Seen On Pinterest: Our Book Group Bags

More than three years ago, Bernardsville Library initiated a new library service for its patrons – book kits put together specifically for area book groups to borrow.  Referred to as book group bags, these kits contain ten paperback copies of a popular title along with an author biography, literary notes, and starred reviews - all contained in a sturdy canvas bag.  The selected books include new and older fiction, nonfiction, and memoirs or biographies known to inspire good discussion among groups.  A generous donation from an area resident has sustained this library service and made it possible to add new book group bags every year.

In library, we offer a handout listing the book titles for these book group bags, but another way to quickly see what we offer is to go to our Pinterest page on which we have a board for book clubs.  There, you and your book group members will be able to see all the book covers and easily come to a decision on what to read next.  All that’s necessary is for one member with a Bernardsville Library card to check out the bag (for six weeks) and return all the items intact by the due date.  The reading is up to you!

It's A Great Idea From Every Angle

photo source: Bernardsville Public Library

photo source: Bernardsville Public Library

photo source: Bernardsville Public Library

Is it your turn to come up with a book suggestion for your book group?

Save yourself a lot of work; we've already done it for you at Bernardsville Public Library where you will find a large assortment of book group bags stocked with popular titles just waiting for you. These sturdy canvas zip-up bags contain ten paperback copies each of a title selected from a list of both fiction and nonfiction books. Also included in each bag is a folder with background information about the author, the book, and suggested discussion questions. These bags may be checked out for a six-week period.

Current titles in this assortment include Infidel, Loving Frank, March, Nineteen Minutes, Q & A, Shadow Divers, The Book Thief, Devil in the White City, The Road from Coorain, The Year of Magical Thinking, Three Cups of Tea, and Water for Elephants. New titles will be added in the near future. Visit our lobby display to see these great resources for your next book group meeting.

Here's A Staff Pick With No Questions Asked!

Susan Popper, staff member at Bernardsville Public Library, has written the following thumbs-up review of Q & A: a novel by Vikas Swarup:

So you think you have all the answers? For Ram Mohammed Thomas, it was his luck & misfortune that he did. By now the story is well known. Q & A is the basis for the Oscar-winning movie Slumdog Millionaire and so has taken on a new life.

This book has a lot of heart. Set in the squalor of the largest slum in the world in Mumbai, India, it follows the early life of this uneducated but endearing young man who wins the fictional game show, "Who Will Win a Billion?". Q & A is a great read. It is a blend of farce, drama, and romance and holds your attention as you learn, through a series of flashbacks, how Ram managed to answer twelve random questions that made him the big winner.

Amidst the noise, filth, and squalor that comprise his existence, Ram encounters a cast of characters who use their desperate poverty to excuse themselves from ordinary standards of behavior. You can't help but root for this endearing character and share in his happy ending. As a bonus, Q & A provides the reader a deeper insight into today's India and reflects a country poised between its rich past and growing modernity. Ram, and the other young people in this book, personify this change.

I would recommend reading Q & A before seeing the movie. Already seen the movie? Read the book anyway. It's a celebration of the human spirit. Enjoy!
-Susan Popper

(Please note that Q & A will be available soon as a Bernardsville Public Library book group bag selection. A copy of the movie, Slumdog Millionaire, will be included in the bag along with 10 copies of the book and discussion questions.)

Reminder: Book Group Bags Are Available to Check Out at Bernardsville Library

photo source - Bernardsville Public Library

Gerry Van Tassel, readers' services staff member at Bernardsville Public Library, admires one of our customized book group bags shown above. These bags were made possible last year by a grant from Bernardsville patron, Jean Horton, who is a book group leader herself. Thanks to her gift, the library has been able to assemble a number of bags which are available for checkout to book group leaders. These bags may be borrowed for one month at a time.

photo source: Bernardsville Public Library

Each sturdy canvas bag contains ten paperback copies of a popular book as well as a discussion folder to assist the group leader. Book reviews, discussion questions, and author biographies make these green folders required reading for any group leader.

photo source - Bernardsville Public Library

All the contents fit neatly into this attractive, canvas zip-up tote. The library will be adding more book group bags to our collection shortly. Currently we offer the following titles: The Book Thief, The Year of Magical Thinking, Shadow Divers, Three Cups of Tea, The Road From Coorain, Water for Elephants, and Nineteen Minutes.

New "Neighbors" in the Library

photo source - Bernardsville Public Library

Two of Bernardsville Public Library's collection areas - adult graphic novels/comics and readers'/book group advice - have been moved to form their own "neighborhood." You will find these books on the shelving to the right as you enter the library (see photo above.)

Noting the growing adult interest in graphic novels, the library staff has brought together all our adult graphic novels and comic books to showcase these items. While Bernardsville Public Library's young adult readers have had their own neighborhood collection of teen graphic novels and comics for some time, this is a new feature for adult readers of the graphic novel form.

In addition, people looking for ideas on what to read next will be able to go to one location to find suggestions for reading specific genres or finding top-rated and prizewinning books. This collection area is called BookFind and is located adjacent to the graphic novels, as seen in the photo above. Helpful resources for starting and running a successful book group are included as well. There you will also find information on our own Book Group Bags. These are zip-up canvas bags containing 10 paperback copies of popular books with reviews and background material on the authors. The Book Group Bags may be checked out for one month's time.

Don't forget that we have our own original bookmarks at the circulation desk which will give you a quick list of reading suggestions. Our bookmarks cover all the popular genres as well as special interest areas such as war fiction, asian writers, and travel. Staff members are always happy to make reading suggestions for you, as well.

Come to Our Book Group Fair

Are you looking for a book group to join? Would you like to start one yourself? Does your current book group need some helpful resources to make organization and book selection easier?

Come to Bernardsville Public Library's Book Group Fair tomorrow, June 12th, for some great ideas to make book group planning a breeze. The library's Readers' Advisory Team will be on hand in the Community Room to demonstrate online resources which will enable you to find background and biographical information as well as book reviews and author interviews. Packets containing helpful Web sites, reading suggestions and many other great aides will be given to each visitor.

Our new "Book Group Bags" will also be on display - each one complete with ten copies of a book as well as packets of reference material on the book and its author. These bags, made possible by a grant from Jean Horton, may be checked out for four weeks at a time.

There is no charge to attend this fair and refreshments will be served. Please come between 11 and 2 p.m. or between 6 and 9 p.m. tomorrow, June 12th!