Residents now can participate in a library book club without even leaving home – especially great for those bad weather days and for those persons whose schedules require them to be working or in school when other book clubs meet.
The Kansas City, Kan., Public Library has launched its first-ever completely online book club this week. Participants will not even have to go to a library building.
Designed for book lovers who want to enjoy the books and discuss at their own pace, the book club will be solely hosted on the library’s eCommunity site and have no scheduled meetings, according to a library spokesperson.
It will feature video introductions to the books, interactive elements, and easy online commenting. All books will be available for instant download as audiobooks through the eCommunity site, according to library officials.
“We picked titles that are not only great reads, but would be available for members when they needed them, with no wait,” said Carmen Hannon-Patton, book club host. “With the at-your-own-pace nature of the book club, it was important for us that it be instantly accessible, convenient, and appealing to digital users. This is a book club for people who love to read great stories, but might not have the time or ability to wait for a book to come in and then meet in-person. This way, they can participate on their own terms.”
The library also carries print copies and one ebook copy for most of the books.
Named Youngbloods, the book club will feature popular and engrossing young adult (YA) titles that are sure to appeal to adult readers.
“YA is becoming more and more popular with adults,” Hannon-Patton said. “I love YA. If it’s dystopian or a paranormal romance, I am there! We picked a variety of titles – fantasy, realistic, romance, adventure – that are great for all readers and sure to spawn wonderful discussions. I can’t wait to hear what our members have to say about the books.”
A new title will be announced each month. The first pick will be “The Raven Boys” by Maggie Stiefvater: For as long as she can remember, Blue Sargent has been warned that she will cause her true love to die. Despite being surrounded by a family of psychics, she never thought this would really be a problem. That is, until she meets Gansey and his group of private school friends – the Raven Boys. The boys are on a quest to discover and waken the mythical Welsh sleeping king, Glendower. Blue is drawn to Gansey and the other boys in a way she can’t quite explain. As her life becomes more and more caught up in the strange and sinister world of the Raven Boys, she’s not so sure of anything anymore. If you knew someone’s future, would you tell him?
To join Youngbloods, visit http://ecommunity.kckp.org/youngbloods.html. For more information, email [email protected] or call 913-279-2106.
In a separate program, the Kansas City, Kan., Public Library now is providing residents with the Facebook book club selection, “The End of Power” by Moises Naim, as an audiobook through the library’s eCommunity. To check out “The End of Power,” visit http://ecommunity.kckpl.org. It can be downloaded to your device instantly with no long hold lines. Just use the eCard or regular library card to check it out and start listening immediately.