June 2008

Jill Evans is the library advisor at the Whiston Library in Merseyside, UK, as well as the facilitator of its book club. In this interview, Jill talks about the titles that spurred memorable discussions and encourages other librarians to advertise their facilities’ book activities, since there are many patrons who want to interact with others about the books they are reading.

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: They are hosted every four weeks. We have a range of genres.

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: There are nine members, ranging in age from about 40 to 80.

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

A: As the library advisor, I lead the discussion. But it is an open forum and I just keep the group focused.

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: They are chosen in advance, but if anyone has any preferences, they are taken into consideration. For example, the group requested a crime novel. I chose The Coroner’s Lunch as it was a new one out at the time.

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

A: The group’s favorite book is The Kommandant's Girl by Pam Jenoff. Our best discussion was for The Memory Keeper’s Daughter by Kim Edwards.

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

A: Like-minded people discussing their favorite hobby with an interesting group of people --- how could it not be interesting and 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: Go right ahead and advertise. There are people out there wanting to talk about their favorite books. Hosting a book club at a library is the perfect venue. Talk about your favorite authors and get others to read them all for free and fully available.

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

A: Use the new book magazines and listen to the recommendations on television. People always think celebrities are authorities on all subjects.

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

A: Get the library staff involved.

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