I took the day off from blogging on Friday in order to get some other work done; however, toward the end of the day I went on a small Twitter rant and it was centered around book discussions. Here is the link to that Twitter thread and here is the article I was responding to.
I think one of the reasons that article rubbed me the wrong way was because of when I read it. I had already set up a draft post earlier in the day-- this post, with this title and most of the body below-- and it was all about how great book discussions have been doing in a virtual environment. So I am going to go ahead with a slightly modified version of the draft I had started last week, to pair with that Twitter rant. I think they inform each other.
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One of the best outcomes of the pandemic is the rise of the virtual book club. Book discussion groups work very well on Zoom because they tend to be small enough for every member to be on screen at the same time. Facial expressions can be read, and discussion flows almost in the same fashion, especially after a meeting or two. And for many people the option to do book club from home has made them more available to participate, especially seniors and the parents of small children.
Now that we are beginning to move back to some in person programing, I am seeing Book Discussions as some of the first options returning both because the groups are smaller and because many have kept meeting throughout and are eager to get back to their "normal."
However, things are not going back to the way they were. First, not every book club is going to get every member back in person and not just because of fear of sickness. Now that you have shown that you can offer them the book club virtually, many will want to keep attending that way. Second, some people came to virtual book clubs during the pandemic and they are now going back to work and don't want to give up book club and the relationships they made, but in person will not work for them.
The point I am making here is that you can never go back to 100% in person only book discussion groups ever again.
I am repeating that for those of you who are already coming up with excuses as to why you are going to just flip a switch and go back to our past "normal"-- You. Can. Never. Go. Back. To. Only. In. Person. Book. Clubs. Again.
And honestly, you shouldn't want to. Book discussion groups are one of the best things we offer. They create a sense of community, turn our members into some of the best supporters of the library, and allow those who lead book discussions a satisfying book related, work experience. I speak this all from experience; 15 years running book clubs.
Everyone is going to have to come to terms with fact that you need to offer in person, virtual, and/or hybrid book clubs going forward and into the future.
But don't fret about this change because I am here to help. First, I offer an updated version on my "Recharge Your Book Club" training. I am highly suggesting that this program be offered to those leading the book discussions and your group members, so that everyone has a chance to discuss what they want out of book club and how they best want to participate. I can offer a 60 minute lecture and then 30 minutes of facilitated conversation.
I have just started doing this, and everyone has learned a lot from each other. The feedback has been eye opening for all parties-- the library, the discussion group members, and myself. The lecture encourages honesty and conversation about the group itself while also educating all about how to have more dynamic discussions. [Contact me to schedule this training if you are interested.]
But, for you the leaders of book clubs, I also suggest the ARRT Book Club Study. This is a book discussion group for book discussion leaders. This is a book discussion group for book discussion leaders. Attending the discussions gives you, the leader, a chance to experience being a participant. Also the discussions are purposely led by different ARRT Steering Committee members each time so participants can all see different leadership styles. These meetings also have a second discussion where a topic of interest to book club leaders is discussed at length. Notes are taken and shared for all, for free.
Click here to access the schedule, notes on past book discussions, and notes on the leadership topic discussions.
While you need to be a member of ARRT to participate live, that membership is only $15 a year, and because of the pandemic, the meetings are now virtual, meaning anyone, anywhere in the country can participate.
Book discussions are going strong and feel like one of the few things that have stayed constant during the pandemic. However, that does not mean you should ignore them. I have offered you a few options, including some that are completely free for you to use as you move forward into 2021 and beyond. Don't just go "back to normal."
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| Click here to access the Book Club Study webpage |
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