“Summer Reading” is over. So, it’s time to plan for fall book clubs.
The Southborough Library has posted the schedule with groups that encourage reading in kids as young as second graders. For older teens, options include a virtual chat over Discord and in-person gatherings for fans of Manga & Anime.
And this fall, the Library is also launching a “Reading Roundtable” for adults.
Here are the details from oldest to youngest. (Though, if you’re looking for an even older book club than just adults, you can read about the Senior Center’s here.)
Reading Roundtable (for adults)
2nd Tuesday of each month, September – May, 11:00 am – 12:00 pm on the library’s main floor
This new group is for book lovers to “explore some of the most thought-provoking and engaging works of our time”. The group will “delve into literary analysis to explore a variety of genres and literary works”. First up in September is The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides.
To sign up email either Eve at bendaeve@gmail.com or Penni at penni.clarke@gmail.com. (Future book selections will be based on suggestions submitted by emails to Eve.)
Teen Online Book Club (for high school students)
Thursdays, September 14th and October 12th from 5:00 – 6:00 pm over Discord
To make it easier for “overly booked” high schoolers, the “chill group” will discuss hold virtual chats about books once per month over Discord (a messaging app). “Those unable to make it can read and answer questions any time during the week.”
The book for the first meeting in September is The Making of Yolanda Bruja by Lorraine Avila.
Register here. (Note: A Library Card is required to join.)
Manga & Anime Club (for ages 12+)
2nd Wednesday of each month, September – December, 4:30 – 5:30 pm in the Eaton Meeting Room
Participants are encouraged to join fellow fans to discuss their “favorite new anime & manga discoveries”. (I know, this isn’t technically a book club, since the topic includes animated movies and series. But I’m including it since it also covers a style of comic books/graphic novels.)
Email any questions to Marianna at msorensen@southboroughma.com.
Middle School Book Club
Saturdays, September 23rd, October 14th, and December 16th from 11:00 am – 12:00 pm in the Teen Room
Meet monthly for a discussion with thematic activities, games, and snacks led by Youth Services Librarian Marianna. For readers in grades 6-8. The book for the first meeting in September is Swim Team by Johnnie Christmas.
Register here.
Fourth & Fifth Grade Book Group
Thursdays, October 19th, November 16th, and December 14th from 4:00 – 5:00 pm in the Eaton Room
Meet monthly for a discussion with activities related to the selected book. The Library will order books for participants through interlibrary loan. To register, please email Kim at kivers@southboroughma.com.
Second & Third Grade Book Group
Tuesdays, October 17th, November 14th. and December 12th from 4:00 – 5:00 pm in the Eaton Room
Meet monthly for a discussion with activities related to the selected book. The Library will order books for participants through interlibrary loan. To register, please email Kim at kivers@southboroughma.com.
For even younger readers
Since younger kids’ reading levels vary so widely, there are no book groups for kids in first grade or younger. But early readers, ages 5+, are encouraged to sign up to “Read to a Dog”. And there are special programs including storytimes for babies through preschoolers. Read about those here.
Updated (12/27/23 2:54 pm) I updated the Reading Roundtable times.
