What could be better than reading a good book? How about discussing that book with others who have read it too?
More than 380 people put this idea into practice at more than 30 book discussions hosted by the Arlington Heights Memorial Library in 2023. Best of all, there are more books to read and always room for more readers to join in to discuss - including you!
If you've considered and haven't yet participated in one of the library's adult book discussions, now may be an ideal time to give it a try as several of our book groups kick off a new season after taking a summer hiatus. If you've joined in before, the library looks forward to welcoming you again to share insights and experiences around some highly discussable reads in the coming months.
"The most satisfying part of leading a book discussion is bringing people together around the same book and hearing a new perspective other than your own. It is in every sense of the word, community, which allows for a safe place to share and learn. Witnessing how diverse viewpoints and experiences shape the discussion can be eye-opening. It expands your own understanding of the book and its themes." - Sherri Tader, Info Services Advisor
Whatever your reading style, the library has a book discussion to match:
If you like nonfiction books ranging from true crime to biographies in a relaxed restaurant setting, you may like Books & Brews. In addition to a lively book discussion, you can enjoy complimentary appetizers and beverages for purchase, meeting every other month at a local favorite, Eddie's Restaurant.
If you like bestselling and popular fiction books in a variety of genres, you may like Page Turners Book Discussion. Page Turners meets monthly at the library, from September through May, and offers two options for discussing, with an evening or a daytime session.
If you like discussing books and enjoy being creative, you may like Beyond the Book. In addition to thoughtful reads and discussions, past activities have included macramé, needle felting and personalizing a recipe box, meeting every other month at the library's Makerplace.
If you like to grow your to-be-read (TBR) and to-be-watched (TBW) lists by hearing about a variety of books and movies from the comfort of your own home, you may like Favorite Things, which meets monthly on Zoom.
If you like discussing modern classics and popular books with other older adults, you may like Book Discussions at the Senior Center. These two groups meet monthly, September through May. You can choose to participate in-person or virtually via Zoom and join in the live conversation from the convenience of home. All the titles selected for our Popular Books discussion are available in large print and can be picked up in the Senior Center's Reading Room.
Throughout the year, the library also offers special-themed book discussions and programs based on current trends, heritage celebrations or author visits.
What participants are saying...
"It's good for your mental stimulation to expose yourself to something you wouldn't typically read and then through the discussion, you gain additional insights you might not get on your own. The discussions allow you to hear other people's perspectives, which is so important. I always learn something new." - Linda Smedberg, participant in Page Turners, Books & Brews and the Senior Center Book Discussions.
"The library does the hard part - they choose the book and come up with the discussion questions. The discussions are lively, polite and engaging. I may not have loved every book, but I always give the discussion a top four rating, and it's what keeps me coming back whether I like the book or not." - Kathy Kasprowicz, Page Turners attendee and long-time book discussion advocate. Kasprowicz estimates she has participated in more than 200 library book discussions.
Learn about all the current book discussions available on the library's program calendar.