ABOUT HEADER

About

The Newport Beach Public Library is the cultural heart of the community, serving more than one million patrons each year. We are an essential provider of books, information, and technology, through the Central Library and our three branches: Mariners, Balboa, and Corona del Mar.

Hours and Locations

Addresses, phone numbers, maps, and hours for NBPL locations

How to Get a Library Card

Information about getting a card

About Newport Beach

General information about the City of Newport Beach

History of the Newport Beach Public Library

The Newport Beach Public Library has a long history of service to the community

Board of Library Trustees

Information about the governing board of the library

Library Policies

Rules for using the Newport Beach Public Library

Literacy Services

Project Adult Literacy is located on the lower level of the Central Library, and provides services for adults seeking to improve their English reading and writing skills

Cultural Arts

The Cultural Arts Division of the Newport Beach Public Library, with guidance and support by the Newport Beach City Arts Commission, brings cultural and arts programming to the community

Friends of the Library

The Friends of the Library fund children's programs, Sunday Musicales, and other library programs through used book sales and donations

NBPL Foundation

The Newport Beach Public Library Foundation funds valuable library resources and services, and presents a variety of literary programs design to engage the community

News & Press

News releases, facts & figures, photos, and other information helpful in preparing articles about NBPL and upcoming events

Contact Us

Get in touch with us via email, phone, or mail

Book Discussion Group

Precipice by Robert Harris

BOOK DISCUSSION GROUP 2025-2026

Precipice by Robert Harris - presented by NBPL Foundation

amor-towles-lincoln-highway

December 10, 2025

Summer 1914. A world on the brink of a catastrophe. In London, twenty-six-year-old Venetia Stanley—aristocratic, clever, bored, reckless—is part of a fast group of upper-crust bohemians and socialites known as “The Coterie.” She’s also engaged in a clandestine love affair with the Prime Minister, H. H. Asquith, a man more than twice her age. He writes to her obsessively, sharing the most sensitive matters of state. As Asquith reluctantly leads the country into war with Germany, a young intelligence officer with Scotland Yard is assigned to investigate a leak of top-secret documents. Suddenly, what was a sexual intrigue becomes a matter of national security that could topple the British government—and will alter the course of political history.

 Meeting Details:

  • Friends Room, Central Library, 1000 Avocado Avenue, Newport Beach, CA
  • 2nd Wednesday of the month / September to May
  • 9:30am - 11:00am / doors open at 9:15am
  • FREE (a suggested donation of $10.00 is always appreciated)
  • No Reservations required
  • Come whether you’ve read the book or not as The Group is kind, curious, and engaging!  

The Book Discussion Group members select, read, and discuss 9-10 books per year. This active and dynamic Group meets on the 2nd Wednesday of the month from 9:30am - 11:00am in the Friends Room at the Central Library. All are welcome whether you’ve read the book or not and the program is FREE. Refreshments are provided and the books are available through the Newport Beach Public Library.

 

For detailed 2025-2026 Book Discussion Group reading list: https://nbplf.foundation/programs/book-discussion-group/

  

Return to full list >>