Fiction_L Archives Book Discussion Groups Dates: 3/13/01,6:35 PM  through  3/25/01,2:39 PM  (20 postings) Search for: Select one or more indexes to search: 2011-current     2009-2010     2004-2008    1995-2003    (Matches from each index will be displayed separately in the results page.) Return to March 2001 thread menu   |   Fiction_L Archives Menu

FROM: Candice Michalik <[removed]@yahoo.com>
REC'D: 3/13/01, 6:35 PM

I have just discovered an excellent book for book
discussion groups. It is "Talking about Books: a
step-by-step guide for participating in a book
discussion group" by Marcia Fineman. It goes through
the characteristics of setting, characterization,
plot, conflict/resolution, and character motivation,
as well as theme and gives suggested questions to ask
when talking about these. I am new at leading book
discussion groups, and when we chose a book for which
there was no available reading guide, I might have
panicked if it were not for this book. I would
recommend it to anyone involved in book discussion
groups, and wanted to share my "discovery" with all of
you.


=====
Candice Michalik
Reference Librarian
Lynchburg Public Library
Lynchburg, VA
[removed]@yahoo.com

__________________________________________________
Do You Yahoo!?
Yahoo! Auctions - Buy the things you want at great prices.
http://auctions.yahoo.com/

FROM: "Janet Lawson" <[removed]@BookBrowser.com>
REC'D: 3/14/01, 11:15 AM

Some wonderful women (and very good friends!) have started a new site for
book discussion groups. They have been leading discussion groups for years
and decided to put their knowledge and experience on the web. Their site is
filled with interesting and thoughtful material - discussion questions,
in-depth essays on books, author information, etc.

Check them out. I think they are developing a very useful resource:
BookMuse
http://www.bookmuse.com

janet

Janet Lawson, Proprietor
BookBrowser: The Guide for Avid Readers
http://www.BookBrowser.com <http://www.BookBrowser.com>

:>-----Original Message-----
:>From: [removed]@maillist.webrary.org
:>[[removed]@maillist.webrary.org]On Behalf Of Candice Michalik
:>Sent: Tuesday, March 13, 2001 4:23 PM
:>To: Fiction_L
:>Subject: Book Discussion Groups
:>
:>
:>I have just discovered an excellent book for book
:>discussion groups. It is "Talking about Books: a
:>step-by-step guide for participating in a book
:>discussion group" by Marcia Fineman. It goes through
:>the characteristics of setting, characterization,
:>plot, conflict/resolution, and character motivation,
:>as well as theme and gives suggested questions to ask
:>when talking about these. I am new at leading book
:>discussion groups, and when we chose a book for which
:>there was no available reading guide, I might have
:>panicked if it were not for this book. I would
:>recommend it to anyone involved in book discussion
:>groups, and wanted to share my "discovery" with all of
:>you.
:>
:>
:>=====
:>Candice Michalik
:>Reference Librarian
:>Lynchburg Public Library
:>Lynchburg, VA
[removed]@yahoo.com
:>
:>Everything Fiction_L: http://www.webrary.org/rs/flmenu.html

FROM: "Nancy Kent" <[removed]@japl.lib.in.us>
REC'D: 3/15/01, 9:32 AM

Janet,

Thanks for this.Looks great.

Nancy Kent
[removed]@japl.lib.in.us
Jackson County Public Library
Seymour, IN 47274
----- Original Message -----
From: Janet Lawson <[removed]@BookBrowser.com>
To: Fiction_L <[removed]@maillist.webrary.org>
Sent: Wednesday, March 14, 2001 11:08 AM
Subject: RE: Book Discussion Groups


> Some wonderful women (and very good friends!) have started a new site for
> book discussion groups. They have been leading discussion groups for years
> and decided to put their knowledge and experience on the web. Their site
is
> filled with interesting and thoughtful material - discussion questions,
> in-depth essays on books, author information, etc.
>
> Check them out. I think they are developing a very useful resource:
> BookMuse
> http://www.bookmuse.com
>
> janet
>
> Janet Lawson, Proprietor
> BookBrowser: The Guide for Avid Readers
> http://www.BookBrowser.com <http://www.BookBrowser.com>
>
>
>
> :>-----Original Message-----
> :>From: [removed]@maillist.webrary.org
> :>[[removed]@maillist.webrary.org]On Behalf Of Candice Michalik
> :>Sent: Tuesday, March 13, 2001 4:23 PM
> :>To: Fiction_L
> :>Subject: Book Discussion Groups
> :>
> :>
> :>I have just discovered an excellent book for book
> :>discussion groups. It is "Talking about Books: a
> :>step-by-step guide for participating in a book
> :>discussion group" by Marcia Fineman. It goes through
> :>the characteristics of setting, characterization,
> :>plot, conflict/resolution, and character motivation,
> :>as well as theme and gives suggested questions to ask
> :>when talking about these. I am new at leading book
> :>discussion groups, and when we chose a book for which
> :>there was no available reading guide, I might have
> :>panicked if it were not for this book. I would
> :>recommend it to anyone involved in book discussion
> :>groups, and wanted to share my "discovery" with all of
> :>you.
> :>
> :>
> :>=====
> :>Candice Michalik
> :>Reference Librarian
> :>Lynchburg Public Library
> :>Lynchburg, VA
> [removed]@yahoo.com
> :>
> :>Everything Fiction_L: http://www.webrary.org/rs/flmenu.html
>
>
> ......................................................................
> Need to subscribe, unsubscribe, search the archives?
> Everything Fiction_L: http://www.webrary.org/rs/flmenu.html

