New Ideas for Discussion Groups
Posted by: Ted Balcom
Recently I’ve become aware of a couple of discussion groups that are slightly different from the norm, and I thought I’d share information about them with Book Group Buzz readers. Who knows — you may like these ideas and decide to adapt them into similar groups at your library, or just among your friends.
“Novel Quilters” meets at the Indian Trails Public Library in Wheeling, Illinois. This group focuses on books with a quilt-related theme. In addition to discussing a book, group members learn quilting techniques. A recent selection was Alice’s Tulips, by Sandra Dallas. Anyone interested in participating is encouraged to call the library in advance for a list of supplies needed for the quilting class portion of each session.
“Noir in a Bar” is a new group sponsored by the La Grange Public Library in La Grange, Illinois. The members meet in a bar or restaurant in the La Grange area on the last Tuesday of every odd numbered month to discuss “edgy” books. Recently they talked about Hairstyles of the Damned, by Joe Meno, and this month they’re exploring World War Z, by Max Brooks.
I’m seeing more examples of library-sponsored groups meeting outside of the library. This idea seems to be especially popular with twenty and thirty somethings. Obviously they find the alternate settings comfortable and appealing — and the availability of food and drink doesn’t hurt, either! Have any of you faithful readers recently started — or joined — such groups? Please share.
