Month: August 2020

Last week’s Adult Services blog post highlighted AAPLD’s current book clubs.  But what if none of the times are convenient, or you enjoy gathering with a group of friends to talk books? AAPLDs Do It Yourself Book Club service has everything you need for your new or existing independent book club.

How does it work?

First, choose a book, and determine the number of copies you’ll need. How to decide on the right book? Consider your members’ tastes and interests, as well as how long they’ll have to read the book. (AAPLD sponsored clubs meet monthly). We also recommend choosing a title that’s at least a year old. While it’s tempting to pick the newest, must-read best seller, obtaining multiple copies can be a challenge. Older titles are more easily available.

Need inspiration? Check out the Book Clubs page on the AAPLD website, under Reader Services, where you’ll find links to online resources, such as LitLovers, ReadingGroupGuides, and more. The American Library Association’s I Love Libraries site also offers a wealth of resources for book clubs.

Want to browse in person? Stop by the Main Library and explore our book club collection shelves, where you can find multiple paperback copies of popular book club selections ready for check out!

Once you’ve chosen your book, we can help you obtain additional copies. If you want special formats such as large type or audiobooks, be sure to ask about availability. Digital copies are often available as well. Simply fill out a Book Club Request form. We recommend requesting your books two weeks ahead of when you want them available to your members.  You don’t need to be an AAPLD cardholder, a card from any library will be fine.

Once the books arrive, you can pick up them up at either the Main Library or the Eastgate Branch.  Take all the books at once and distribute them to members, or have members come into the library to pick up copies themselves. When you’re finished with the books, simply return the books to the library, and choose your next selection.

Want to learn more? Visit our DIY Book Club FAQ page, or call the Adult Services department and talk with a staff member. We’re happy to help.

With kids starting school, fall is a great time for adults to get back to reading. Book clubs are the perfect way to discover new books, and connect with other book lovers!

AAPLD offers a variety of clubs designed to fit our patrons’ tastes and schedules. Like our other programs, book club gatherings are held virtually, so you’re able to participate from the comfort and safety of home. Getting connected isn’t difficult and we’re happy to walk you through the process. Click the name of each club to register. Copies of each month’s selection are available at the Main Library, at the Branch (where indicated) and often, through our Virtual Library collections.

Here’s a round-up of our book clubs, when they meet, and links to what they’ll be reading this fall. Find the book (or books!) that interest you, and register for a club. We hope to see you there!

 Stranger than Fiction, 1^st Tuesday of the month, 6:30. A book club for non-fiction lovers. For September, the club will read In Cold Blood: a true account of a multiple murder and its consequences, by Truman Capote, and in October, Smoke Gets in Your Eyes and Other Lessons from the Crematory by Caitlin Doughty. Pick up books at the Eastgate Branch

 Cozy Corner, 1^st Wednesday of the month, 7:00. Mystery lovers unite to discuss books selected by moderator Lindsey Tomsu, or share a book of their choosing on designated months. September and October are Reader’s Choice months.

 

 Book Clubbers, 1^st Thursday of the month, 7:00. A general fiction club reading popular book club selections. In September, they’ll be reading Erotic Stories for Punjabi Widows by Balli Kaur Jaswal. October’s selection is Good Omens by Terry Pratchett and Neil Gaiman

 Spinecrackers, 1^st Friday of the month, 10:00 AM. A general fiction club reading popular book club selections. September’s selection is the The Lager Queen of Minnesota by J. Ryan Stradal, and in October, Bringing Down the Duke by Evie Dunmore.

 

 Forever Young, 2^nd Monday of the month, 6:30. A book club for readers 21 and older, who enjoy reading Young Adult books. September’s book is Pet by Akwaeke Emezi, October’s is Slasher Girls and Monster Boys by April Genevieve Tucholke. Pick up books at the Eastgate Branch

Happily Ever After, 3^rd Monday of the month, 7:00. HEA focuses on romance, women’s fiction, and chick lit novels with upbeat endings. September’s book is The Kiss Quotient by Helen Hoang, October’s selection is Insatiable by Meg Cabot.

 

 Enjoying the Classics, 3^rd Wednesday of the month, 7:00. Enjoy thought-provoking discussions of timeless and modern classics. In September, the club will read and discuss The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafon, in October, Martin Chuzzlewit by Charles Dickens.

 Nite Readers, 3^rd Thursday of the month, 7:00. A literary book club that emphasizes Pulitzer Prize, National Book Award and Booker Prize award winners. September’s selection is Rough Magic by Lara Prior Palmer, in October, the club will read In The Midst of Winter by Isabel Allende.

COMING SOON!   Oh, the Horror!, 4^th Tuesday of the month, 6:30. Brand new in October, this club will focus on the horror genre.  At the club’s first meeting October 27, participants will discuss The Haunting of Hill House by Shirley Jackson. Pick up books at the Eastgate Branch.

For book lovers, browsing at the library is one of life’s pleasures. But when you’d rather avoid public places, how do you browse for your next great read?

Fortunately, AAPLD has some helpful resources so you can find exactly what you’re looking for from the comfort of home.

BookPage– This monthly magazine carries the subtitle “Discover Your Next Great Book,” and reviews new releases in a variety of genres. Whether you’re in the mood for an edge of your seat thriller, a light-hearted romance, an inspiring memoir, or something else, Book Page will provide plenty of choices. Each issue features an interview with a notable author, discussing their new release. Older books are highlighted in features like The Hold List, which recommend titles based on a theme. Thanks to a recent Hold List feature on cats and dogs, I discovered The Duchess Deal, a delightful historical romance by Tessa Dare that includes Breeches, a cat with attitude.

Where to find BookPage? Read it online here, or pick up a copy at AAPLD.

Library Reads– Librarian recommended, with ten new titles each month, Library Reads have a distinctive red, white and blue sticker on their spine. At the Main Library, the newest Library Reads are shelved beside New Fiction, along with a flyer showing the current month’s titles. Older titles can be found throughout the library. Search past Library Reads titles online by visiting their archives, for lists going back to 2013.

AudioFile Magazine– Love audiobooks? This online magazine offers detailed reviews of new releases that discuss narrators and presentation styles, in addition to recapping story highlights. You’ll also find features on genres, narrators, and authors. Keep up with the audiobook world by subscribing to AudioFile’s free newsletter and listening to the Behind The Mic podcast. If you prefer print, AAPLD has copies available for check-out and a limited number for patrons to take and keep. Find them by the New CD Audiobook shelves.

ALA Book List– The American Library Association’s century-old review publication, Book List takes a comprehensive look at the world of books, including new releases, columns, features on themes, genres and authors. Normally subscription-based, Book List is currently available online at no charge. Visit booklistonline.com

Check out these options, then give us a call to put a title on hold for pick-up at the Main Library drive-through, or our Customer Service desk, just inside the front door.

Want more suggestions? Use our Recommend Me A Book! Readers Advisory form for customized suggestions and check out links.

Happy Reading!