FROM: Candice Michalik <[removed]@yahoo.com>
REC'D: 3/21/01, 8:58 PM

I have just started a book discussion group at our
library. I have never done anything like this before,
and I'm not the most outgoing person in the world, nor
am I comfortable getting up in front of people. But I
really wanted to do this! We have had three meetings
so far. The first meeting drew 56 people! We were
overwhelmed. I felt like I was in front of a class
since there were so many people.

Some participants suggested that we break into two
groups for the next session, which we did. Today's
session we also broke up into two groups. There were
29 people, so maybe we should have kept it at one
group.

I guess what I'm trying to say, or ask, is how do you
deal with large groups? We have people who say they
are intimidated by large groups so we should divide
into two. We have others who say they miss things
when there are two groups. Perhaps some of you who
are more experienced can give me some pointers. I
don't want the participants to think that I'm
floundering. But to go from 56 to 40 to 29 shows that
some people are giving up on us.

=====
Candice Michalik
Reference Librarian
Lynchburg Public Library
Lynchburg, VA
[removed]@yahoo.com

__________________________________________________
Do You Yahoo!?
Get email at your own domain with Yahoo! Mail.
http://personal.mail.yahoo.com/

FROM: "Mary Rindfleisch" <[removed]@biblio.org>
REC'D: 3/22/01, 11:11 AM

Wow! 56 people!! We don't limit our sessions to any set number, and
attendance can fluctuate between 8 and 28, depending on the book, the
weather, the time of year, and what else is going on in the world that week.
But we did decide to start out with two separate groups, one which convenes
in the morning, the other in the evening. The groups sometimes read the
same material, but not necessarily and even then not necessarily the same
month. But offering the two sessions has led to some natural
self-selection, based on which meeting time is most convenient, and that has
helped keep both groups manageable. Anything over 20 makes it much more
difficult to facilitate, as side conversations are more likely to develop,
and I spend a lot more time playing conversation cop than discussion leader.
But it depends on the format you use. We try to be fairly informal, and I
seek to function more as a facilitator than a teacher/leader when I can.

If you got folks' contact information at that first session, you might try
doing a little survey to see what they would be most comfortable with, in
terms of size and format. Obviously the interest is there, but you might
need to offer more than one alternative to really tap in to that interest
and still keep the discussions meaningful.

Good luck! And don't forget to have fun!

Mary Rindfleisch
Adult Services/Readers' Advisory Librarian
Ridgefield Library
472 Main St.
Ridgefield, CT 06877
Phone: 203-438-2282
e-mail: [removed]@biblio.org

-----Original Message-----
From: [removed]@maillist.webrary.org
[[removed]@maillist.webrary.org]On Behalf Of Candice Michalik
Sent: Wednesday, March 21, 2001 9:54 PM
To: Fiction_L
Subject: Book Discussion Groups


I have just started a book discussion group at our
library. I have never done anything like this before,
and I'm not the most outgoing person in the world, nor
am I comfortable getting up in front of people. But I
really wanted to do this! We have had three meetings
so far. The first meeting drew 56 people! We were
overwhelmed. I felt like I was in front of a class
since there were so many people.

Some participants suggested that we break into two
groups for the next session, which we did. Today's
session we also broke up into two groups. There were
29 people, so maybe we should have kept it at one
group.

I guess what I'm trying to say, or ask, is how do you
deal with large groups? We have people who say they
are intimidated by large groups so we should divide
into two. We have others who say they miss things
when there are two groups. Perhaps some of you who
are more experienced can give me some pointers. I
don't want the participants to think that I'm
floundering. But to go from 56 to 40 to 29 shows that
some people are giving up on us.

