Abstract: The article uses historical research methods to conduct an in-depth analysis of reading groups developed by the library in the Republic of China period. The study found that the work related to the library reading groups in the Republic of China began to develop from the late 1920s. From 1930 to 1936, it developed rapidly with more attention paid to the work of the reading groups. It became common for libraries to facilitate reading groups and to feature a diversity of participants. But the development slowed down after 1937. The library community mainly understood the function of the reading groups from the perspective of social education, and considered the reading groups as an important way of reading guidance. The core activities of the reading groups included reading, writing and research, supplemented by other activities. Libraries played the role of instructor and service provider in the process of developing the book clubs. The ideas of providing different guidance for different readers, supporting systematic reading, emphasizing supervision and assessment, and those of featuring resource service, conference service and other service ideas have significance value for today

Key words: Reading group, Library, Reading promotion, The Republic of China, Reading guidance