Book clubs are everywhere and growing, in families, in communities and in libraries! I learned a few things after attending a conference in Philly a month ago and want to share my thoughts about how to grow a bookclub. The best thing I learned though was that we have the best club; we all are very lucky to have a founder and organizer who is doing exactly (and better!) in all aspects for our club. Hooray to Xiaoying for leading the way and to all of us members for following right behind/beside her!
1) Every members of the club must be treated equally and with respect;
2) All members should have equal opportunities to speak, to plan, or to contribute; privledges are given to the presenters and keynote speakers with considerations and consent by all when possible; or at least, efforts are made in that regard;
3) Everyone has a sense of the pride and ownership for the club. It is our garden of friendship!
4) All should respect the rules and guidlines;
5) Be flexible with schedules and structures; inflexibity could kill the spirit, but too lack of group principles and disciplines will effectively put an end to the club. Our leader should do the balancing act!
6) Try to allocate 10 percent of the time for non book related topics such as sharing of travel experience, other reading enjoyment, or frustrating and disappointing incidents;
7) Be generous in spirits and in deeds; offering to help with the convenors and leaders of the club when possible;
8) Be creative, think of games that may serve as ice breaker;
9) Sharing is the spirit of any book club and democracy is the rule. While it is the sharing that builds the community of friends; democracy will protect it;
10) Let's all grow older, wiser in the piles of books, and around a group of friends.
Thanks for listening my self musing!
