Judy Havlik from Algona, IA is a teacher librarian who serves four elementary schools in her district. In this interview, she describes some of the successful methods she employs while conducting book club discussions with young readers as participants. She stresses the importance of flexibility and keeping things lighthearted, and insists that each book club member has a unique voice that should be respected. Read on to learn more about Judy's thoughts concerning reading groups both inside and outside the classroom, and the famous daytime talk show host her students secretly hoped would visit.

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: I am a school librarian who used to have book club meetings at school, but had to discontinue as my hours in each building were cut. (I am a Teacher Librarian in Iowa.)

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: We had eight students reading a book at a time. It was a mix of boys and girls, depending on their book selection.

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

A: Discussions were student-led.

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: Four titles were offered to students who were able to select their choice of reading. The titles were chosen ahead of time. I was overwhelmed by the response from the students in fourth and fifth grades. We discussed the book over lunch in the Library Media Center.

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

A: Frindle was a great book for the kids. The author is Andrew Clements.

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

A: We were "Lucia's Book Club." Our school name is Lucia Wallace Elementary. I told my students we were like "Oprah's Book Club," but on a MUCH lower budget! I think they thought there was an outside chance Miss Winfrey may join us!

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: Make it enjoyable! Do not be too serious about a gathering, even if the book is a serious subject. Absolutely EVERYONE has a voice and that voice is respected.

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

A: Everyone should have the opportunity to offer selection suggestions. Vary the books read in a time period. Don't be hesitant to choose a different title if most members are struggling with the "assigned" book.

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

A: Book clubbers can use an interlibrary loan system to find books for readers. Libraries can also assist the public in locating sources on their own. This is what we Librarians are about anyway: assisting our patrons in finding what they want, and teaching them the skills of selection.

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

A: Our public library does not at this time. My schools cannot, due to my schedule (I serve four buildings in our school district).

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

A: Just one --- a member of my own book club (a grown-up one) read the wrong book and could not join in the discussion nor figure out who the main characters were when the discussion began. It was I.

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: A book club is a wonderful community-building activity, no matter what age is involved. Diversity in members adds to the interesting discussions.

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 AM involved in a book club. I have discovered new authors I have not read and have received ideas for purchase. Belonging to a book club has also given me insight to other readers' attitudes.

ReadingGroupGuides.com interviews special reading groups around the world, spotlighting a different group each month. We hope that you enjoy reading about their experiences and might find some new ideas to try with your group. If you belong to a group that you think should be spotlighted, click here to send.