Susie Schachte is a librarian at the Greenwood Public Library, in Greenwood, IN. In this interview, she discusses the diverse group of women that make up the two adult book clubs she facilitates, and she shares useful information on how to get patrons --- especially older members of the community --- more involved with their local library.

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: Our library hosts several book groups. We have children's groups as well as adult groups. I facilitate the adult groups, which meet once per month --- one on the third Tuesday evening and one on the third Thursday morning. We read a variety of books in both groups, nonfiction as well as fiction.

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: Our evening group has approximately 18 members, all women. They range in age from 22 to 80+. They are single, married, widowed and divorced. The morning group has approximately 10 members consisting of senior ladies. Some are married, most are widowed. We are always open to new members.

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

A: I work here at the library and lead the discussion for both groups. While we have discussion guides to help us stay on track, most of the time we just talk. I find the guides are somewhat stiff and require a yes or no answer. I usually incorporate my thoughts and questions into the discussion. I generally formulate questions and points of interest as I read the book.

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: The evening group wants to have a say in what they read, so they offer ideas and suggestions. I gather a list of books that I can find in the quantity needed, give a small synopsis, and then the ladies vote on their favorites. The titles with the greatest number of tallies are what we read in the next 6 months. I have found it is easier to purchase 6 months' supply twice a year, rather than have the ladies scrambling to find the books at the right time. For the morning group, the ladies want me to select the books for them. I try to provide a variety of authors and genres.

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

A: The evening group had a great discussion on Gail Godwin's Evensong and Jodi Picoult's Salem Falls. The morning group enjoyed Laura Moriarty's The Center of Everything. One of the books that was most disturbing to the ladies but garnered a great discussion was Princess by Jean Sasson.

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

A: That isn't difficult because all the ladies love to read. However, the evening group made a wall hanging of an underground railroad quilt when we read Cold Mountain. The morning group hosted a tea for an author when she came to town. We read one of her books to let us get acquainted with her.

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: The benefits of having the book groups meet at the library are simple…it is a central location and no one has to clean house!

I would encourage librarians to get their patrons involved in book groups, but don't get discouraged when the numbers don't pan out to your liking. Keep on reading interesting books, advertise them inside the library, and invite patrons who are regular users of materials. It is a great way for new members to get acquainted with older members and helps the older ladies who are alone become involved in the community. I even had a husband sign his wife up and purchase the books for her birthday!

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

A: The selection process is a time-consuming endeavor. I welcome suggestions from the members. However, I find that many people get stuck into one genre and don't know how to select new books. So, by providing a variety of authors, everyone gets a chance to experience some titles they would have never chosen. I try not to use one author more than twice. Plus, the books must be in paperback.

For book club members, give the group a chance for 3 different books. Just as you can't judge a books by its cover, you can't judge a book group by one meeting.

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

A: Be sure to let the librarians know that members of a book group are interested in having discussion groups. Sometimes libraries have multiple copies of materials or would be willing to purchase or lease multiple copies if patrons will use them. If the library will not host the group, meet at the library. The librarians will see that patrons enjoy a discussion group by the number of participants.

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

A: Our Friends of the Library purchases our book club materials and then offers them at a substantial discount for the members to buy. If the members do not buy them, the books go into a Book Club in a Bag for book groups to borrow.

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

A: The only horror/laughable story that I know happened to my morning group. We were to have a phone chat with an author in the Midwest. While we are considered Midwest as well, the time difference was not taken into account. We expect the call at 10, but did not receive it until 11 --- 10, their time. I never even thought about the time change until I had to fill an hour of conversation!

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 facilitate both groups, so I guess I am a member as well. I enjoy the new authors I get to read. I generally go for cozy mysteries, when I get a chance to read for pleasure. However, I have discovered so many new authors and actually consider them to be family members… I get caught up in their characters and lives. I always get a kick out of the discussion group. They think of things I never even thought of! I have grown in my knowledge and understanding of human nature.

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