Prince William Public Libraries' Book Clubs are About More Than Just Books

Prince William Public Libraries isn't just about borrowing books; it's also a place to bring people together for community engagement in inviting spaces thanks in part to its diverse offerings of book clubs. In a recent episode of "Important Library Stuff," host Emily Bickers was joined by Jeanine Hines from Haymarket Gainesville Library and Sunny Carito from Nokesville Library to discuss book clubs at the libraries and in the greater Prince William community.

Prince William Public Libraries' book clubs are more accessible and inclusive by offering many ways to participate. Whether meeting virtually or in person at libraries, local breweries, or coffee shops, newcomers are always welcomed by familiar faces. Sunny and Jeanine shared that their “Books on Tap” book clubs are laid-back, where attendees are good to only bring their enthusiasm for reading—no need to prep (or even read the book!). But a little extra homework ahead of time is just fine, too.

Jeanine and Sunny also shared tips for keeping discussions engaging, including lightning rounds and supplementary materials like articles or author interviews. Sunny’s innovative approach of pairing books with beers or recipes adds to the experience, sparking conversations beyond the pages.

But it's not just about the books; Prince William Public Libraries’ book clubs foster genuine connections and a sense of belonging. Many friendships and community bonds have started through the book clubs, and attendees often feel more exploring other events together, from trivia nights to crafting workshops.

For those inspired to start their own book clubs, Prince William Public Libraries offers valuable resources like Book Club to Go kits, BookBrowse and NoveList for genre recommendations, and access to digital resources like hoopla, allowing everyone in the book club to digitally check out the title at the same time. In addition, Prince William Public Libraries goes beyond the traditional “book” club with discussion groups about other topics like podcasts and movies.

So, if you’ve always wondered if a new or different book club may be your next hobby, let this be your subtle encouragement to try one of Prince William Public Libraries’ book clubs!