Book Club Article in LJ

Earlier this month, in print and online, Library Journal's Barbara Hoffert published this piece entitled, "The Book Club Experience," a round up of current trends and issues facing book clubs. Features many experts who I know or have worked, this piece is worth a read. I especially agree with the infographic on trends which I have included at the end of this post.

I do disagree with some of the library workers interviewed who say that we, the facilitators, should stay out of the discussion. I think when I am a part of it, the entire experience is enhanced. That being said, I make it clear to everyone that I will also play devil's advocate even if it is on opposition to my opinion. This is to keep the discussion moving.

One thing that I always talk about in my book discussion training sessions that is not included in this piece is the acknowledgment that book discussion facilitators need a chance to recharge their batteries and have a chance to participate in book discussions themselves. This is why I reorganized the ARRT Book Club Study to serve this purpose in my local area. I wrote about the importance of just this type of support group for book club leaders in this article in Booklist.

Also, the LJ article only touches on the group dynamic issues that can come up and how you keep disruptive people in check. I will remind you all of my Book Discussion Leader and Group Norms which you can download here. I train people to create these with their group's input and then use them to help defuse and issues. Not everyone is comfortable reminding grown people to behave, but if you have an agreed upon list of normative behaviors, then you can use the printed sheet to initiate that conversation quickly and keep the discussion chugging along.

Click here to read the entire article. If you currently lead a book club or are thinking of starting one, this is a must read.

Infographic on trends from article