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Date: 6/27/2022
BELCHERTOWN — It may be fitting that “Along for the Ride” was the first book a discussion group read at Clapp Memorial Library. The staff there wants a growing number of people to come along with them on a journey to read and discuss a range of works, from mystery and horror, to classic and contemporary.
“I try to find books that are relevant but not necessarily anything people in our group have read before. I’m trying to find books that we are reading for the first time,” said Ruthie Sterling, library technician and discussion group leader.
The group includes anyone 18 and older who enjoys reading books in the young adult genre. They met for the first time in April and plan to continue meeting at 7 p.m. on the first Thursday of every month. Sterling will select a different book to read each month.
In most discussion groups, members must purchase the book before reading it. Clapp Memorial is making sure everyone has a free copy of what’s being discussed – whether it’s a hard copy, audio or electronic version of the story.
Sterling is an English teacher. Her love of reading, discussing and analyzing books is apparent.
“When you are discussing the book, you get more out of it than if you weren’t discussing it. A lot of times we read the book, are done with the book, put the book aside and forget about it. We’re much more likely to remember the book if we discuss it,” she said
Everyone brings their own reaction and interpretation of the books. There is always a range of opinions about the story, characters and the book’s ultimate meaning.
Libraries exist to encourage reading by promoting and providing new books and old. But with its new discussion group, Clapp Memorial is going beyond stacking books on shelves and hoping people come to read them.
“Our discussion group encourages people to read. It keeps you motivated. Maybe you wouldn’t be reading weekly or every couple of days but when you know that you have people you’re going to discuss the book with, it adds a little more pressure to pick up the book and get reading,” she said.
A lot of book discussion groups take the summer off, but Sterling’s group plans to meet all year including the summer because that’s when college students are home and available.
So far, the group has attracted a half dozen people for each of its first three meetings. Sterling says they’re off to a good start but would still like more people to join them.
“As long as we’re getting consistent numbers, we’re hoping to keep it on as our new monthly book group,” she said.
Sterling’s gathering of readers is the library’s latest discussion group, focusing on a range of genres. Other groups at the library have a singular focus on science fiction, fantasy, mystery, general fiction and contemporary.
“What’s unique about this new group is the young adult genre is extremely varied and includes a broad range of categories,” said Sterling.
The library has at least two other discussion groups and some readers are members of them all.
“We’ve got some folks who crossover to all groups. They are regulars to all our book clubs. It’s interesting to see how they compare the different vibes from the different clubs,” said Sterling.
For more information about joining a discussion club at Clapp Memorial call the library at 323-0417 or visit their website at www.clapplibrary.org and look for Discussion Groups-Adults under the Programs tab.