Book lovers across Whidbey Island are being called upon to assemble in August for the All Island Book Clubs Gathering.

The event will be hosted by the Island Shakespeare Festival, which will also be the beneficiary of the meeting from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 12 in the festival’s tent at Langley Middle School.

All book club leaders are asked to contact Donna Hood at donna

hood@whidbey.com or 360-341-1860 by July 15 to join the notifications list and reserve a table.

Each book club is tasked with picking and discussing its top read from the past year. Best read nominations are due by Aug. 1. A printed list of top reads will be provided to all who attend. There will be a used book sale, proceeds from which will benefit the Festival. Tables for book lovers seeking book clubs will also be available.

Groups are invited to bring a picnic for the event. Drinks will be available. Entertainment will be provided by cast members from the festival’s current productions, “Taming of the Shrew” and “Richard III.”

There is no charge to attend the gathering, though the festival’s donation hat will be passed around.