The Cozy Mystery blog got a comment from Margaret that so interested me, I just knew I “had” to post it as an entry. Something rather similar happened to me years and years ago, when I asked my library branch librarian about a mystery reading group. Her answer dissuaded me from even looking into the one that our branch already had!
Margaret’s comment is as follows:
“Just curious if anyone had a similar issue. This is way off topic but, because of your great website and all the new authors and series I have discovered, I am so anxious to start a Cozy Mystery Book Club. I thought about how great this would be for my Library, get more people in and not everyone can afford to buy their books. I really don’t use my Library because I prefer to buy my books, this might make me use my Library more. Well, I approached the Central Branch of my County Library (a County of 146k people and a City of 66k) and was told “well we already have three book clubs”. The three clubs are historical, non-fiction and fiction. They wouldn’t even let me explain what I wanted, they refused to even listen. I would handle it all myself, just looking for space and a little advertising on the website to annouce the club. I am not sure what the problem is. Cozy Mysteries are such a large portion of Mysteries and Mysteries in general are so popular. I am a member of Sisters in Crime and my local chapter, and see the interest in Mysteries. I can not believe all Libraries are all so “clique-ish”. It seems if it is not intellectual enough they don’t want to recognize it. Very frustrating, I thought any reading was better than no reading. I thought Libraries wanted to promote any type of reading. Sorry for the rant, just curious to see if others have any Mystery Book Clubs at their Libraries.”
In my case, the librarian told me that the group comprised of a very few “old” people. She said that the turn out was so bad, that sometimes they didn’t even have enough to have a meeting. I know I should have gone ahead and tried it, but at the time I already was a member of two thriving online mystery reading groups, so I decided to pass.
What about you all?
Maria (BearMountainBooks) says
Our library does have book clubs, but each one is run by one of the librarians. So if you were to ask, they might say they didn’t have the resources. If you didn’t “need” a librarian…well, you’d have to pay for the meeting space! Our library rents the rooms, all except for one small one which is first come, first serve–no reserving. And they don’t allow it to get “too loud.”
I know libraries have to have income in these times, but it really can be hard when it comes to groups. I participate on a couple of online cozy groups (including this fabulous site). Most of the time we do buddy reads where two or three of us read the same book. Now and then larger groups of people all sign up for the same book. Mostly, like this site, we gab a lot, each talking about whatever book we’re reading at the time.
You might try setting up an online group or place to chat. Or just keep coming here! We’ll talk to you!
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Maria, let me get this straight: You, the tax payers who pay for the library, would need to pay to use a room at the library?!? Hmmm… sounds a little like h’ors d’oeuvre “double-dipping” time…
I like the idea of your “buddy reads” where two or three people get together to read the same book. Years ago, when I belonged to the online mystery reading groups, I found that it wasn’t easy to always get a large group together willing to read the first book in an author’s mystery series. Most of the time, all of us where on different books of the authors we already followed…
Maria (BearMountainBooks) says
Book clubs are hard, Danna. Coming up with a book everyone wants to read is nearly impossible. I like the buddy reads better. It’s less formal and it’s fun.
Yes, you have that correct. Tax payer dollars or not, if you want to use any of the meeting rooms, there’s a fee. The largest room is quite expensive (the city council meets there and it has a kitchette and is quite large). There’s another nice-sized room and then some smaller ones. They are not inexpensive either. If the librarian runs any of the programs, there is no charge for the meeting rooms.
Margaret says
Hi Danna, just a follow up to my rant. I spoke with the Library Director and he agreed with me it was handled wrong (my conversation went into much more detail than my post did). He hooked me up with the Library Manager of one of the 9 Branches and she was thrilled. We meet on Saturday to talk about it. This is a Branch; that as one of the new Board Members noted in her tour of the Branches Report; alot of community spirit. That was my point, what a nice way to bring people into that Branch. And yes it is a very lovely Branch in a residential area of our City. We are the only County wide Library Systems in the State of New York. It is a large system and we should have alot of Community involvment. I am very excited!
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Margaret, I guess there is something to be said about going to the top of the food chain! It’s good to hear that out of nine branches, one has a phenomenal library manger who is really happy to be doing her job, and even happier to be establishing programs her patrons want.
Betsy Bean says
Just found this wonderful site and am looking forward to delving into lots of cozies. Cleaned up the Cleo Coyle mysteries and have started a new author’s book number one called Uncommon Grounds. Just love the coffee theme as you can see by my blog about coffee: lattedavotion.wordpress.com
Anyway, should more authors pop up with coffee themes (or tea), send me a shout and a holler! Happy reading!
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Welcome to the site, Betsy Bean. Now that you have finished all of Cleo Coyle‘s Coffee House Mystery Series, I think you will enjoy Sandra Balzo‘s Maggie Thorsen Mystery Series. And, of course, what better way than to start with the first in the series: Uncommon Grounds.
Tonya says
Our local library is horrible. Snooty. Not nice. They are the ‘old woman’ –at least how I see it.
