Johnson County Public Library doesn’t just love lending books; we also love talking about them.
We’re excited to offer a new program called Behind the Page, where attendees get to talk with me and my fellow librarian, Erin, learn about upcoming releases and library programs, and leave with a bag of awesome swag. This popular new program is just one of several book-focused meetups we offer. While this event may be full at the end of the month, we have plenty of other book-themed programs from which you can choose.
Our Clark Pleasant, White River, and Franklin branches offer in-person book clubs that read old and new titles. We also offer a 21 and over book club at local breweries called Stout Stories that meets the first Monday of every month in the evening. If the bar is not quite your scene, join us at our Monday morning book club, Books and Beans, which meets monthly at various coffee shops. Both Stout Stories and Books and Beans meet throughout the county. Our second Behind the Page event will happen before the year ends.
Book clubs offer a multitude of benefits to attendees. Book clubs help foster curiosity and learning. They engage your brain and are a fantastic (and healthy) escapism. Or, if you have responsibilities to avoid, you can even use your book club deadline as an excuse to avoid them. It’s one of the most guilt-free benefits of book clubs. “Sorry honey, I can’t start dinner until I finish this book. I have to have it read by Friday!”
With a wide variety of books offered, you will surely have the chance to read something outside your comfort zone (Amish romance, anyone?), meet new people, discuss new ideas, support your local library, and get out in the community. To see a list of current and future book discussions, book talks, and other fun programs, please visit PageAfterPage.org/bookclub.
Elyssa Everling is an Adult Services Librarian, at the Johnson County Public Library’s Trafalgar Branch. JCPL staff members share in writing this twice-monthly column for the Daily Journal. Send comments to [email protected].
