Circulating Book Discussion Kits

“Can a public library proactively affect a community’s literary reading?”

Scrolling through an electronic newsletter from NoveList tonight, I came upon a reference to an interesting article about a public library that circulates book discussion kits for their patrons to use. It was a very interesting article, which I’m linking here. I’ll also post a few of my takeaways from the article.

WHAT: Johnson County (Kansas) Public Library has created 149 book discussion kits since 2004 that are available for check-out by library patrons. The kits, aptly named Book Club To Go Kits, consist of 10 paperback copies of a title that lends itself to group discussion. Kits are equipped with discussion guides and also must have alternative formats available through the library (ie. Large Print copies or audiobooks).

WHY: The kits are one aspect of JCPL’s strategic plan item that charges staff with providing convenient and personalized materials for patrons. Its an endeavor that originated in response to the Reading at Risk Report compiled by the National Endowment for the Arts in 2004. One of the study findings is that individuals with a higher income are more inclined to literary reading. The Book Club To Go Kits offer convenience and, more importantly, attempt to remove the monetary barrier that sometimes may prevent individuals from participating in book clubs.

GOALS/RELATED RESEARCH: The article quotes Andrew Solomon of the New York Times regarding literary reading. According to Solomon, “literary reading is an entry into dialogue” and has marked differences and results compared with spending the same amount of time reading electronic formats. In its study, the NEA identifies a parallel between reading and civic participation. With its programs and services, JCPL embraces the research and findings of Solomon and the Reading at Risk study, and is attempting the lofty goals of making reading a social rather than solitary activity, encouraging people to want to read more, and increasing library and community involvement.

Printz Discussion

I’m very excited to be participating in the Printz discussion at the Youth Services meeting next month! This is the first opportunity I’ve had to be involved in one of these round-table discussions. Two years ago, I was all set to participate until I realized that the meeting was to be held on my pregnancy due date! Needless to say, I didn’t want to commit myself to participating only to find myself in labor when the day finally rolled around. (As it turns out, I was not in labor that day, but 2 short days later!)

Anyway, each year for the December YS meeting, we rotate through either the Printz, Newbery, or Caldecott Awards. This year, we’re taking a look at possible Printz Award winners. I’ve been assigned 5 teen titles to either read or read reviews of, in order to be informed enough to participate in the discussion. I’m very much looking foward to my assignments:

• Shift by Jennifer Bradbury
• The Compound by S. A. Bodeen
• Lock & Key by Sarah Dessen
• The Fold by An Na
• Ringside, 1925 by Jen Bryant

I read Shift over the summer and was quite captivated with it. (I actually included it with my Columbus Parent book reviews.) Sarah Dessen is an author who is always on my to-read list although I never seem to get around to her. Her books circulate so well with teens so I’m interested to see what her writing style is like. Of course, An na is brilliant and I’m sure I’ll be engrossed in The Fold. Not only is Ringside, 1925 a work of historical fiction, but also a story in free verse, told by various spectators of the Scopes “monkey trial”. I enjoy reading books in this format, as with Day of Tears by Julius Lester, Bull Run by Paul Fleischman. And, lastly, The Compound was already on my to-read list on goodreads, which also bodes well for my enjoyment of it!

I’ll post about these again, once I’ve had a chance to get started on all this reading!