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Abstract

Beneath the mass culture radar, book clubs, both online and in person, are on the rise, as is readership overall. Concurrently with these trends, a loneliness epidemic is emerging, presenting a promising opportunity for libraries to participate and facilitate a literary cultural moment. “Libraries Should Be Part of All This Book Talk” discusses the formation of Book Talk. To attract a wider readership and challenge any preconceived notions of a "book club," we intentionally present Book Talk as an "event" instead of a "club." The article highlights the enthusiasm that the events experienced, where attendees took part in animated conversations that far exceeded the proposed topics, with each event ending with eagerness for more. In an ever-changing world, libraries offer a trustworthy constant, even as they come under fire in the much-lauded “culture wars.” While libraries continue to adapt to the 21st century, they remain well placed in the popular consciousness as a place of community and heritage, which gives libraries the unique opportunity to hopefully grow this new literary cultural moment into our communities nation-wide.

First page

129

Last page

130

Rights and Access Note

This Item is protected by copyright and/or related rights. You are free to use this Item in any way that is permitted by the copyright and related rights legislation that applies to your use. In addition, no permission is required from the rights-holder(s) for non-commercial uses. For other uses you need to obtain permission from the rights-holder(s).

DOI

https://doi.org/10.53558/vsoe5558

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