Social: Longform Article Reading Club

“Joy” by Zadie Smith
Saturday, 12/12/2026
10:00 - 12:00
Suitable for:
  • Adults
Learning Studio - 5th Fl
Main Library

100 Larkin Street
San Francisco, CA 94102
United States

415-557-4400

Discuss a longform magazine or newspaper article with a group of longreads fans in this monthly club from the Magazines and Newspapers Center. Read the article ahead of time and come prepared to discuss following the shared inquiry method. 

Returning and new members are invited to the end-of-year mixer at the Main Library for face-to-face socializing, refreshments and article discussion. We’re celebrating the completion of our first year and reflecting on what we discussed in 2026.

Agenda

10 – 10:30 a.m.: Refreshments and longform article bingo (ice-breaker)

10:30 – 11:30 a.m.: Discussion of “Joy” by Zadie Smith (New York Review of Books, Jan 2013) 

11:30 – 12:00 p.m.: Mystery gift giveaway and socializing

December Selection

“Joy” by Zadie Smith

New York Review of Books, Jan 2013

In this short essay, Smith ponders the difference between joy and pleasure, unavoidably entering into the territory of romantic love and lasting partnerships while also detouring into stories of clubbing and mourning.

Access options:

2026 In Review

View all 2026 selections discussed by the Longfrom Article Reading Club.

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This program is sponsored by Friends of the San Francisco Public Library.

Attending Programs

All programs are drop-in (no registration necessary) unless otherwise noted. All SFPL locations are wheelchair accessible. For accommodations (such as ASL), call (415) 557-4557 or contact accessibility@sfpl.org. Requesting at least 3 business days in advance will help ensure availability.

This program will be conducted in English unless otherwise noted.

Notice: This event may be filmed or photographed. By participating in this event, you consent to have your likeness used for the Library’s archival purposes and promotional materials. If you do not want to be photographed, please inform a staff person or the photographer. A sticker will be provided to help identify you so that we can avoid capturing your image.

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