Roseburg Public Library book groups evolve

Roseburg, Ore. – Roseburg Public Library Director Kris Wiley says she’s always been a fan of book groups because of the community they create.

Whether people read the same book or simply share all they have read lately, Wiley believes book group gatherings celebrate literacy and lifelong learning.

She especially enjoys Roseburg Public Library’s groups because participants laugh so often. Wiley said it is a joy to meet every month for the camaraderie and conversation, and she cherishes the relationships that have developed.

The library’s book groups are starting a new chapter this month -- one that provides another opportunity for readers to meet kindred spirits.

For those who enjoy meeting in person, the Silent Book Group returns at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, May 19. Wiley encourages people to bring a book, beverage and chair to the Stewart Park Butterfly Garden, which is located between Legion Field and the Stewart Park Golf Course and is next to the multiuse path. Participants will read any book of their choosing quietly for about 45 minutes and then share what they have been reading for about 15 minutes. Wiley takes notes and emails them along with the book lists to everyone so participants can concentrate on the conversation.

The Silent Book Group will continue to meet at 6:30 p.m. at the butterfly garden on the following Thursdays: June 30, July 28 and Aug. 25. Wiley’s plan is to transition the group to the library in the fall.

For those who prefer to meet remotely, the Online Book Group will gather once a month via Zoom. Participants of this group, which launched during the pandemic, take turns sharing brief reviews of the books they read over the previous month. During a typical meeting, the group shares about 40 book titles. If there is time, they also talk about movies, podcasts and other pop culture they have enjoyed. Wiley also takes notes and emails them along with the book lists to participants for these sessions.

The next Online Book Group meeting is 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 31. The Online Book Group then will shift to 6:30 p.m. the second Tuesday of each month beginning Tuesday, June 14. Email Wiley at kwiley@cityofroseburg.org for the Zoom link.

Finally, the Author Discussion Group will remain on Zoom and meet four to five times each year. This group focuses on the works of one author at a time. Participants read anything they like by or about the writer, then gather and share their reading experiences. Most recently, the group spent a fantastic hour dissecting the themes of Edith Wharton’s works, Wiley said.

At this time, Wiley is taking nominations for the next author they will discuss in late summer. Nominations will be emailed to group participants, who will vote for their favorite.

Everyone is invited to participate in any or all of the library’s book groups. The groups are informal and readers are welcome to join when it suits them. Folks also can choose to join the email list for the Silent Book Group and/or Online Book Group and learn about what’s popular with local readers.

Contact Wiley at kwiley@cityofroseburg.org or 541-492-7051 for more information.