So I travel 35 miles to go to a good library. There are quite a few clubs; and are usually open to more. I’ll have to see if they have a cozy mystery club. That would be fun. I couldn’t head it up though. I live out of district and have to use a friend’s address to use the library. LOL–they are so nice that it was their suggestion that I do that!
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Tonya, what a shame that you have to go 35 miles out of your way to find a library, when you have a local library branch…
Doug says
Maybe there could be a Cozy Mystery Forum were we could discuss different authors, genres within Cozy Mysteries and the like. That would be a great thing 🙂
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Doug, I have thought about a Cozy Mystery forum in the past, but don’t quite see how that would work. I really have an aversion to people saying negative things about authors… I think other readers should find out for themselves if they like an author or not, without having a prejudice against them in the back of their minds.
I received a letter from a Cozy Mystery site reader who thought I should have an area on the site where people could recommend authors by writing about those they read, and explain why they like them. I have been sort of “toying” with that idea… but again, don’t know how that would work.
Because the internet is so anonymous, and because there are “trolls” out there who get their fun out of ruining sites, I just don’t see how this would be possible…
Susan says
Betsy, if you’re interested in Tea themed mysteries, as well as coffee, might I suggest Laura Childs?
Also, of course, there is a list of coffee / tea themed mysteries on the ‘Theme’ page of this site! 🙂
Welcome Aboard!
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Susan, what a great idea! I didn’t think about suggesting the tea theme mysteries. (This is a V-8 moment…)
(Betsy Bean, this is the Coffee House and Tea Shop theme Susan is referring to.)
Deahna says
A few years ago I wanted to save money as I order so many books and joined our local (and only) library. I think I got about eight books from them. Old ones I hadn’t read yet. After that, there was little of interest left to me. When I asked why they don’t carry more of non-fiction, cozys etc. I was told it wasn’t what “people” wanted to read. They have only one club and that meets at 3 pm thus excluding anyone who works fulltime. Again I was told it was what “people” wanted – whoever those people are. I’m still a member but I haven’t set foot in there since.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Deahna, I shouldn’t bring this up again… but you working full time is why those “helpful” librarians have jobs! I have a good library system, so can’t complain… but I sure would be if my taxes were paying for your library system! Good grief! It sounds like those “people” might just be your librarians!!!
Gail says
I’m a librarian. I really hate hearing these stories. My advice is to be a squeaky wheel and get a community of people who work with you to demand better library services. Talk to the library board of trustees. Make friends with them.
Mystery book clubs are usually very popular and a big draw for the communities. I’m a little surprised the librarian didn’t jump at the chance. I lived in a tiny community with a very tiny library with limited hours. It was kept vital because the community of (mystery) readers got on the board and made changes.
Not all libraries and librarians are as you describe. Sometimes community activism can make a better library.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Gail, I am so glad you posted this comment. It is good to hear a librarian’s side.
You make a great point. >>> During these times when libraries seem to be having to do more with less money, it’s a shame that some of them aren’t willing to accept volunteers willing to make their library systems more welcoming places for the patrons.
Regina says
I too found my local library did not meet my needs. For instance, it would buy one new bestseller and have a large number of people on the wait list. If each person could keep the book for 3 weeks, it could be months before it would be available. The library seemed to regard mysteries as pulp fiction. Because I live CT, I have access to statewide libraries. If a book is listed in another library and I can drive there, I can get it but I only need to return it anywhere. Now that I am handicapped, I depend on my family to be my “legs”.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Regina, you’re really lucky to have access to the whole Connecticut state library system. Years ago, I lucked into a librarian who did an inter library loan for me. I got the book from out of our library system. I tried to do it again… but apparently that one librarian was the only reason I was able to do it that time. She went well above and beyond her duty!
The reason I started buying books is because of the scenario you describe. It always seemed that no matter how early I put a book on hold, I was the 25th person on the list for the few copies the library had purchased.
(PS>>> Your family sounds great!)
linda says
At times the librarians around my area can be snooty, too. A few can be very nasty. One in particular treats older people like we are stupid. But I developed a way to treat these nasty people by killing them with kindness. This goes a long way. After a while these people often will start to be nicer and more helpful. Our head libraian is very nasty, thinks this library is his and his only. But I just don’t deal with this person. We had a tough time passing a library leavy last year. Some librarians were let go, budgets were cut sharply! Sometimes people need to ask themselves why would this have happened to a good library.
One thing though, to remember, these librarians deal with a variety of people coming into the libraries, some just as nasty. These nasty patrons can often turn any nice librarian into a nasty one. Sometimes we get what we give! Just one more thought on this. During the summer school breaks a lot of the libraries around here serve as DayCare centers. The parents don’t know what to do with their kids during the day, so they will send their kids to the library and expect the librarians to babysit for them. I have been in all 3 libraries around here and found some of the kids very unruly and causing all kinds of trouble. The librarians, I am sure, get tired of this. Sometimes maybe the librarians have a good reason to be grumpy.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Linda, our local pool has a rule that children under a certain age need to be accompanied by an adult. Of course, this is because of a pool’s danger factor. But, if I were your library’s head librarian, I think I would approach the board about passing a rule like that.
