Ark Valley News - From the library

From the library
By Janice Sharp, director
Last Updated: September 20, 2018

Book clubs: Q&A, successful first week

By Janet Robinson

Book Clubs — Part One

I am writing a part of this weekly column to talk about future book clubs at the library. We have been promoting launching book clubs that could meet in the new building, and good questions have been asked. Let me share a few.

Q. What are book clubs, anyway?

A. Book clubs usually meet monthly to discuss a book everyone in the group reads by mutual agreement. A variety of schedules will be considered.

Q. How many people would be in a group?

A. Typical book clubs have six to 12 members, depending on the room space available. More or less is fine, too. Men and women are welcome to join.

Q. What kind of books are chosen and discussed?

A. Groups choose their own books. In some cases they might select one genre, such as mysteries, classics, historical fiction, thrillers, etc. Many clubs read a variety of topics and enjoy the exposure to new material, different topics.

By Janice Sharp

The first week of our Brick Clubs was definitely a success. It's wonderful to see over 30 kids between the ages of 6 and 12 in the library for an activity. They weren't reading, but that's OK. The kids will know that the library is more than about books.

The younger kids between the ages of 2 and 5 had a great time as well. This group had about 20 kids here with a parent.

This will continue to be a weekly program and hopefully will continue to grow. We're not requiring registration — just having everyone show up to have a great time. It's in the plan to have some building competitions in the future.

The Friends book sale started this week as well. This sale is of primarily donated materials. The staff evaluated our collection prior to our move and, honestly, hasn't had time to start weeding again.

We also have furniture and miscellaneous items that were used at the old library and are no longer needed. There are shelves, a variety of tables and plenty of miscellaneous items to choose from.

The sale runs from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday but will be closed Sept. 22 due to Fall Festival. The final day for the sale is Sept. 29 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Anyone purchasing shelves will need to bring their own tools for dismantling them.

Do you have ideas that could be used for programs? We're in a spacious building in a park that should be utilized to the fullest extent. Let's come up with some great, unusual ideas. The sky is the limit for ideas then everyone can come together to plan.

Would you be interested in serving on the library board? We have two vacancies at this time. The terms are for four years; members can serve up to two terms and complete an unfulfilled term from a vacancy. The applicant must reside in the city limits of Valley Center. If you are interested, please contact Mayor Dove at City Hall. Meetings are held the second Monday of each month.

Upcoming events

Sept. 21&22 — Fall Festival

Sept. 22 — Library closed

Sept. 22 — Autumn begins

Oct. 2 — City Council

Oct. 8 — Library board meeting