Whether you are new to Las Vegas, or have lived here for some time, finding an activity that does not involve the casinos can be difficult. Joining a book club is a great way to meet people, get away from the casinos and find a book to read that may not have been at the top of the reading list. Book clubs open new worlds to their members and highlight new finds for an evening of relaxation and enjoyment. Check out the best that Vegas has to offer its literary fans.

SNAFFU – Las Vegas and Southern Nevada Science Fiction and Fantasy Society Union
Location: Barnes and Noble
3860 Maryland Parkway
Las Vegas, NV 89119
For questions, contact Lori Forbes at hussy64@yahoo.com
www.snaffu.com

For the lover of literary science-fiction and fantasy books, as well as the person who enjoys movies of the same genre, SNAFFU is the oldest book club of its kind in Las Vegas. The group meets the second Saturday of every month at 2 p.m. at the Barnes and Noble on Maryland Parkway, just north of Flamingo. Discussions surround books, movies and television that fall under this genre, with literature being the primary focus. Dinners and ice cream socials are equally as common among these members. More like an extended family than a book club, SNAFFU holds holiday events to continue the fun beyond just club meetings.

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Las Vegas Non-Fiction Book Group
For questions, contact Claire Ady, after joining Meetup
www.meetup.com

Spend at least one Monday a month with others who enjoy the non-fiction genre. Meeting locations vary, but joining the group’s website will provide all necessary information for the next meeting. Part of the meeting will be spent discussing the book from the previous month, while also spending time getting to know the members. The upcoming schedule for books is completed at least one month in advance, so readers will have plenty of time to find the book and spend a few nights reading it in the comfort of their home.

Las Vegas Women’s Book Club
For questions, contact Kerry O. after joining Meetup
www.meetup.com

Joining a group who only allows women can be a freeing experience. It is time away from husbands, boyfriends, significant others and family. This book club only gives information to those who have joined its Meetup group. With two meeting locations, the club offers two different books for the month, one for each location. Choose your preference and begin turning those pages.

The Las Vegas Ever-Elusive Book Group
Location: The Blue Ox Tavern
5825 W Sahara Ave
Las Vegas, NV 89146
For questions, contact Dana or Summer after joining Meetup
www.meetup.com

This group selects its books from what members refer to as “an eclectic mix” of books, chosen by those who will be reading them. Meetings are limited to the first eight to sign up, but if needed, this club is open to multiple meetings in one month. Meetings take place in the same location, the Blue Ox Tavern, on the third Sunday of every month at 10 a.m. The group prides itself on doing what a book group is supposed to do – actually read the book and discuss it.

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Destinations Book and Dinner Club – Las Vegas
For questions, contact Sylvia once joining Meetup
www.meetup.com

This book club comes to Las Vegas after a successful launch in Chicago. A book club with a twist, Destinations meets once a month to discuss travel locations depicted in books, as well as food from the read areas. Meetings take place in a local restaurant that serves the food of that month’s destination. The works of literature discussed are often travel memoirs, with the authors frequently joining the group for dinner on the night of the meeting.

Do you know of other book clubs in Las Vegas? Add them to the comments section or tell us about your experiences with those listed here.

Amber Campbell is a writer who lives in Las Vegas, Nevada. She has been writing for Examiner.com since 2009, as a gaming, fantasy book reviewer and now as the Las Vegas Literature examiner. She has published stories under her writing name, Micaela Fischer, and also has a novel, Hidden From Destiny. She is also a proofreader, editor and typesetter. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.