=====
Candice Michalik
Reference Librarian
Lynchburg Public Library
Lynchburg, VA
[removed]@yahoo.com

__________________________________________________
Do You Yahoo!?
Get email at your own domain with Yahoo! Mail.
http://personal.mail.yahoo.com/

FROM: Ricki Nordmeyer <[removed]@nslsilus.org>
REC'D: 3/22/01, 3:35 PM

Candace,
Ideally a book discussion works best when you have about 15 people at most.
That way it is more intimate and everyone feels that they will have a
chance to contribute. However, you should be thrilled that so many are
interested. Don't worry about fluctuating numbers. You will get that all
the time as people lives, vacations health, weather etc. interfere. Maybe
they didn't particularly care for the title this month. Here at Skokie PL
we have over 100 people signed up but usually get about 50 each month. We
have two sessions; an evening and a morning group. We discuss the same book
at both sessions. Having 2 sessions should help with your numbers. We are
able to have 2 staff people lead the discussions each month. If you can
handle that staff wise, it is marvelous. To have 2 people's input when
devising the questions is sometimes magical. We did Patty Jane's House of
Curl this month and individually I worried that it might be too light.
Never fear, once my partner for the month and I started discussing, we
ended up with over 20 questions and the participants as usual, added even
more insight to the discussion. I realize that our library's support for
book discussions both staff wise and money wise is unusual, but as you can
see there is a need for them. One sidelight of leading book discussions is
that that title is yours for life, and you will be able to use the insight
gained from a discussion in using it for an RA recommendation.
Congratulations on your new adventure. Remember, we all had to endure our
first book discussion.

Ricki Nordmeyer
At 06:53 PM 3/21/01 -0800, you wrote:
>I have just started a book discussion group at our
>library.
Ricki Nordmeyer Reader's Advisory Specialist
Skokie Public Library
(847) 673-7774 x 2177
[removed]@skokie.lib.il.us
http://www.skokie.lib.il.us

Opinions expressed are personal and do not necessarily reflect the views of
the Board of the Skokie Public Library.

FROM: Cindy Lunghofer <[removed]@yahoo.com>
REC'D: 3/22/01, 8:18 PM

I ,too, was overwhelmed with a large(45) group for my
Tuesday book discussions. Part of our solution was to
have two sessions of the group that met at different
times on the same day (and discussed the same book).
This solved many problems, especially me not having to
work another night per week! The group has naturally
shaken out into two sessions - one at 2PM and one at
7PM.
Members can attend either group without any notice
given. Members really like it- if snow is predicted
for the evening, my afternoon group gets bigger, and
people who have doctors appointments, school field
trips and just getting together with friends can still
come at night. I usually have 10-15 in the afternoon,
and 20-25 at night. In the dead of winter, my evening
group dwindles to 15-20, for the obvious reasons. The
members like having options, and everyone is more
regular in their attendance, too. During the
afternoon session, we always have coffee or tea, but
we don't serve refreshments at night - no one wants
them after dinner, so we don't bother.
When the group was really large, I solved the
"Conversation cop" problem by having everyone go
around in a circle and say whatever they wanted about
the book. We'd often pick up some great threads for
discussion that way - but we'd always go back to those
threads after everyone had their turn. Sometimes
people don't want to say anything and that's fine,
too. But it really limited the conversation hogs, and
the shy people feel a lot more comfortable talking now
that they can be heard. It was so successful, we still
use the technique, and it really doesn't hamper
spontaneity- if someone is excited, they'll share!
Don't be discouraged - it sounds like your community
is really ready for your group! It will all settle
itself out and be great! Best of luck!

=====
Cindy Lunghofer
Adult Services Librarian
East Providence Public Library
East Providence, RI


__________________________________________________
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Get email at your own domain with Yahoo! Mail.
http://personal.mail.yahoo.com/

FROM: Barry Trott <[removed]@mail.wrl.org>
REC'D: 3/23/01, 9:22 AM

Here, we limit the size of the groups to about 12 people. Many more than
that, and it is hard to have all of the folks interact. We run our
discussions in three series throughout the year, each three months long
with no discussions in April, August and December (when folks are likely
to be away). We ask that folks sign up for the three month series, and
commit to attending all three discussions.

I have a question, too. For those of you all who do discussions at the
library, how do you get books for the discussion participants? Do you
order extra circulating copies? Rely on the patrons to get the book
themselves?

Barry

*******************************************************************************
Barry Trott 7770 Croaker Rd.
Adult Services Director Williamsburg VA 23188
Williamsburg Regional Library Phone: 757-259-4053
[removed]@mail.wrl.org FAX: 757-259-4079
http://www.wrl.org/REF/Bookweb_Main.html
*******************************************************************************

FROM: "Nora M. Armstrong" <[removed]@clsn1269.cumberland.lib.nc.us>
REC'D: 3/23/01, 10:44 AM

On Fri, 23 Mar 2001, Barry Trott wrote:

> I have a question, too. For those of you all who do discussions at the
> library, how do you get books for the discussion participants? Do you
> order extra circulating copies? Rely on the patrons to get the book
> themselves?

