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A presentation for the Allegheny County Library Association’s LSTA Shared Programming Grant March 2006. Book Group Basics. Your presenters. Joanne Dunmyre Librarian, Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh – Main First Floor and Reference Services Karen Rossi
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A presentation for the Allegheny County Library Association’s LSTA Shared Programming Grant March 2006 Book Group Basics
Your presenters • Joanne Dunmyre • Librarian, Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh – Main First Floor and Reference Services • Karen Rossi • Manager, Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh – Main First Floor
By the end of this workshop, you will be able to: Explain why people participate in book groups Begin a new book group Organize and facilitate a book group discussion Overcome the common stumbling blocks in book group discussions Use a book kit to enhance your book group discussion Book Group Basics
Connectedness Make new friends / kindred spirits Surprises New ideas / differing viewpoints Enjoy tuition-free intellectual stimulation Why do people join book groups?
Enjoy reading for fun – not school work Escape from reality Expand horizons, try different books Food and treats It’s not just about the book Why do people join book groups?
How will you publicize / market your book group? Library website Call / e-mail friends, co-workers, students Ask them to bring a friend Word of mouth Distribute posters/flyers in library, at school, gym, community center, church, wherever people hang out Join an existing library/bookstore group Getting started: Marketing
Think about your expectations. At the first meeting, ask the group: Why are they there? What are their expectations? What time / day is most convenient? How frequently do they want to meet? Where do they want to meet? Getting organized: The first meeting
Characteristics of books that are good for discussion: Level of difficulty and length Controversial subject / edgy Author’s view of an important truth Literary style Three-dimensional characters Ambiguous ending It’s okay if everyone doesn’t like the book. Selecting the titles
Booklists Library websites Word of mouth Reviews Readers’ advisory resources Award winners Oprah, Today Show, USA Today book clubs Resources for selecting titles
Themes are optional • Education • Historical fiction • Coming of age • Pittsburgh • Memoirs • Banned books • Contemporary literary fiction • Classic & contemporary novels • Award winners • Mysteries • Books to movies
Facilitator vs. expert lecturer / booktalker Book kit / discussion materials Food Next month’s book What is the role of the group leader?
What to do if: There are major disagreements. Establish guidelines. There is no right or wrong in the art of literary interpretation. We share our explorations and thoughts. Avoid pomposity. Leave egos at the door! Common stumbling blocks and how to overcome them
Overcoming stumbling blocks What to do if: • The discussion drags. • Prepare many questions. You probably won’t use all of them, but it’s better to have more than you need. • Ask the group to think about the 3 things they want to be sure we talk about. • Invite new people to the group.
What to do if: Someone monopolizes. Sit beside not across from the monopolizer. Say, “Thanks for your contributions. Let’s hear from someone else now.” Raising your hand worked pretty well at school. Overcoming stumbling blocks
Overcoming stumbling blocks What to do if: • Someone never contributes. • If someone is fully engaged, but speaks only occasionally, there may be no need to do anything about it. • Get to know them better in conversational time before or after group discussion. • Try to find opportunities to draw them out. • Respect their silence. Some speak a lot, some don’t.
Overcoming stumbling blocks What to do if: • Participants didn’t read the book. • May be extenuating circumstances for one or two months. • Be flexible and use your own judgment. • Attendance drops or disappears. • More marketing / recruiting • Contact former participants. • Take a break for a few months, then start again.
Group Dynamics 101 Diplomacy works If necessary, discuss guidelines for group discussions. If necessary, speak directly to the individual. Overcoming stumbling blocks
Book Group Basics • It’s not just about the book!
Tools for discussion leaders Book kits
Searching for BiographiesLiterature Resource CenterCan also lead to interviews and reviews
Searching for BiographiesCan also lead to interviews and reviews
Searching for InterviewsEbsco Host – Masterfile, MAS online, Newspaper SourceCan also lead to reviews
Searching for Discussion Questionswww.readinggroupguides.com
Searching for Discussion QuestionsPublisher websiteswww.bloomsbury.com
List of the primary sources we use to develop book kits can be found online: www.carnegielibrary.org/locations/firstfloor/bookgroup/howtobgc.html Sources for Book Kits
Book Group Basics • This presentation can be found online at http://www.carnegielibrary.org/presentations/rossi/index.html
Joanne Dunmyre dunmyrej@carnegielibrary.org Karen Rossi rossik@carnegielibrary.org Your presenters
