Library reintroduces book clubs
May 4—LENOIR — Caldwell County Public Library staff announced they will be reinstating multiple book clubs throughout the summer and, if successful, will continue in the fall.
Before COVID shutdowns and restrictions, the library hosted book clubs with varying degrees of success, and its one attempt after COVID never really got off the ground. However, patrons kept asking for information about book clubs, and as library staff discussed it, their enthusiasm began to build. Simultaneously, staff were also having daily discussions about Summer Reading, an eight-week event that usually focuses on children and teens. Finally, staff decided that the best solution would be to include adults in the summer reading program through book clubs.
But what kind of book club? Library staff's enthusiasm turned into eight book clubs — each with a different focus, at various times of the day, and in multiple locations. At the end of summer, staff will determine which clubs have been successful, and then those clubs will continue to meet in the fall. All of the books that have been selected are available at the reference desk at the Lenoir Library (120 Hospital Ave NW, Lenoir). Stop by and check one out today.
The following themed book clubs will meet this summer:
Common Ground Book Club
Team with staff to read and thoughtfully discuss a frequently challenged book on the first Wednesday of each month at 10 a.m. at the Lenoir Library.
— Wednesday, June 7 — "The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian" by Sherman Alexie
— Wednesday, July 5 — "The Hate U Give" by Angie Thomas
Past Time: A Historical Fiction Book Club
Take a journey back in time with the Past Time Book Club. Meet on the second Tuesday of the month at 10 a.m. under the umbrellas at the Blue Moose to discuss a popular work of historical fiction and perhaps enjoy an iced coffee.
Friday, June 9 — "Before We Were Yours" by Lis
— a Wingate
— Friday, July 14 — "Summer of '69" by Elin Hilderbrand
Truth Be Told
On the second Saturday of the month at 10:30 a.m., join staff for a fun book club at the Southern Branch (63 N Main St, Granite Falls) that dives into true history. Feel free to bring coffee and a snack, and there will be refreshments available.
Saturday, June 10 — "The Girls Who Stepped
— Out of Line: Untold Stories of the Women Who Changed the Course of World War II" by Mari K. Eder
— Saturday, July 8 — "A Woman of No Importance" by Sonia Purnell
Spill the Beans
Come share and discuss your favorite books with fellow readers at the Southern Branch on the third Thursday of the month at 11 a.m. Club members will be meeting outside if the weather permits. Feel free to bring coffee and a snack, and there will be refreshments available.
— Thursday, June 15 and Thursday, July 20
The Cantina: A Star Wars Book Club
Visit The Cantina (aka the Lenoir Library) on the third Monday of the month at 4 p.m. as staff discuss the books that feature the history of a galaxy far, far away.
— Monday, June 19 — "Thrawn: Heir to the Empire" by Timothy Zahn
— Monday, July 17 — "Darth Bane: Path of Destruction" by Drew Karpyshyn
Thrillers and Chillers Book Club
Join library staff on the third Wednesday of the month at 2 p.m. at Dairi-O to discuss the plot twists and turns of today's most popular thrillers and perhaps enjoy some chiller ice cream.
Wednesday, June 21 — "When No One Is Watching" by Alyssa Cole
— Wednesday, July 19 — "Baby Teeth" by Zoje Stage
Better Read Than Dead: A True Crime Book Club
Obsessed with true crime? Fancy yourself an armchair detective? Join library staff each month at Brews and Mews Cafe (219 N Main St, Lenoir) on the fourth Thursday of the month at 10 a.m. to discuss notorious, disturbing, and downright weird true crime cases.
— Thursday, June 22 — "In Cold Blood" by Truman Capote
— Thursday, July 20 — "Trailed: One Woman's Quest to Solve the Shenandoah Murders" by Kathryn Miles
Chapter One Book Club
Join library staff as they read the first chapter of Adult Fiction and Young Adult titles. One of the hardest parts about reading is choosing your next book. Staff will help alleviate some of the pressure by reading the first chapter together. You can decide whether to keep going. Copies of the selections will be provided during the meeting and will be available for check out. This club meets the fourth Monday of every month at 4:30 p.m. at the Lenoir Library.
— Monday, June 26 and Monday, July 24
For more information, call the Lenoir Library at 828-757-1272 or the Southern Branch at 828-396-7703.
