Virtual book clubs are set at library
The Ridgeland Public Library is starting two new virtual book clubs in February so Madison countians can experience the joy of reading and telling others about reading.
The two programs are Every Book is Welcome, which will meet on Thursdays on Feb. 4 and Feb. 18 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 pm., and the History Club, which will meet on the first and third Tuesdays, Feb. 2 and Feb. 16 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Every Book is Welcome is a club where there are absolutely no restrictions on the books one can read, just the joy of reading and telling others about reading those books.
Participants can join on the Zoom platform to enjoy some time discussing their favorite books with friends.
Peter Dean, branch manager of the Madison County Library System’s Ridgeland branch, said the library has been trying to implement more online programs since the pandemic has limited the in-person clubs.
He hopes these clubs will draw many new attendees and that doing a program like Every Book is Welcome will be what draws those new patrons into the club.
“Offering these programs on Zoom will a challenge since we’re reaching out to new audiences,” Dean said. “We’re hoping that these meeting times we’ve set up can attract a new audience.”
Dean said that along with these clubs, the Ridgeland Public Library is also offering a virtual ComicCon on April 23 and 24 of this year, which will have a cosplay competition, gaming showcases, author talks, and everything else a normal ComicCon would have, but online.
William Loius, leader of the Writing Club at the Ridgeland Public Library, will be leading Every Book is Welcome and the History Club.
He said the library has done a few book clubs in the past, such as a mystery novel club, but he noticed there’s a lot of people who are interested in other genres besides just mystery thrillers.
“I wanted to give people a chance to join something that offers a wide variety of genres they can discuss that they’re interested in,” Louis said.
“People should be aware of the fact that attendees might discover their interest in a genre they never thought they’d be interested in.”
He said the structure of the club will start with giving a small summary of the book, why that book was chosen, what was interesting about the book, who the main characters were, and more.
The History Club’s meetings will discuss specific times in history, such as an event, period, or crisis. William, the group’s facilitator, will recommend reading materials for the club.
The first meeting on Feb. 4 will discuss the time when George Washington was being told by military leaders, who were planning a coup, to take over and be the leader of the United States as a dictator.
To receive an invite to the Zoom meeting for these clubs, email Louis at wlewis@mcls.ms.