I made an appointment to meet with our library Director at my home library. I put together a packet of CLSC info and dropped it off for her ahead of our meeting. Our local branch has a variety of book groups sponsored by the branch (mystery, sci-fi, horror, fiction, history). I gave a brief presentation about CLSC and CHQ, the uniqueness of our reading circles and the opportunity of our library being a part of that history. I suggested that we set up an info session about the reading group which I was willing to present. This was scheduled and advertised. I stressed that I was willing to facilitate the book discussions, was requesting to have a conference room to meet in monthly and wanted to benefit from their monthly advertising. She was initially not inclined to support me, but I gently persisted.
The info session had 3 attendees who seemed interested. Many other calls followed as they told others and of course I contacted friends locally and associates from other organizations that I belonged to. A librarian was assigned to help me, we decided on the 4th Sunday from 2-4 pm as the meeting time and looked at the number of book copies for numerous selections that I thought might be a good start. The group was not advertised in the beginning.
We started in January 2024. I did an early survey to decide on preferences in reading, organization and meeting monthly. I stress that this was their group, I would facilitate discussions and send reminder emails. Our only requirement was that we would only read CLSC selected books.
Lessons learned and implemented:
-Advertising by the library started in 2025 increased attendance significantly to a high of 15.
-Members prefer to read books where there are adequate copies at our library. Members vote on the books that they want to read. They prefer fiction over non-fiction at this time.
-In 2025 we had a book mark made by the library with a list of books to be read that year. Books are pulled for us and held behind the reference desk for members. We also had a librarian assigned to support our group. She also keeps us on the monthly book club advertsing list.
-I do soft CLSC advertising. I offer free Chautauqua Daily newspapers, CLSC info and share updates about CHQ, CLSC and the CHQ assembly. I have shared my CLSC sash and talked about what CLSC means to me. They ask about my summer attendance.
Why is this important to me and why might you want to try to start a reading circle in your hometown? As CLSC Alumni we are continually asking ourselves how we can help and support the growth of our organization. Taking CLSC back home is a way to bring our CHQ values into our community. We have something very special to share with the world. I am happy to talk to any alumni about my journey and support your efforts. Call me at 505 377 4831 or email mkedwardsrn@yahoo.com
