kenworthy | Co-founder, The Book Club | 0435743773, hello@thebookclub.com.au
www.thebookclub.com.au