BOOK CLUBS AT YOUR LIBRARY

As we begin 2013, I want to take the time to tell you about the book clubs we have here at the library.  We have four book clubs that meet regularly catering to various reading interests.  Book clubs are a great way to get involved, meet people, have great discussions, and read a good book!

The leader of each club selects the book for each month and the library provides enough copies for each book clubber to borrow one. Many times a book is chosen that no one has read before or is written by an author unfamiliar to the book clubbers.  This is a great way to get exposed to books and authors you wouldn’t otherwise have read.  You just might find your next favorite book!  For many, the discussions at the book clubs are the most enjoyable part of the book club experience.  It is always interesting to hear what everyone liked and disliked about a particular book as well as each person’s reaction to the book.  One thing I have come to realize is that once a discussion gets going you never know where it will lead!

The longest running book club at the library is “Books For Lunch” and is led by Shirley Vonderhaar.  This group meets the first Monday of every month at 12 noon for snacks and a book discussion.  The book selection is eclectic ranging over all genres of adult fiction.  Some recent selections have been by Dave Barry, Paula McLain and Sarah Addison Allen.

If you are interested in Inspirational Fiction (aka religious fiction) then consider joining the “A Novel Approach to Faith” book club which is led by Dawn Schrandt.  This group meets the second Tuesday of every month at 7pm for snacks, a short presentation on the book and author, and a discussion.  The book selection includes a variety of books from all genres that weave religious faith into the characters and storylines.  Some recent selections have been by Dee Henderson, Lisa Samson and Randy Singer.

Our newest book club is “Not Your Average Read” which is led by Matt Muilenburg, the editor of the Dyersville Commercial.  This group meets the third Thursday of each month at 7pm.  The book selection includes a variety of books by award winning authors.  This club focuses on books known for their literary merit and shies away from popular fiction.  Some recent selections have been Michael Chabon, Philip Roth, and Jeffrey Eugenides.

The library also has one book and movie book club for fans of horror and the paranormal. The “Paranormal Book Club” is led by Paul Zurawski and meets on the second and fourth Thursdays of each month at 6pm.  The first Thursday of each month is dedicated to discussion about a particular book while the second Thursday the group watches either a movie or TV episodes.  The book and movie selection covers anything dealing with horror and the supernatural. Some of the material has adult themes and may not be appropriate for the young or squeamish.

As we kick-off 2013 consider joining one of these book clubs.  New members are welcome at any time.  For more information about one of the clubs or to join just give the library a call or stop by the circulation desk the next time you’re in the library.  Happy reading!