ABOVE: When the Orange County Library System decided to introduce reusable bags to customers, a member of the book club decided to buy the orange “green” bags for everyone in the club. Photo taken January 15, 2008.
“I want a book club at Southwest Library.” Those were the words of former Southwest Branch manager, Clara McGee. Sandy Mayer, librarian at Southwest Library, who loved book discussion groups had wanted to hear those words and took up the challenge with delight. In addition, Sandy had been receiving requests from Southwest community members including Janice Bell and Marilyn Marks to start a book club at the library for some time. An organizational meeting was held on December 6, 2004, with a solid turnout of interested people. Such details as when and how often to meet, what kind of books to read, and group leadership were decided.
The Southwest Book Club held its’ first meeting on January 19, 2005. Since then the group has continued to meet every month to discuss a variety of fiction, nonfiction and biographical titles. Interestingly, the group’s interest in nonfiction literature has increased over the years. The participants’ pure joy of reading, their willingness to read outside of their personal “comfort zones,” and a commitment by library staff to excellence and book club value – Book Bundles, themed discussions, guest speakers and e-notifications of book club news and events -to name a few have kept the Southwest Book Club a vibrant and inspiring book discussion group. For more information about the Southwest Book Club, call 407.835.7323 or email southwest@ocls.info.
What current Southwest Book club members are saying:
I have enjoyed the Southwest Book Club for the following reasons: the librarian is a great leader who has a background of information regarding authors, books and library services; I am reading books I normally would not read and finishing books I normally would not finish; I enjoy hearing other’s interpretations and ratings; and the Southwest Book Club is a pure book club – focus is on the book discussion not food or socialization and everyone contributes. Verena
It has been a very satisfying experience for me to become a member of the Southwest Book Club. It is an avenue that offers wonderful opportunities to its’ members especially if one is the type of person who needs an extra push to read. Since joining the club I have enjoyed all the wonderful books I would have missed! Elvia
I have been a member of the book club since its’ inception and I love coming. I find it interesting to hear other points of view. I read books that I probably would never read. I would also like to commend librarian Sandy Mayer for spearheading the book club. Janice
LISTEN (21:30) Sandy Mayer Interview on the Southwest Book Club – 2009
One year of great reading! Southwest Book Club celebrates its’ first anniversary with a celebration cake, January 2006.
Sandy Mayer, Librarian cuts the celebration cake, January 2006.
ABOVE : Book club First Anniversary
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Book Club Goes Green
When the Orange County Library System decided to introduce reusable bags to customers, a member of the book club decided to buy...
Cutting the Celebration Cake
Librarian Sandy Mayer cuts the book club's one-year celebration cake.
Celebration Cake
One year of great reading! Southwest Book Club celebrates its' first anniversary with a celebration cake.
Book Club 1st Anniverary
Members of the Southwest Book Club celebrate the club's first Anniversary on January 17, 2006.
Interview with Sandy Mayer, librarian at the Southwest Library at Dr. Phillips and facilitator of the Southwest Book Club for the past four years. Conducted by Nicole Cavallaro on September 9, 2009, at the Southwest Library.
