Ali Philbrook

Founder of The Portland Literary Club

Ali views books as the ultimate vessel for building human connection. When she founded The Portland Literary Club in 2025, her mission was to break down traditional, rigid book club structures and build an inclusive, hyper-local community where anyone—whether you read one book a year or five books a month—can find a sense of belonging. Through unique popup events, social gatherings, and creative small-business partnerships, Ali designs experiences that take books off the shelf and bring people together.

Connect with Ali and stay updated on future gatherings via Instagram and TikTok at @theportlandliteraryclub

Upcoming Programs by Ali Philbrook

Portland Literary Club Summer Reading Retreat

June 11 - 13, 2027

A book in your bag, a seat at the farm table and a whole weekend to read, relax and make friends. Join Ali and Portland Literary Club at Casa Portal for a cozy Maine escape, with literary gatherings led by Ali and farm life served up by Melissa and Chef Pete—good food, curious sheep and plenty of places to disappear into your book. No productivity required. No judgment on your TBR pile. Just books, snacks and getting way too invested in fictional characters’s bad decisions.