Do you enjoy reading, but you wish you could discuss what you’ve read with other readers? Topsham Public Library has a number of book groups for all ages. Check the list below and if something interests you, join us. Read a book, participate in lively discussion, meet some new friends, and become involved in your community.
For children and teens we have a few options:
Young Critics is an ongoing book group for kids in grades 4 and 5. They meet every third Tuesday of the month from October to May at 5pm to discuss great books and eat pizza that’s provided by Topsham Public Library. The child must be registered to attend. Young Critics is facilitated by Mariah our Children’s Librarian. This is a free program and books are provided. Presently Young Critics is full, but if you are interested check in a few months to see if a spot has opened.
Mariah and Cyndi, Topsham Public Library’s Teen Librarian, host Tween Reads (6th & 7th graders) and Teen Talk (8th & 9th graders). They are happy to include anyone interested in attending. They try to strike the balance between allowing the participants the freedom to be themselves while maintaining a focus on the books they read. The participants in both groups suggest titles to read and often lead the discussions. The mission is to have fun through reading, build confidence among participants by allowing them a say in how the program runs, and most importantly, make a connection that makes them want to come back next month. Mariah and Cyndi are not teachers, this is not school, this is their choice. (Thank you, Parents! We could not do it without the chauffeurs!)
Tween Reads meets the first Wednesday of the month from October to May at 5pm. Pizza is provided by the library and registration is required (so we know how much pizza to buy). Their next meeting is Wednesday, November 6 at 5pm and they will be discussing Coraline the graphic novel by Neil Gaiman and illustrated by P. Craig Russell. Copies of the book are available at the library.
Teen Talk meets the second Wednesday of the month from October to May at 5pm. Pizza is provided by the library and registration is required. Their next meeting is Wednesday, November 13. This month’s choice is The Lottery. Please read the short story by Shirley Jackson and the graphic novel adaptation by Miles Hyman both of which are available at the library.
If you have any questions or would like to register for Tween Reads or Teen Talk please email cyndi@topshamlibrary.org or call Topsham Public Library at 725-1727.
The adult options are below:
Book Look is a longstanding book club held at The Highlands’ Kennebec Room in the main lodge on the first Tuesday of the month from September – May (but no meeting in January). For over 15 years, Topsham Public Library’s Directors have been leading discussions about fiction and nonfiction books chosen by the participants of the group. All are welcome to join us – we read, talk, sometimes argue, snack (thanks to the attentive Highlands staff) and always have a good time. Their next meeting is Tuesday, November 5 at 11am and they will discuss Hidden Figures: the American Dream and the Untold Story of the Black Women Mathematicians Who Helped Win the Space Race by Margot Lee Shetterly. For more information call Susan at the library – 725-1727 or email her at director@topshamlibrary.org.
Great Books is a lively discussion group that has been meeting monthly for more than five years. We are always looking for new members. They discuss readings from The Great Books Foundation. They meet at Topsham Public Library on the second Saturday of each month at 10am. Email emma@topshamlibrary.org to find out what they are discussing this month and for any questions you may have.
The Men’s Book Group meets the third Thursday of the month from September – May at 4pm at Topsham Public Library. They need a few good men to join them for this monthly meeting of the minds as they explore our interests through reading. Their next meeting is Thursday, November 21 at 4pm at Topsham Public Library wjere they will be discussing There, There by Tommy Orange. For more information call the library at 725-1727 or email emma@topshamlibrary.org.
Nature Speaks Book Group is a book group focused on – you guessed it – nature. They meet the second Thursday of the month at 4 pm at Topsham Public Library. On Thursday, November 14, they gather to begin a new book, Nature Notes From Maine by local author, Ed Robinson. This book is full of stories and images of Maine wildlife that will delight the nature-lover in all of us. Dana Cary leads this discussion group that focuses on our environment and the wonders of nature. This month the first ten chapters will be discussed. If you have any questions email emma@topshamlibrary.org.
Rare Reads is for those who like reading unusual and interesting popular fiction (and some nonfiction). Find out more at topshamlibrary.org/rare-reads/. Registration is not required. The next meeting is Tuesday, November 19 at 6pm and The Reminders by Val Emmich will be discussed. For more information email emma@topshamlibrary.org.
Are you a graphic novel lover? Reading Between the Panels meets on the fourth Tuesday of every month from October-May at 6pm. If you love art and literature, and at the same time, then join Dale, our IT guy, each month as all things graphic novel are discussed. From classic comic book collections to the latest in graphic novels, they share their favorites, make recommendations, and talk shop about the writing, the art and everything in between. For more information call Dale at Topsham Public Library at 725-1727.
There is also a Mystery Readers Roundtable that meets monthly and is facilitated by our mystery expert Linda; however, at this time the space is full. If you do enjoy all things mystery and are looking for suggestions check out Mysteries Abound an information source that every mystery reader will appreciate.
Book groups are a great way to try new things, meet new friends and talk all things books! Hope to see you soon!