I'm the facilitator for the Great Books Discussion Group here at CCPL&IC.
We use the fiftieth-anniversary anthologies from the GB Foundation.* Used
to be that the library would buy ten copies or so of each anthology but
not process them through tech services. I would have participants sign out
the books, and ATTEMPT to collect them when we'd finished with all the
readings in that particular anthology. You can imagine how well this
(didn't) work out.

Since we are in the midst of to-the-bone budgetary reductions, the last
time I ordered books I only got five of them, and we processed four of
them right away; customers are able to check them out (I kept the fifth
for myself, and we'll process that after we finish with this anthology). I
make five photocopies of each reading, and we keep those at the
Information Desk, so anyone who might want to attend just that session can
pick up the reading and questions.

Knowing that several of the group's members like to have the anthologies
for themselves, I provided them with photocopies of the order form, and
they ordered their copies direct from the GBF.

There are questions for discussion of full-length novels, too - mostly
modern classics like THINGS FALL APART. I have tried getting extra copies
of those books through ILL, but that didn't work out too well. If we
read a full-length book again, I'll probably find inexpensive paperback
editions of the book and order several of those well in advance.

Does this answer part or all of your question, Barry? :-)

Cordially,
Nora

Nora Armstrong
Cumberland County Public Library & Information Center
Fayetteville, NC 28301-5000
[removed]@cumberland.lib.nc.us

*The great thing about this program is that it really is no-muss, no-fuss
for me. Each of the anthologies is centered around a theme - we're
currently examining "Clashes of Culture." In addition to the readings, the
anthologies also provide questions and themes for discussion. I also
collect biographical and critical information about each author and
reading, and that's how we start the discussion; my participants seem to
appreciate this.

FROM: Karen Migaldi <[removed]@nslsilus.org>
REC'D: 3/23/01, 10:54 AM

Barry,

We don't currently have the spectacular attendance of the other
libraries who have responded to this thread so the methods we use to
obtain books may be easier for us.
We do not require participants to purchase a copy of the book we are
discussing. In fact, we use this as a selling point to convnince them
to attend our discussions rather than one at a local bookstore.
We obtain copies for participants in one of two ways. We either
purchase multiple copies or we borrow copies from other libraries.
Again, borrowing from other libraries may be easier for us since we're
in the Chicago area and have a lot of nearby libraries, like Skokie,
that do book discussions. The Adult Reading Round Table has also put
together a great site for Chicago-area libraries, listing which
libraries have multiple copies of specific titles.

Karen Migaldi
Crystal Lake Public Library
Crystal Lake, IL

Barry Trott wrote:
>
> Here, we limit the size of the groups to about 12 people. Many more than
> that, and it is hard to have all of the folks interact. We run our
> discussions in three series throughout the year, each three months long
> with no discussions in April, August and December (when folks are likely
> to be away). We ask that folks sign up for the three month series, and
> commit to attending all three discussions.
>
> I have a question, too. For those of you all who do discussions at the
> library, how do you get books for the discussion participants? Do you
> order extra circulating copies? Rely on the patrons to get the book
> themselves?
>
> Barry
>
> *******************************************************************************
> Barry Trott 7770 Croaker Rd.
> Adult Services Director Williamsburg VA 23188
> Williamsburg Regional Library Phone: 757-259-4053
> [removed]@mail.wrl.org FAX: 757-259-4079
> http://www.wrl.org/REF/Bookweb_Main.html
> *******************************************************************************
>
> ......................................................................
> Need to subscribe, unsubscribe, search the archives?
> Everything Fiction_L: http://www.webrary.org/rs/flmenu.html

FROM: [removed]@pcpls.lib.in.us (PCPLS SHRef)
REC'D: 3/23/01, 11:57 AM

Maybe you could divide the groups into specific genrer's--non-fiction,
science fiction/fantasy, Oprah lists, etc.
We are a small library, and I am the moderator at our book discussion
group. We have a core group of about six people, with two who come when
they can.
One thing I have learned, and that is you can't please everyone,
especially with as large a group as yours.

