T
he Weston Branch Library is not only a place to borrow books, it’s a destination for literary lovers. The library hosts a variety of book clubs and story time programs for all ages and, best of all, participation is always free.
According to Melody Chait, Community Library Manager of the Broward County Weston Branch Library, now is the perfect time to check out one of the adult book clubs. “Being a part of a book club means being a part of a community of people who not only share a love of reading, but also share a passion for discourse on a wide range of topics brought up by each book.”
The Weston Library Book Club meets the second Wednesday of each month from 6:30-7:30pm. Librarian Connie Standish serves as moderator. This month they will discuss Becoming by Michelle Obama. Standish says when making the monthly book selection, she looks for titles according to book availability, books that have gotten popular or critical notice, and novels that address relevant topics such as immigration, women’s issues, racial issues, the criminal justice system, poverty, class divisions and religion.
“I facilitate the discussions using open-ended questions that allow people to express themselves,” explains Standish. “It is the members who are truly the heart and soul of the Weston Library Book Club. Their dedication to this meetup group keeps the Book Club going.”
Broward County Library Director Kelvin Watson will be hosting a session of the Director’s Book Club here in Weston on September 4th at 2pm. The book selection is Tangerine by Christine Morgan.
“Because books have an uncanny way of bringing people together and inspiring warm, revealing conversations, our Director started his book club as a way to connect with and get to know the people who use our libraries,” explains Chait. “The Director’s Book Club was a natural way to share his love of bestsellers, old and new.”
Chait leads the relatively new Books and Bites book club for teens and pre-teens, ages eleven to 18. “The books are chosen based on award-winning books and recommended popular Young Adult authors,” explains Chait. “I also use input from the book club members and the Weston Branch Library Teen Advisory Board. Refreshments are served courtesy of the Weston Friends of the Library.”
Although not a true book club, the Weston Library hosts weekly story time sessions for young children. Chait says it’s a wonderful experience for both the children and their parents or caregivers.
“Story times spark imagination and creativity through interactive techniques and skills used by the librarians,” she notes. “At our story times, starting with infancy, children are introduced to new concepts such as language, colors, shapes, numbers, movement, music, rhythm, their bodies and socialization with other children.”
To learn more about book club programs at the Weston Branch Library call 954-357-5420 or visit www.broward.org/library/Pages/BranchDetails.aspx?branchInfo=40. There is a link to the calendar page for a full listing of book club meetings, story time sessions and other programs.