Book clubs keep Valley residents sane during winter

Feb. 6, 2007

By SHARON G. McBRIDE

Frontiersman

PALMER - While tricky Mother Nature is busy messing with everyone's heads in the Valley by pacifying us into thinking spring is here, the Palmer Public Library has a full schedule of events designed to beat the bogus breakup blues.

Whether you like romances, epics or mysteries, the library not only has books for every taste but several book clubs for savoring favorite titles.

&#8220A lot of people in Alaska like to read because of the long winters,” said Candace Kopperud, Palmer Public Library services coordinator. &#8220Not only do they like to read books, but they enjoy discussing them as well. It's also a great way to get people together who share a mutual interest like reading.”

The Palmer Library started its first book club approximately six years ago, Kopperud said. Two years ago, a book club geared toward those who like mysteries was created. Last fall, a teen/parent group book club was started.

&#8220We have a little something for everyone,” she said. &#8220It's also a great bonding experience for parents and teens.”

And for those who want to start a book club of their own, the library has that covered as well.

&#8220We now have available, ‘Book Club in a Bag' that can be checked out,” Kopperud said.

One bag contains 10 copies of a title, the author's biography, a book review and questions for discussion. Contemporary and classic titles are available from this new service and include, &#8220The Secret Life of Bees,” &#8220Lovely Bones,” and &#8220A Taint in the Blood.”

The Mystery Book Club meets at 7 p.m. at Vagabond Blues every fourth Wednesday of the month, while the Teen/Parent Book Club meets once a month with the next meeting scheduled for 6 p.m., Feb. 20, at the library.

The Community Book Club is scheduled to meet and discuss &#8220Fahrenheit 451,” Feb. 27 at 7 p.m. also at the library.

Avid book readers and those just looking for something to do are all invited to attend. But it does help to have a love for reading.

&#8220Gosh, we love to read,” said Sylvia Reader, a Palmer Library patron who is a member of both the community and mystery book clubs.

&#8220We'd rather be reading than breathing,” agreed Vicky Kaye, another patron who belongs to both book clubs.

&#8220I enjoy the camaraderie mostly,” Kaye said. &#8220But I also enjoy reading books and learning about authors that I normally wouldn't know about. I know it sounds cliché, but books definitely expand your horizons.”

For more information, interested persons

can call 745-4690 or log onto www.city

ofpalmer.org.

To contact Sharon G. McBride call 352-2522 or sharon.mcbride@frontiersman.com.