One of the things that has remained strong throughout the pandemic is the library hosted book club. Since a book discussion group works best with fewer than 20 people and the Zoom screen can hold 25 on one page, libraries quickly and easily move book clubs online. I have done some training sessions where library workers practiced how to discuss in a Zoom format and I can tell you first hand, it was not a difficult transition.
In fact, in some ways, the discussions have been improved in a virtual environment. For example, it is easier to read facial expressions [as a leader] on the Zoom screen and attendance is more consistent.
With the increase in popularity, many libraries are increasing their book club offerings and LibraryReads hosted this book buzz style program with 20 titles you could try with your book club to help spark conversation. Presented in conjunction with the Glen Ellyn [IL] Public Library, Executive Director of LibraryReads and a staff member from GEPL took turns introducing
It is up on their YouTube page here or you can click on the screenshot below to access.
This increase in book club offerings also means that more staff are being recruited to lead book clubs and ideas for what to discuss are not your only concern. So I also wanted to point you to a few other resources to help you improve your book discussion groups.
The Adult Reading Round Table Book Club Study: This program is for members only and gives library book discussion leaders the chance to sit back and enjoy being discussion participants while also offering a forum for sharing questions and practical solutions to the problems and concerns of book group leaders. This “nuts and bolts” training session is offered at the end of each discussion. However, anyone can access the notes from the discussions and the "nuts and bolts" sessions via the archive here.
Becky's Recharge Your Book Club Slides: My training program slides filled with links, tips, and tricks. Includes my popular Leadership and Group Norms handout.
NoveList: The database has extensive Book Discussion resources, example discussion guides, and even lists of recommended titles by me.
LitLovers: My go-to resource for book club information but especially the "How to Run a Book Club" page which I return to frequently for advice and ideas.
Finally, book clubs are one of my specialties. If your staff or library system needs a refresher, I am available to offer a variety of training options, from 60 minutes to 3 hours [longer program includes a facilitated discussion by me for discussion leaders], with pricing ranging from $350 to $550. Contact me for more information.
But for most of you, the links I have provided here are enough to get you re-energized to serve your book discussion groups.
And again, thank to LibraryReads and GEPL for this awesome program
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