In the midst of pandemic plotting, replanning, revision, and innovation (all fancy ways of saying what we thought would work last week makes absolutely no sense now), we’ve discovered one overriding and rather comforting constant. Libraries have consistently expanded our sense of connection in an increasingly isolated world. From simple notes of gratitude for “keeping [me/my family] reading” to a vibrant and greatly enhanced online community, we’ve experienced an outpouring of both interest and appreciation distinctive from our pre-pandemic existence. Certainly, this has been true from our shift to largely virtual programming to reopening our doors to the public, but perhaps is most significantly experienced in reigniting one of the more traditional building blocks of library life. Yep, the old school act of reading.
Ah, but reading is a solitary act you say. And perhaps in theory it is. But in reality, it may be the greatest source of community we have or will ever experience. Globally, we’ve seen a huge surge in book consumption and a collective revisit of leisurely pursuits. Since funding an at home library is not universally accessible (particularly in times like these), libraries have proven invaluable for continued and equal access to literacy and learning. We actually even had a patron admit that they spent hundreds on reading material before realizing we had been open for some time in varying capacity. Suffice it to say we have since modeled all our financial decisions on this example of priorities.
Reading often acts as the single greatest outlet from which we can begin to make sense of the world around us (of understandably heightened importance when the world around us makes no sense), connect back to humanity, and – maybe you’re already fond of the oft echoed cliché – travel anywhere in the world without leaving home. Typically, one’s first reaction after reading a beloved text is to somehow craft a time machine with the sole purpose of going back to page 2 where the awed encounter can be experienced anew. The second, perhaps more practical instinct is to tell all your friends. Coincidentally, enhancing this social experience of reading is one of our many specialties.
We have several different ways for you to connect with other readers. For those comfortable with in- person programming, we offer monthly book clubs that while as safe and physically distant as possible are the opposite of socially removed. In terms of content, one of the most popular comments we get is that participants appreciate the diversity of titles as contrasted to their regular reading regime, often framed as, “I never would have read this on my own” (yes, usually meant in the good way). We often even have members come to discussion unsure about a text only to leave with a new appreciate of its complexities once viewed from someone’s else’s perspective.
If participating in-person is not for you, you can still engage by joining our online reading clubs. As with all of our virtual programs, this option is available via our Facebook groups. Instead of reading a central text, we contemplate a variety of reads, play virtual book BINGO, take a peek at new or noteworthy releases, and share our recent literary achievements. There are also plenty of book prizes to be won – for anyone who’s into the whole free stuff scene.
If you’re looking for a way to connect with members of your household (in something other than a banana bread bake-off), consider borrowing one of our book club sets – available to patrons by request. Some of our recent additions include The Dry by Jane Harper and Saturday Night Ghost Club by Craig Davidson. In the new year, look out for Transcendent Kingdom by Yaa Gyasi, Anxious People by Fredrik Backman, and The Midnight Library by Matt Haig. These kits are also great for a virtual meeting with a larger group of your choosing. Unless you’d like it to be our choosing. That can be arranged too.
For more information on any of our book clubs, reading groups, or to request a book club kit, email [email protected] or give us a call at 905-227-2581.
