History and Info

History and Info

When did this book group get started?

The Rainier Beach Book Group has been in continual existence since November 1999, when it was formed after a spirited public discussion of Ernest Gain's "A Lesson Before Dying." This prompted the small but enthusiastic band of discussion attendees to ask our hosts at the Rainier Beach library if we could start a book group there. Happily, the answer was yes!

The first librarian to lead the book group, Kim Strobeck, suggested a Tim O'Brien book, "In the Lake of the Woods" for our first meeting- slated for January 2000. Since that time, we have read almost 70 books and held as many meetings. Our members and membership fluctuates, but there are 5 or 6 regular members, including 3 or 4 that have been around "since the beginning." Our theme, if we have one, is multicultural. We read books by authors from around the world, including some that tackle difficult political or emotional issues.

When does the book group meet and where are the meetings?

The Rainier Beach Book Group meets on the first Sunday of each month from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Rainier Beach Library. We have been meeting in the small meeting room inside the library, located in the right-hand corner after you pass the main desk. Refreshments are served, with each attendee contributing cookies or drinks as they can.

Where do I pick up the book for this month?

Books are available at the Rainier Beach library front desk. Just ask for the Rainier Beach Book Group selection. You don't need a library card to get a book group book but we ask that you please make sure to sign out your book- there will be a form in the box. In the event that there isn't a sign-in sheet, please notify the librarian.

Rainier Beach Library Branch 9125 Rainier Ave. S. Seattle, WA 98118 206-386-1906	Hours: Mon: 1 - 8 pm, Tue: 1 - 8 pm, Wed: 10 am - 8 pm, Thu: 10 am - 6 pm, Fri: 10 am - 6 pm, Sat: 10 am - 6 pm, Sun: 1 - 5 pm
"I enjoy meeting with a group of people who's sole purpose is intellectual, social, political, spiritual and comical discussions regarding the books we collectively choose to read." —Barbara Brown (past member)	"I'm in this book group because reading is so often a solitary pursuit and shouldn't be. When you read a really good book the first thing you want to do is share it with someone; read the best parts outloud; discuss the author's possible intent. You want to tell somebody. A book group allows you to do this." —Liz Byrd

How do I join this book group? Do I have to pay a membership fee?

The Rainier Beach Book Group is open to anyone who loves to read! There are no dues or fees and all are welcome. We read a variety of books that are selected democratically (meaning we take turns choosing). View our book list to see past books we have read and the kinds of books we tend to select. Too busy to read for pleasure? Out of practice? A book group is a good way for busy adults to stay in the habit of reading. You know that you can make time to read at least one book per month. See what some members have to say about book groups...

How are your meetings run? Is there a leader? Is it a formal discussion?

We generally start the meetings with a few minutes of talk and refreshments. We then turn to the discussion questions and go around the group, discussing each question in order. Questions are available here, or on the first page of the web site. We will also have hard copies at the meeting. There is no leader, per se, only a contact person that agrees to pick up materials. At the end of our formal discussion, we sometimes spend a few minutes picking future book titles and then there is about fifteen minutes of general chatting before we wrap up at about 3:45.

What if I can't come to the discussion?

Make sure your book is turned back in by the day of the discussion. We are obligated to return the books to the main library as soon as we are done so other book groups can use them. Want to let your fellow book group members know how you liked or didn't like the selection but can't attend? Feel free to email your comments to [email protected], they will then be passed on to to group.