Barbara Borg-Jenkins
South Haven Public Library
Valparaiso, IN 4385

Candice Michalik wrote:

> I have just started a book discussion group at our
> library. I have never done anything like this before,
> and I'm not the most outgoing person in the world, nor
> am I comfortable getting up in front of people. But I
> really wanted to do this! We have had three meetings
> so far. The first meeting drew 56 people! We were
> overwhelmed. I felt like I was in front of a class
> since there were so many people.
>
> Some participants suggested that we break into two
> groups for the next session, which we did. Today's
> session we also broke up into two groups. There were
> 29 people, so maybe we should have kept it at one
> group.
>
> I guess what I'm trying to say, or ask, is how do you
> deal with large groups? We have people who say they
> are intimidated by large groups so we should divide
> into two. We have others who say they miss things
> when there are two groups. Perhaps some of you who
> are more experienced can give me some pointers. I
> don't want the participants to think that I'm
> floundering. But to go from 56 to 40 to 29 shows that
> some people are giving up on us.
>
> =====
> Candice Michalik
> Reference Librarian
> Lynchburg Public Library
> Lynchburg, VA
> [removed]@yahoo.com
>
> __________________________________________________
> Do You Yahoo!?
> Get email at your own domain with Yahoo! Mail.
> http://personal.mail.yahoo.com/
>
> ......................................................................
> Need to subscribe, unsubscribe, search the archives?
> Everything Fiction_L: http://www.webrary.org/rs/flmenu.html

FROM: "Pat Ferguson" <[removed]@smlnet.sml.lib.la.us>
REC'D: 3/23/01, 11:57 AM

Nora -
Came across your message and just wanted to say hello. Do you remember me?
I'm enjoying being back in Shreveport and love my job, but I do miss some of
you at CCPL&IC.

Pat Ferguson
Special Collections
Shreve Memorial Library

-----Original Message-----
From: [removed]@maillist.webrary.org
[[removed]@maillist.webrary.org]On Behalf Of Nora M. Armstrong
Sent: Friday, March 23, 2001 10:31 AM
To: Fiction_L
Subject: RE: Book Discussion Groups


On Fri, 23 Mar 2001, Barry Trott wrote:

> I have a question, too. For those of you all who do discussions at the
> library, how do you get books for the discussion participants? Do you
> order extra circulating copies? Rely on the patrons to get the book
> themselves?

I'm the facilitator for the Great Books Discussion Group here at CCPL&IC.
We use the fiftieth-anniversary anthologies from the GB Foundation.* Used
to be that the library would buy ten copies or so of each anthology but
not process them through tech services. I would have participants sign out
the books, and ATTEMPT to collect them when we'd finished with all the
readings in that particular anthology. You can imagine how well this
(didn't) work out.

Since we are in the midst of to-the-bone budgetary reductions, the last
time I ordered books I only got five of them, and we processed four of
them right away; customers are able to check them out (I kept the fifth
for myself, and we'll process that after we finish with this anthology). I
make five photocopies of each reading, and we keep those at the
Information Desk, so anyone who might want to attend just that session can
pick up the reading and questions.

Knowing that several of the group's members like to have the anthologies
for themselves, I provided them with photocopies of the order form, and
they ordered their copies direct from the GBF.

There are questions for discussion of full-length novels, too - mostly
modern classics like THINGS FALL APART. I have tried getting extra copies
of those books through ILL, but that didn't work out too well. If we
read a full-length book again, I'll probably find inexpensive paperback
editions of the book and order several of those well in advance.

Does this answer part or all of your question, Barry? :-)

Cordially,
Nora

Nora Armstrong
Cumberland County Public Library & Information Center
Fayetteville, NC 28301-5000
[removed]@cumberland.lib.nc.us

*The great thing about this program is that it really is no-muss, no-fuss
for me. Each of the anthologies is centered around a theme - we're
currently examining "Clashes of Culture." In addition to the readings, the
anthologies also provide questions and themes for discussion. I also
collect biographical and critical information about each author and
reading, and that's how we start the discussion; my participants seem to
appreciate this.

FROM: [removed]@pcpls.lib.in.us (PCPLS SHRef)
REC'D: 3/23/01, 12:08 PM

At our library, we get extra copies paid for by the Friends of the Library. We
usually order the oversize paperbacks, and get a discount.

