October 2008

Judith Nelms is the Adult Book Club Leader/Event Planner at the Shadyside Library in Shadyside, OH. In this interview, Judith talks about the five book clubs she hosts and the unique qualities of each one. Discussions are livened up by its 69 active members and incorporating author call-ins, and she describes the ways in which the library accommodates each participant.

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

A: Yes, I host five different book clubs per month. Each group basically has their own theme. For example, Group One likes to only read "bestsellers", Group Two is game for anything, Group Three prefers historical fiction, Group Four loves inspirational and Group Five is all nonfiction. Each group meets once a month.

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: Each group varies. I have a total of 69 active members. Some months, I have women "book club hopping" if they think they would like to read and discuss one of the other groups' books. There are no men, but I always encourage them. Our members are ages 28 to 82. We are always accepting new members.

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

A: I lead each group. Yes, I keep very busy, reading five different novels per month. But I love it. Most of the time. If a guide is not available, then I make notes after reading each chapter.

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: Most of the time I give each group a choice of two or three titles, then we take a vote. If a member has a suggestion, it's always taken into consideration. I try to keep a book picked out at two months ahead of time.

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

A: Angry Housewives Eating Bon-Bons by Lorna Landvik, Cold Rock River by J. L. Miles, Change of Heart by Jodi Picoult, Eliza and the House Jack Built by Albert Wass and Firefly Lane by Kristin Hannah.

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

A: Usually the authors call in and talk about their books for 15-30 minutes. Other than that, I just have a great bunch of ladies and they themselves make it fun.

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: I say "go for it." We have programs for children and teens, but the most "thank yous" we receive are from the moms and grandmothers who have joined the adult reading groups. They enjoy getting out with other women and having a fun time for an hour, once a month.

Of course, the book selections are at our fingertips. Plus the big thing is that I order in enough books so that each person gets their own and doesn't have to buy it. Money is so important. I'm sure I would not have the high number of members if they had to purchase a new book each month. Another great thing is that we edit the due date, so the books we're reading will not be due back until the next meeting.

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

A: If you don't like the book the group has chosen to read, give it a try. Read 50 pages. Most of the time, they are pleasantly surprised and end up liking it. If not, don't force yourself to read it. There are too many good books out there. So don't make it a chore to read a book you're not enjoying.

I am constantly reading reviews and other book clubs "hits and misses." This helps a lot.

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

A: There are so many links out there that’s available through the libraries. The best resources though are the librarians themselves. It's our job to read and listen to what other patrons are saying about novels.

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

A: We have door prizes most of the time. Authors are so generous in sending signed books, audios, etc....

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

A: No horror stories. Miscommunications maybe --- like when authors are scheduled to call and they forget about the time zone changes. I've learned my lessons on that. I usually ask for a phone number to reach them (in case this happens.)

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: Just my ladies. I've learned so much from them. They're all unique in their own way. I love what I do and people tell me it shows. It's a great feeling to enjoy each and every day at work and looking forward to going. I've been very blessed to have found a job I love this much.

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: I was a member of a book club (not associated with the library) a few years ago. But I quit it so I could concentrate on the five I started. I love putting myself in the characters’ shoes and being mentally taken away each time I read a novel. By all means, being a librarian helps a lot, too.

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