FAQs

Membership

How do I renew my membership or join?

Space permitting, renewing your membership or joining for the first time is easy!

If joining for the first time, click here to complete the online application.

If renewing your existing membership, login to your profile and click 'RENEW' at the top of your profile.

How do I make changes to my profile?

Go to  your member profile. and select the 'Edit Profile' button at the top of your membership profile and scroll down to the sections that need to be updated. Save your changes.  

Can I purchase a Gift Membership?

Gift Memberships for the 2023-2024 season are sold out. They will be available in April 2024 for the 2024-2025 season. 

Can I cancel my membership and receive a refund?

You may cancel your membership, but membership donations are considered non-refundable . Your donation activates your annual membership, including access to the luncheons featuring bestselling authors and their books.  As a non-profit, the Literary Society deploys membership donations to help defray event and administration costs and provide grants to support literacy organizations in the community.  For tax purposes, membership donations and any additional contributions are considered charitable donations and may qualify for federal deductions. 

When I click Login, my password doesn’t work. What do I do?

Enter your email address, and then click “forgot password.” You will then receive instructions on how to reset your password.

How is my privacy protected?

The Literary Society focuses on the safety and security of our members and uses best practices to protect the privacy and personally identifiable information of our members. We do not sell first-party data that we collect to third parties.

Does the Literary Society permit the solicitation of signatures on petitions at their events?

The policy of the Literary Society is that soliciting signatures is not an appropriate activity at Literary Society events. It is not consistent with the Literary Society's mission or the private author-luncheon events that the LIterary Society presents. In some cases, the Literary Society's ability to host author-luncheon events at private venues would be jeopardized if lobbying, electioneering, or fundraising activities were permitted.

How can I get more involved with the Literary Society's Committees? 

Members are encouraged to share a particular passion or expertise by joining a committee.  The committees are: Author Selection, Development and Communications, Finance, Grants, Membership, and Events. Visit our Volunteer Opportunities page for more information. 

Luncheon Events

How are the authors selected for each season?

The Author Selection Advisory Committee has a vital role in evaluating books and authors for the upcoming season. If you are interested in participating, please indicate your interest in your member profile. To do so, select the 'Edit Profile' button at the top of your membership profile and scroll down to 'Opportunities for Involvement (select up to 3)', listed below the member chapters on that page.  From there, please select "assisting the review process for upcoming slate of featured authors/books" and save your changes.

Will there be a cost for the luncheon?

Yes, the luncheon price is $55/member.  If space permits, we encourage members to bring a guest to the author events. The cost for your guest is $55 and the same guest is only allowed once per season. Luncheon fees are non-refundable and non-transferable.  (not tax deductible)

How do I register for the luncheon?

Members will be emailed when registration for events open.  When you register for a luncheon, you will make your meal selection and pay your fee. After each luncheon has concluded, registration for the next luncheon will begin, and so on until our last event in April. 

If I have a Family Membership, can I register my family member as my guest?

No, your family member will need to login into their membership and complete registration. If your family member does not have their own email address, please contact us to request their registration.

Can I attend a luncheon that is on a different day than the designated day on my membership?

Accommodations for a different luncheon day will be based solely on availability. Please email info@literarysoc.com with your request. 

May I bring a guest?

Members will be notified prior to the luncheon if there is space at the luncheons for guests. Each member can bring one (1) guest per luncheon, a total of five (5) per season. We request that members do not bring the same guest twice or the same guest another member brought to a previous luncheon during the season.

May I have a guest attend a different luncheon location than the one I attend?

Should we have space available for guests at a luncheon, we will email members, and then we would love to have your guest join us in a different luncheon location! For instance, if you are a member in Tucson but would like to invite a guest who lives in Phoenix to attend the luncheon in North Scottsdale on Wednesday,  please contact us with your request and we will try to accommodate your guest based on availability. 

What time shall I arrive at the venue?

The registration table will be open at 11:00 a.m. and seating will begin at 11:15 a.m.  We encourage you to meet and socialize with your friends prior to the doors opening.

Where shall I purchase my books for the season?

Consistent with our community support for literacy, we encourage our members to shop locally. Anticus, a supporting bookstore, is offering a 20% discount to Literary Society members for all this season’s titles. When checking out, you will need to mention your affiliation with the Literary Society. You may also call (480) 483-5663 to place your order for pick-up or delivery (postage covered by purchaser).

How else can a member support the Literary Society and its mission?

• There are several opportunities for deepening your membership experience and support.  The Donation page provides more details.
• Make an additional donation during the Grant Challenge.  Running from October 1st to December 31st each season, the Challenge hopes to double the amount the Literary Society budgets for grant making. Promoting the cause of literacy in Arizona is a large part of our mission, and these restricted funds support programs that bridge gaps in literacy, empowering children with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in school and life. Member’s generosity is an investment in the future of countless young readers across Arizona. 
• Host a small Private Event with an author (maximum of 25 guests) and invite friends or business associates to share the experience.  Included in your donation to host an author (most of which may be tax-deductible) will be 10 signed copies of the author’s book and recognition as the author host on the Literary Society website, at the luncheons, and in our newsletter. Cost: $5,000
• Become a Sponsor and receive complimentary memberships, access to private author events, recognition from the podium, in our newsletters, and on our website, among many other benefits There are several levels of sponsorship and we encourage you to contact us at info@literarysoc.com for more information.
• Ask your Employer if they offer a program that matches your donations made to eligible non-profit organizations. It’s an easy way to double your contribution to the Literary Society.
• Donate using a Qualified Charitable Distribution. If you are 70 1/2  or older, you can direct transfer funds from your IRA to a qualified charity such as the Literary Society.  Contact your financial advisor for further details.

What is the best way to contact the Literary Society?

The best way to contact the Literary Society is by email,  or by phone at (480)658-0539. 

For quick access to more questions and answers like these, please click this link.