NSW public library wiki

In July 2013 we ran a survey to find out about the services NSW Public Libraries are offering their local Book Groups.

20 library services responded to the survey, and the results are below. Book Group services vary greatly from library to library - some libraries host a small number of staff facilitated Book Groups, others provide resources for a large number of groups who meet outside of the library. Fees range from a free service up to $400.00 per year. Detailed results are available in the attached document below.

Types of Book Groups

Most of the libraries who responded to the survey run Book Groups where all members read and discuss the same book, however a number of libraries run discussion groups where members read within a set topic or genre. This can be a solution for libraries who do not have the resources to provide multiple copies of the same title, but also offers a broader scope for discussion. Some libraries host less formal discussion groups where people talk about whatever they have been reading. This format suits readers who like to make their own choices, and is a great way to facilitate social interaction amongst members.

Special Types of Book Groups

• Book and Movie Discussion Group: Canada Bay, Mosman, Riverina Regional, Willoughby
• Book Group for men: Pittwater, Riverina Regional
• Online Book Group: Randwick
• Book Groups for senior: Riverina Regional, Sutherland Shire
• Book Group for Children: Randwick
• Book Group for teens: Manly, Mosman, Randwick, Riverina Regional
• Book Groups in languages other than English: Willoughby and Rockdale have Chinese language Book Groups, Randwick has a literacy Book Group for people from a non-English speaking background.
• Book Groups in a genre - some libraries run Book Groups in the following genres; Crime, Classics, Science Fiction & Fantasy, Gothic

Book Group sets

13 libraries collect books especially to use with their Book Groups. Libraries with the largest numbers of Book Groups (Willoughby, Warringah, Southern Tablelands) have many more Book Groups meeting outside the library than in the library (Willoughby 67/11, Warringah 17/7). Some libraries do not keep stats on the number of groups meeting outside their library, so it is difficult to estimate numbers. A number of libraries collect resources for use with Book Groups who meet at the library, but do not make these resources to Book groups who meet outside of the library. Some libraries (Willoughby) include a DVD in their Book Group sets, where available.

Getting Started

Southern Tablelands Library Co-Operative initially funded their Book Group kits using a Library Development Grant. This funded 60 kits of 10 book each, and the service has since grown to include 70 kits. Warringah Council Library launched their collection with 5 Book Group sets and a seminar about starting a Book Group. The seminar was well attended and staff helped attendees establish a number of new Book Groups. Coffs Harbour started out seeking donations of Book Group sets, but have moved to charging an annual fee for their service.

Promotion

Most libraries promote their service in the branches (via posters, handouts and their staff), by word-of-mouth advertising and on their website. It is worth noting that some libraries struggle to meet demand for existing Book Groups, and therefore limit promotion of the service. A small number of libraries use social media like facebook, twitter, goodreads and pinterest to promote their service.

Partnerships

Mid-western Regional Council Library, Bega Valley Shire and Warringah all have some sort of partnership with their local U3A.

Some tips from our libraries

• One of the first clubs to borrow Snow Flower and the Secret Fan by Lisa See bought a fan and wrote their club name along one of the folds. The fan is now almost full on both sides.
• Books that haven't gone well are our theme kits - i.e. 5 different books on a theme with 2 copies each. Most clubs say it is too hard to discuss.
• We use topics - always biography, travel and topics which incorporate both fiction and non-fiction, such as the Age Book of the Year