Come for the book, stay for the community.
Our Mission
SOFT COVER exists to bring Twin Cities readers together around books. We believe reading is richer when shared, real conversations matter, and we are all better with community.
We intentionally keep our book clubs small in an effort to keep things intimate and welcoming. The goal of Soft Cover is to make everyone feel heard, get to talk about all kinds of books, and maybe make friends in the process. The point is to create a space that members want to stay in and keep coming back to, wherever we host.
FAQ: Do I have to donate to join a Soft Cover event?
You may notice that as part of our book clubs we will link a Twin Cities (and sometimes Minnesota) charity or organization in which to donate as part of our events. We very much strongly encourage members to donate as part of the event and we will never require a minimum donation. However, we are not going to bar anyone from joining this book club that may not have dollars to spare - all are welcome to register. Our goal is to provide connection and a great book club while also giving back to the community with every event.
Note, we will always provide a link directly to the organization or charity we are supporting for each event. We will never benefit or take any portion of that unless there is some outlier arrangement which would be explicitly disclosed. You may see us plug merch or books with our bookshop.org affiliate link to support Soft Cover as we do not make any revenue from donations.
Club Rules
Come ready to engage
Read the book, skim it, or listen on the drive. Come ready to think, listen, and say something true.
Share the air
We want to hear from you and from everyone else. Talk, listen, and notice when it’s time to pass the mic.
Disagree with Care
Different takes are welcome. Respect is not optional. Argue with the ideas, not the person holding them.
No Book Shaming
Reading looks different for everyone. Skimming counts. Audiobooks count. Thoughtfulness counts most.
Be Present
Phones down when you can. Look up. Make eye contact. Stay for the conversation you came for.
Take Care of the Room
Be kind. Be curious. Leave people feeling glad they came.
HARDCOVER
HARD COVER is the non-fiction focused arm of SOFT COVER with the same book centered community building but with real-word topics, deep discussion, and curiosity led conversation.
Additional Club Rules
Engagement
Reading the book is strongly encouraged.
Disagreement Is Expected
Challenge ideas. Ask questions. Debate ideas, not people.
Stay thoughtful
Maintain curiosity, generosity, and respect. Leave people feeling challenged but safe.
Hate speech, harassment, personal attacks, or discrimination of any kind will not be tolerated. SOFT COVER / HARD COVER is a space for curiosity, thoughtful conversation, and community, if you can’t respect that, this isn’t the community for you. All queer and gender identities are to be respected, full stop. Everyone has a right to feel safe, respected, and seen in our community.