Durham Book Club is a student-driven community-building program that operates (almost) year-round, leading to a concentrated celebration from April to July. Our mission is to empower middle school students in Durham, NC, fostering leadership and camaraderie through shared reading experiences.

We believe that reading is a bridge to understanding, a catalyst for personal growth, and a cornerstone of community building. We are committed to nurturing a generation of young minds who are confident in their voices, compassionate in their interactions, and excited to explore the world through the bonds of shared stories.

 Durham Book Club, initiated by StrongHER TogetHER in the summer of 2020 during the COVID pandemic, was originally conceived to provide more engaging activities for the oldest girls in our program during Zoom sessions. The idea was inspired by a youth representative who suggested reading The Girl Who Drank the Moon. This sparked the girls' curiosity about book clubs. The initiative then expanded to involve the community, with support from the DPS Foundation and Durham Housing Authority. Funding was secured through grassroots efforts, and virtual author engagements were leveraged. In those first two years, books were distributed through DPS food distribution car lines, and small libraries were established in residences managed by the Durham Housing Authority.

In the winter of 2022, as the pandemic eased, we were able to partner with middle school staff and build stronger communication and distribution processes for ALL students, not just girls. These early supporters became known as DBC Reading Advocates. These partnerships have proven to be integral for Durham Book Club. Throughout 2022, a dynamic Student Leadership Team emerged, a group of dedicated middle school students who work to actively shape our reading season, which runs annually from April to July.

In 2023, our impact soared—800 books reached over 200 registered middle-grade students, representing a diverse array of Durham's schools. Our members talked with authors, met together in-person for the first time, and participated in engaging book-related activities that took them all over Durham.

What started as one student’s idea has grown into a student-led movement, with strong community backing. We are forever grateful for the support of the Bull City. Durham Book Club demonstrates the power of reading to unite and enrich young minds when the community works together. 

Author James Ponti answers YOUR questions about his book City Spies in this video QnA!

2022

Spin with Me by Ami Polonsky

Someone Like Me by Julissa Arce

Booked by Kwame Alexander

The Land of Stories: The Wishing Spell by Chris Colfer

Flygirl by Sherri L. Smith

From the Desk of Zoe Washington by Janae Marks

Moxie by Jennifer Mathieu

Roll with It by Jamie Sumner

To Night Owl from Dogfish by Holly Goldberg Sloan and Meg Wolitzer

Stargirl by Jerry Spinelli

The Skin I'm In by Sharon G. Flake

In Progress: Short Stories about Young Latinos by Lulu DeLacre

The Queen Bee and Me by Gillian McDunn