Book Clubs in Connecticut
- Book clubs encourage a love of reading and a shared experience.Books image by JenJen from Fotolia.com
Book clubs in Connecticut come in a variety of formats and forums. Book discussion groups share the purpose of a communal reading experience. Local public libraries and bookstores sponsor reading groups and book discussions. Still others form from independent groups or draw together on the basis of faith or spiritual commonalities. The groups range in interests from literary works to mysteries, along with works that enlighten and educate. - Book discussion groups are a popular program in many public libraries.library books image by Daughterson from Fotolia.com
Numerous public library systems around the State of Connecticut offer book discussion groups to the local community. The Durham Public Library and the Westport Public Library, for example, both feature mystery reading groups along with other adult book discussion groups. Check your local library websites for dates, times and current titles. - Independent and chain bookstores throughout the state sponsor adult book discussion groups. In Mystic, for example, the local independent bookseller sponsors the Evening Adult Reading Circle. The chain booksellers feature book clubs within the store for the local community, and online to anyone who wants to participate.
- Interfaith and religious affiliated groups gather to share and discuss a variety of titles. The Interfaith Council of Southwestern Connecticut meets monthly to discuss books that "enhance understanding between various world religions." The Humanist Association of Connecticut meets bi-monthly, holding in-depth book discussions on a variety of titles that explore and test faith.
- Independent organizations, such as alumni groups, sponsor reading groups. The Southern Connecticut Wellesley Book Club, for example, meets monthly and includes fourteen members, most of whom are graduates of Wellesley College. The Cape Goddesses Book Group of Stamford encompasses a group of women who have been longtime friends who discovered a common enjoyment of shared reading.
- Many communities in Connecticut sponsor common reading programs, such as "One Book, One Community" or "The Big Read." Cromwell, Connecticut launched "Read around Cromwell" to encourage literacy practices among all community members. The entire community reads a common title and gathers at special events for discussions and interaction. Danbury Public Library, in conjunction with the Danbury Public Schools and Western Connecticut State University, sponsors "One Book, One Community" programming which has a similar purpose as the program in Cromwell.
- Book clubs appear in a variety of places. Check the local newspaper for community announcements about book discussion groups. Public libraries sponsor a wide range of book discussions for all ages of library patrons, including children and teens. Consult your local bookstores for associated book groups. The Reading Group Guides offers resources for starting book clubs, including reading lists and tips (see Resources).
