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“Free to the people” since 1895
Book Group Basics
A presentation for the Allegheny County Library Association’s
LSTA Shared Programming GrantMarch 2006
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“Free to the people” since 1895
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
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“Free to the people” since 1895
Book Group Basics
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
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“Free to the people” since 1895
Why do people join book groups?
ConnectednessMake new friends / kindred spiritsSurprisesNew ideas / differing viewpointsEnjoy tuition-free intellectual stimulation
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“Free to the people” since 1895
Why do people join book groups?
Enjoy reading for fun – not school workEscape from realityExpand horizons, try different booksFood and treatsIt’s not just about the book
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“Free to the people” since 1895
Getting started: Marketing
How will you publicize / market your book group?Library websiteCall / e-mail friends, co-workers, studentsAsk them to bring a friendWord of mouthDistribute posters/flyers in library, at school, gym, community center, church, wherever people hang outJoin an existing library/bookstore group
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“Free to the people” since 1895
Getting organized: The first meeting
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?
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“Free to the people” since 1895
Selecting the titles
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.
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“Free to the people” since 1895
Resources for selecting titles
BooklistsLibrary websitesWord of mouthReviewsReaders’ advisory resourcesAward winnersOprah, Today Show, USA Today book clubs
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“Free to the people” since 1895
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
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“Free to the people” since 1895
What is the role of the group leader?
Facilitator vs. expert lecturer / booktalkerBook kit / discussion materialsFoodNext month’s book
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“Free to the people” since 1895
Common stumbling blocks and how to overcome them
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!
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“Free to the people” since 1895
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.
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“Free to the people” since 1895
Overcoming stumbling blocks
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.
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“Free to the people” since 1895
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.
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“Free to the people” since 1895
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.
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“Free to the people” since 1895
Overcoming stumbling blocks
Group Dynamics 101Diplomacy worksIf necessary, discuss guidelines for group discussions.If necessary, speak directly to the individual.
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“Free to the people” since 1895
Book Group Basics
It’s not just about the book!
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“Free to the people” since 1895
Book kits
Tools for discussion leaders
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“Free to the people” since 1895
Searching for BiographiesLiterature Resource CenterCan also lead to interviews and reviews
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“Free to the people” since 1895
Searching for BiographiesBiography Reference Bank
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“Free to the people” since 1895
Searching for BiographiesCan also lead to interviews and reviews
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“Free to the people” since 1895
Searching for InterviewsEbsco Host – Masterfile, MAS online, Newspaper SourceCan also lead to reviews
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“Free to the people” since 1895
Searching for Book Reviewswww.reviewsofbooks.com
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“Free to the people” since 1895
Searching for Reviewswww.complete-review.com
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“Free to the people” since 1895
Searching for Reviewswww.complete-review.com
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“Free to the people” since 1895
Searching for Reviewswww.complete-review.com
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“Free to the people” since 1895
Searching for Discussion Questionswww.readinggroupguides.com
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“Free to the people” since 1895
Searching for Discussion QuestionsNovelist
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“Free to the people” since 1895
Searching for Discussion QuestionsPublisher websiteswww.bloomsbury.com
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“Free to the people” since 1895
Additional Information
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“Free to the people” since 1895
Book Kits Online
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“Free to the people” since 1895
Sources for Book Kits
List of the primary sources we use to develop book kits can be found online:
www.carnegielibrary.org/locations/firstfloor/bookgroup/howtobgc.html
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“Free to the people” since 1895
Book Group Basics
This presentation can be found online at
http://www.carnegielibrary.org/presentations/rossi/index.html
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“Free to the people” since 1895
Your presenters
Joanne Dunmyre
Karen Rossi