Barbara Borg-Jenkins
South Haven Public Library
Valparaiso, IN 46385

Barry Trott wrote:

> Here, we limit the size of the groups to about 12 people. Many more than
> that, and it is hard to have all of the folks interact. We run our
> discussions in three series throughout the year, each three months long
> with no discussions in April, August and December (when folks are likely
> to be away). We ask that folks sign up for the three month series, and
> commit to attending all three discussions.
>
> I have a question, too. For those of you all who do discussions at the
> library, how do you get books for the discussion participants? Do you
> order extra circulating copies? Rely on the patrons to get the book
> themselves?
>
> Barry
>
> *******************************************************************************
> Barry Trott 7770 Croaker Rd.
> Adult Services Director Williamsburg VA 23188
> Williamsburg Regional Library Phone: 757-259-4053
> [removed]@mail.wrl.org FAX: 757-259-4079
> http://www.wrl.org/REF/Bookweb_Main.html
> *******************************************************************************
>
> ......................................................................
> Need to subscribe, unsubscribe, search the archives?
> Everything Fiction_L: http://www.webrary.org/rs/flmenu.html

FROM: Melissa Norton <[removed]@yahoo.com>
REC'D: 3/23/01, 6:48 PM

We are fortunate to have the Friends of the Library
purchase copies for the Mother-Daughter Book Club.

Two local reading groups (neither one
library-affiliated) are supplied through limited ILL
(2-3 copies of each selection). We have a statewide
ILL listserv that is great for multiple requests. One
reading group is more likely to purchase their own
copies than the other, and supply is generally
adequate -- patrons who come in on Monday or Tuesday
looking for the book to read for Friday's discussion
are beyond my control.

We have had several library-sponsored discussion
groups that included traveling sets of the books as
part of the program (Let's Talk About It/Maine
Humanities Council & Mirror of Maine/Maine Historical
Society). Those are easy to deal with, except of
course rounding up the books when it comes time to
send them on the next library using them. (And falling
over the boxes in the office <g>)


Melissa


> > I have a question, too. For those of you all who
> do discussions at the
> > library, how do you get books for the discussion
> participants? Do you
> > order extra circulating copies? Rely on the
> patrons to get the book
> > themselves?
>


=====
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Melissa Norton [removed]@bridgton.lib.me.us
Asst. Librarian & Webmaster
Bridgton Public Library http://www.bridgton.lib.me.us
65 Main St.
Bridgton, ME 04009
207-647-2472

__________________________________________________
Do You Yahoo!?
Get email at your own domain with Yahoo! Mail.
http://personal.mail.yahoo.com/

FROM: "Brown, Carole" <[removed]@ci.greensboro.nc.us>
REC'D: 3/24/01, 9:45 AM

Barry,
At our library, an established women's reading group gave us a ten thousand
dollar grant to purchase a core collection of discussion group books. Our
T. S. personnel order the books through the library and give us the
library's discount. We usually order 15 copies and use trade paperbacks.
We have also had several book discussion groups give us books for our
collection. Also, we have a lot of patrons that donate trade paperbacks to
the library. If we see any donated books that are multiples of titles in
our discussion collection, we keep those for the collection. This helps
cover not returned titles. We also scout Barnes and Noble and Borders for
remaindered (cheap) hardcovers that would be good discussion group titles.

This collection does not circulate, it isn't cataloged and can only be
checked out by book discussion groups. The discussion group has to have one
person that will be responsible for the books. The books are picked up and
dropped off only at the branch that houses the collection. The popular
librarian and reader's advisory assistant (me) are responsible for the
collection. The books must be checked out by us and returned to us. They
don't go in the book drop. We put labels on each book loaned with a return
date, contact person , and strict instructions that the books don't go in
the book drop. We also get phone nos., etc. and call when the books are not
returned on time.

We distribute copies of our list of discussion group titles to book clubs
in the community and to our branch libraries. We have quite a few users and
our return rate is good.

Carole Brown
Greensboro Public Library

> -----Original Message-----
> [removed]@pcpls.lib.in.us [[removed]@pcpls.lib.in.us]
> Sent: Friday, March 23, 2001 1:10 PM
> To: Fiction_L
> Subject: Re: Book Discussion Groups
>
> At our library, we get extra copies paid for by the Friends of the
> Library. We
> usually order the oversize paperbacks, and get a discount.
>
> Barbara Borg-Jenkins
> South Haven Public Library
> Valparaiso, IN 46385
>
> Barry Trott wrote:
>
> > Here, we limit the size of the groups to about 12 people. Many more than
> > that, and it is hard to have all of the folks interact. We run our
> > discussions in three series throughout the year, each three months long
> > with no discussions in April, August and December (when folks are likely
> > to be away). We ask that folks sign up for the three month series, and
> > commit to attending all three discussions.
> >
> > I have a question, too. For those of you all who do discussions at the
> > library, how do you get books for the discussion participants? Do you
> > order extra circulating copies? Rely on the patrons to get the book
> > themselves?
> >
> > Barry
> >
> >
> **************************************************************************
> *****
> > Barry Trott 7770 Croaker Rd.
> > Adult Services Director Williamsburg VA 23188
> > Williamsburg Regional Library Phone: 757-259-4053
> > [removed]@mail.wrl.org FAX: 757-259-4079
> > http://www.wrl.org/REF/Bookweb_Main.html
> >
> **************************************************************************
> *****
> >
> > ......................................................................
> > Need to subscribe, unsubscribe, search the archives?
> > Everything Fiction_L: http://www.webrary.org/rs/flmenu.html
>
>
> ......................................................................
> Need to subscribe, unsubscribe, search the archives?
> Everything Fiction_L: http://www.webrary.org/rs/flmenu.html

