“free to the people” since 1895 book group basics a presentation for the allegheny county...

“Free to the people” since 1895

Book Group Basics

A presentation for the Allegheny County Library Association’s

LSTA Shared Programming GrantMarch 2006


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


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


Why do people join book groups?

ConnectednessMake new friends / kindred spiritsSurprisesNew ideas / differing viewpointsEnjoy tuition-free intellectual stimulation


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


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


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?


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.


Resources for selecting titles

BooklistsLibrary websitesWord of mouthReviewsReaders’ advisory resourcesAward winnersOprah, Today Show, USA Today book clubs


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


What is the role of the group leader?

Facilitator vs. expert lecturer / booktalkerBook kit / discussion materialsFoodNext month’s book


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!


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.



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.



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 101Diplomacy worksIf necessary, discuss guidelines for group discussions.If necessary, speak directly to the individual.


Book Group Basics

It’s not just about the book!


Book kits

Tools for discussion leaders


Searching for BiographiesLiterature Resource CenterCan also lead to interviews and reviews


Searching for BiographiesBiography Reference Bank


Searching for BiographiesCan also lead to interviews and reviews


Searching for InterviewsEbsco Host – Masterfile, MAS online, Newspaper SourceCan also lead to reviews


Searching for Book Reviewswww.reviewsofbooks.com


Searching for Reviewswww.complete-review.com


Searching for Discussion Questionswww.readinggroupguides.com


Searching for Discussion QuestionsNovelist


Searching for Discussion QuestionsPublisher websiteswww.bloomsbury.com


Additional Information


Book Kits Online


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


Book Group Basics

This presentation can be found online at

http://www.carnegielibrary.org/presentations/rossi/index.html


Your presenters

Joanne Dunmyre

• [email protected]

Karen Rossi

• [email protected]

“free to the people” since 1895 book group basics a presentation for the allegheny county...

Documents

book group discussion

months book slide

new book group

book groups

book group basics

book group discussions

floor slide

movies slide