Sarah BrealeyPeople who want to set up a book group can find out how at an event in Norwich this evening.Sarah Brealey

People who want to set up a book group can find out how at an event in Norwich this evening.

The Norfolk and Norwich Millennium Library in the Forum is holding a drop-in session after being inundated with enquiries from people who are interested in setting up or joining a book group.

The surge in interest is thought to be down to the Channel 4 series The TV Book Club, which features celebrities including Gok Wan and Jo Brand, but book groups were already becoming more popular and there are more than 500 groups across Norfolk - almost double the number of three years ago.

Derrick Murphy, cabinet member for cultural services on Norfolk County Council, said: 'Book groups are a great way to keep enthused about reading. They offer people who struggle to make time to read some structure, as well as the opportunity to get together and share reading experiences. They're also marvellous for getting people to read great books that they wouldn't consider reading if left to their own devices. If you're interested in becoming a founder member of a book group, do let your local library know and they'll help you make it happen.'

Norfolk libraries offer a special library card to book groups that register with them. The 'reading group' cardholder can reserve books for free and take out up to 15 copies of a title for group use.

The drop-in session at the Millennium Library at The Forum will be held at 6pm tonight and is free and open to everyone who is interested in becoming a book group member.

Anyone interested in joining or setting up a book group is invited to get in contact with their local library for advice and information. There is also advice and information at www.norfolk.gov.uk/booksandreading.