FROM: Carole Rybarczyk <[removed]@burlington.lib.wi.us>
REC'D: 3/24/01, 12:46 PM

We've just started our book discussion group and have tried to select
titles available in paperback. We purchase at least 5 copies of the title.
We've kept all the titles we've read on a shelf marked Book Club. I'm
amazed how many of the books already discussed are still being checked out.
To me this justifies the expense of multiple copies. I keep getting
requests for old discussion guides and I suspect that neighborhood reading
groups are using our books and guides because they are available. By the
way, I am still looking for help with In America by Susan Sontag. So far
I've been able to find discussion guides but maybe this title is too new. I
don't mind being the moderator but I don't feel comfortable devising
questions.
Carole Rybarczyk
Burlington Pub. Library
Burlington, WI

FROM: "Carrier, Karen" <[removed]@rolling-meadows.lib.il.us>
REC'D: 3/24/01, 2:24 PM

From my experience leading groups about fifteen people is ideal. It is
very difficult for a significant number of people to have an opportunity
and feel comfortable speaking if the room is too crowded. I have been in
discussions with 25 people. It is possible to have this many people but
not ideal.

----------
From: Candice Michalik[[removed]@yahoo.com]
Reply To: Fiction_L
Sent: Saturday, March 24, 2001 2:03 PM
To: Fiction_L
Subject: Book Discussion Groups

I have just started a book discussion group at our
library. I have never done anything like this before,
and I'm not the most outgoing person in the world, nor
am I comfortable getting up in front of people. But I
really wanted to do this! We have had three meetings
so far. The first meeting drew 56 people! We were
overwhelmed. I felt like I was in front of a class
since there were so many people.

Some participants suggested that we break into two
groups for the next session, which we did. Today's
session we also broke up into two groups. There were
29 people, so maybe we should have kept it at one
group.

I guess what I'm trying to say, or ask, is how do you
deal with large groups? We have people who say they
are intimidated by large groups so we should divide
into two. We have others who say they miss things
when there are two groups. Perhaps some of you who
are more experienced can give me some pointers. I
don't want the participants to think that I'm
floundering. But to go from 56 to 40 to 29 shows that
some people are giving up on us.

=====
Candice Michalik
Reference Librarian
Lynchburg Public Library
Lynchburg, VA
[removed]@yahoo.com

__________________________________________________
Do You Yahoo!?
Get email at your own domain with Yahoo! Mail.
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FROM: "Mary Rindfleisch" <[removed]@biblio.org>
REC'D: 3/24/01, 2:24 PM

We don't promise enough copies for all participants (except when doing a
state-sponsored scholar-led series, which comes with a packet of books), but
I try to make sure we have at least 3 copies of each title in the collection
(fewer if not available in paper). We also watch the donations like
hawks -- since we decide on half a year's selections ahead of time, we have
enough lead time to pick up some extras this way. If they are paperback, we
circulate them as part of our uncatalogued "beach book" stock, so they don't
take up excess shelf space after interest has dwindled. When possible, I
also try to add large print and/or audio editions of all selections as well.
They are not always available, but this is a great way to expand the appeal
of the discussion group to those who prefer these formats. Finally, we will
ILL extra copies if there is enough demand. Oh -- and we have arranged for
a discount on book club titles at the local independent bookstore, to make
it a little easier on those who wind up buying them.

Mary Rindfleisch
Adult Services/Readers' Advisory Librarian
Ridgefield Library
472 Main St.
Ridgefield, CT 06877
Phone: 203-438-2282
e-mail: [removed]@biblio.org

-----Original Message-----
From: [removed]@maillist.webrary.org
[[removed]@maillist.webrary.org]On Behalf Of Karen Migaldi
Sent: Friday, March 23, 2001 11:50 AM
To: Fiction_L
Subject: Re: Book Discussion Groups


Barry,

We don't currently have the spectacular attendance of the other
libraries who have responded to this thread so the methods we use to
obtain books may be easier for us.
We do not require participants to purchase a copy of the book we are
discussing. In fact, we use this as a selling point to convnince them
to attend our discussions rather than one at a local bookstore.
We obtain copies for participants in one of two ways. We either
purchase multiple copies or we borrow copies from other libraries.
Again, borrowing from other libraries may be easier for us since we're
in the Chicago area and have a lot of nearby libraries, like Skokie,
that do book discussions. The Adult Reading Round Table has also put
together a great site for Chicago-area libraries, listing which
libraries have multiple copies of specific titles.

