Laurel Best of Mursfreesboro, TN is the director of the Linebaugh Library System. In this interview, she offers insight into the dynamic of book clubs that have both male and female members, and explains why she tries to steer clear of typical favorites for the group's reading selections. Laurel also reveals why most libraries would be happy to order extra copies of a particular title and discusses the benefits of book clubs on people's reading habits.

Q: Does your library host any book clubs? If so, are they based on a certain theme or genre (i.e., mystery)? How often do the groups meet?

A: We host three book groups. One group discusses only Science Fiction, and the other two discuss a variety of books.

Q: How many members are in each group? How many men, how many women? What ages are most of the members? Are the groups open to accepting new members?

A: One of the general groups has about 15 regular attendees and four or five others who attend sporadically. We have three men and 11 women most months. The other general group has about eight members, and all are women. The Science Fiction group has two men and three women. Ages range from early 30s to late 70s. We love to have new members in all the groups.

Q: Who leads the book discussions? Are reading group discussion guides used?

A: The person who recommends the book leads the discussion. When guides are available, they're used, but we don't limit titles selected by whether or not there is a guide.

Q: How are books selected? Is a new one chosen at each meeting, or are they chosen for a number of meetings ahead of time?

A: I'm a member of the largest (and oldest) of the groups, so I'm most familiar with that one. Every October we have a potluck supper and choose the books for the coming year. That allows me time to get enough copies of the titles added to the collection. Some of our members buy their own, but many want to get them from the library. We try to pick books that are available in paperback.

Q: What were some of the best discussions or favorite books the groups have read?

A: We read Mrs. Dalloway by Virginia Woolf, and later, The Hours by Michael Cunningham --- both of which were great books that prompted good discussions. We also had a lively discussion on Death Comes for the Archbishop by Willa Cather and Middlesex by Jeffrey Eugenides. My Sister's Keeper by Jodi Picoult was the most divisive book we've ever read. People felt very strongly about the book.

Q: How are book club meetings kept interesting and fun?

A: I offer a lot of guidance on the titles selected. Books that people like generally don't make for good discussions. We try to stretch people. When members say, "I never would have read that book if it weren't for the group, but I loved it," I feel we've been successful. Also, frequently people leave the meetings with a greater appreciation for the book after hearing the discussion. Our groups have a set ending time because the library closes at 9:00. People leave wanting more. With no ending time, discussion can drag on even when no one has anything new to say.

Q: What advice would you give to other libraries that would like to start hosting book clubs, or provide resources for ones in the community? What are the benefits to hosting book clubs at a library?

A: Do it! It's great fun. I believe we have created an audience for literary fiction by encouraging people to read outside their comfort zone. Many people who have never attended the discussion group read every book on the list.

Q: What general advice would you give to book club members? Any specific ideas for making reading selections?

A: We have the best discussions when we don't all agree on a book. Pick challenging books and don't worry if some people don't like it. Choose books for the quality of the writing rather than the plot. We try to pick at least one classic each year and one or two nonfiction books.

Q: How can book clubs better utilize resources at their local libraries?

A: Send the list of titles to the library in advance so they can buy extra copies.

Q: Does your library offer anything special for book clubs?

A: No. Great service tailored to individual needs is available to everyone.

Q: Do you have any horror stories, amusing anecdotes, or other tales to tell that you have heard from book clubs?

A: We had a young woman who recently immigrated from Germany and an elderly Jewish woman in our group who couldn't stand each other. It made for some very interesting evenings.

Q: Is there anything else unique or noteworthy about book clubs (either ones that meet in your library or ones that you know of) that you would like to share?

A: Having men in the group keeps the discussion from being a therapy session. I've been in both types of groups and I think the longevity of our group can be attributed to the fact that we have both men and women. We don't discuss our mothers or our children --- we discuss the book!

Q: Are you a member of a book club? If so, what do you enjoy most about the experience from a reader's perspective? Does being in a book club enable you to better suggest both titles and discussion ideas to reading groups?

A: Being part of the group definitely makes me better at suggesting titles for other groups.

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