Karen Migaldi
Crystal Lake Public Library
Crystal Lake, IL

Barry Trott wrote:
>
> Here, we limit the size of the groups to about 12 people. Many more than
> that, and it is hard to have all of the folks interact. We run our
> discussions in three series throughout the year, each three months long
> with no discussions in April, August and December (when folks are likely
> to be away). We ask that folks sign up for the three month series, and
> commit to attending all three discussions.
>
> I have a question, too. For those of you all who do discussions at the
> library, how do you get books for the discussion participants? Do you
> order extra circulating copies? Rely on the patrons to get the book
> themselves?
>
> Barry
>
>
****************************************************************************
***
> Barry Trott 7770 Croaker Rd.
> Adult Services Director Williamsburg VA 23188
> Williamsburg Regional Library Phone: 757-259-4053
> [removed]@mail.wrl.org FAX: 757-259-4079
> http://www.wrl.org/REF/Bookweb_Main.html
>
****************************************************************************
***
>
> ......................................................................
> Need to subscribe, unsubscribe, search the archives?
> Everything Fiction_L: http://www.webrary.org/rs/flmenu.html

FROM: "Fairlie Kinnecom" <[removed]@slco.lib.ut.us>
REC'D: 3/24/01, 5:20 PM

I attended a book discussion the other day that drew a good crowd (40+) and had a guest speaker. The leader had drawn up questions and we broke up into smaller groups for a while. The discussion in my group started when one woman said, "Well all right, question one says..." It was very interesting to watch how these folks seemed to feel that each question had to be addressed, and in order.

Hmmm.... Seems like most of the groups I'm in (15 people or fewer) do just fine without a prepared list of questions. Sure, if I'm facilitating, I'll check Contemporary Authors, Amazon, mag articles etc. for info. When the conversation lags I might read a quote and ask for reactions. If the topic strays too far into the personal I'll take the comments and apply them to the book to get back on track. But, if people have read the book AND come to the meeting, most times they have something to say or something to ask (as do I). I'm sometimes taken aback by desperate calls for questions from Fiction_L. If you've read the book, don't you have a question or comment about it yourself?

I don't mean to offend but rather to encourage folks to relax. Why not lean back a little and let people take the discussion in whatever way they want? Look for a response to the book, rather than to your questions. Trust folks to pose their own questions and give thoughtful responses. Isn't that what it's about?

Fairlie

FROM: "Gena Zelenka" <[removed]@park-ridge.lib.il.us>
REC'D: 3/25/01, 2:39 PM

I just have to reply to this having just finished a book discussion last
Thursday on the House of Mirth. We had 18 people, including 2 men, and ALL
of us had something to say about Lily Bart and her society friends. I did
have a set of questions and after 40 minutes or so I went to some of them
and basically found that we had already answered most of them! I do find
that having some prepared questions and background information helps during
a lag, but overall I prefer a less formal classroom atmosphere. I encourage
people to talk but never put anybody on the spot. Just my 2 cents!

Gena Z.

-----Original Message-----
From: [removed]@maillist.webrary.org
[[removed]@maillist.webrary.org]On Behalf Of Fairlie Kinnecom
Sent: Saturday, March 24, 2001 5:07 PM
To: Fiction_L
Subject: Book discussion groups


I attended a book discussion the other day that drew a good crowd (40+) and
had a guest speaker. The leader had drawn up questions and we broke up into
smaller groups for a while. The discussion in my group started when one
woman said, "Well all right, question one says..." It was very interesting
to watch how these folks seemed to feel that each question had to be
addressed, and in order.

Hmmm.... Seems like most of the groups I'm in (15 people or fewer) do just
fine without a prepared list of questions. Sure, if I'm facilitating, I'll
check Contemporary Authors, Amazon, mag articles etc. for info. When the
conversation lags I might read a quote and ask for reactions. If the topic
strays too far into the personal I'll take the comments and apply them to
the book to get back on track. But, if people have read the book AND come
to the meeting, most times they have something to say or something to ask
(as do I). I'm sometimes taken aback by desperate calls for questions from
Fiction_L. If you've read the book, don't you have a question or comment
about it yourself?

I don't mean to offend but rather to encourage folks to relax. Why not lean
back a little and let people take the discussion in whatever way they want?
Look for a response to the book, rather than to your questions. Trust folks
to pose their own questions and give thoughtful responses. Isn't that what
it's about?

Fairlie

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