Laura says
What Linda says is absolutely true here. My local branch is closed three days a week now. 2/3 of the shelf space is devoted to non-English books, CDs and DVDs, and hey, they have line dancing every Wednesday night. Since when did libraries turn into community centers (we actually do have one just down the street from the library)? Needless to say, I turned to buying books when I no longer could find anything I wanted at the library.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Laura, I’m sorry… but I can’t stop laughing! I know you are telling us about a frustrating library situation, but:
WEDNESDAY NIGHT LINE DANCING?!?!?!?
Larraine says
Our local libraries have book discussion groups including one branch that has a mystery discussion. However you have to call for information so I never do it. The closest library to us has what they call an adult light fiction group which I enjoy. I enjoy cozies a lot, but I’m not sure how much “meat” there is in a lot of them that could foster a book discussion. The book groups are always led by a librarian. I prefer that to be honest. I was part of a group in a local bookstore. The discussion constantly got derailed because the group leader really wasn’t prepared to lead the discussion. It DOES sound like your library has a control problem. I use the library for virtually all of my reading. I can’t afford to buy books. So I’m in there a lot. Maybe just being there a lot and talking to the librarians might make a difference.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Larraine, I think a librarian leading a reading group sounds like the best way to have a book discussion group. A master’s degree in library science is required in most libraries. (Perhaps not in school libraries?) I would assume they have training in this sort of service. (Although, Margaret’s initial librarian certainly doesn’t sound like she received any special training!)
Your example of an unprepared discussion leader is a problem, but also, one I sometimes experienced in my online reading groups: too many head cooks! Both of my more popular reading groups shared a few members. There were a few “forceful” members who tried to take control and direct our discussions a lot. Somewhat annoying – at least to me!
Nancy says
I think we should form one online! My local library offers nothing.- no clubs except for children. We could form a chat group or a secret group on facebook!
Deb says
I think Margaret took the right approach by going to the library administration – maybe head of adult services or of acquisitions would be an appropriate person to talk to in larger systems without having to go to the director.
LIke any large institution, libraries have people of varying strengths and people skills, and it sounds like lots of you have run into the “wrong” sorts. As a librarian myself, I’ve seen all kinds! The library administration can have a dampening effect, too. We had such an awful one years back that a county councilwoman built her political career on getting the problems fixed!
As for the taxpayer part, our taxes don’t meet all the needs of the library public by a long shot, and renting out (usually scarce) meeting rooms for a nominal fee has become pretty standard so that community groups can use them.
Patron demand drives most acquisition budgets, which is why so many libraries buy or rent (from a service like McNaughton, which may be marked on the books) multiple copies of best sellers. The way to counter that is to put in requests for cozy mysteries whenever you can! Get all your friends to request them, too. It may take some time for things to change, especially in these uncertain times, but if you can show the books will be used by more than a few people, they will be considered.
The other solution many have mentioned is to find a branch more congenial than your closest one. When our central library had a mold problem in the wall surrounding the mystery stacks, the librarians had to “fumigate” every book individually with a noxious solution. (They couldn’t afford to have it done professionally.) My solution had to be not to get any of their books! Fortunately, a new branch opened a year later, and it has a congenial staff and good collection.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Thank you, Deb, for another great comment from a librarian.
I love your idea about requesting books. I had no idea that requests would make a difference. And, I hadn’t thought about the reason a library would need to charge for the use of their rooms. That certainly makes sense.
I wonder if another thing that is hurting libraries is the ease of buying books on line. It’s not like “the old days” when buying a book by mail required a paperback’s insert you had to fill in and then mail… waiting for what seemed forever to hear back from the publisher… or even from “the old days” when you had to join a publishing house’s monthly book club.
Our library system has very wisely put up a playground for parents to bring their children. They also have some picnic tables by the playground. I love that they have morning children’s reading groups… so that young stay-at-home parents can bring their little ones to enjoy reading and perhaps meet some other little children. And, I believe they have Saturday children’s reading groups for working parents to bring their little ones.
Andie says
My local library does the best it can but funding has been severely cut in the past few years and they really have difficulties just keeping up with day-to-day tasks and not much left over for helping organize reading groups.
I belong to a mystery book club but we meet on our own at the homes of members, at the senior center or at restaurants who are willing to accommodate us for dinners about three times a year (we choose evenings when the restaurants are not usually busy and they are happy for the business). We meet in the evenings so people who do work can attend, although most of us are elderly – the oldest will be 92 in May. We all now have e-readers and one, who has limited vision, has three or four audible readers, including a Kindle.
One of my friends is a retired librarian, made redundant in a previous round of funding cuts, and she has helped us quite a bit. Unfortunately she is not a mystery fan so has not joined our group.
My computer group meets at a local church meeting room – on the 2nd Saturday morning of each month. We take our own coffee maker and supplies and make a small donation to the church – $10. for the use of the room once a month. And we clean up carefully afterward.
This might be a solution if someone wants to start a club and needs a facility.
Private schools are often willing to make a room available for small meeting and for a very nominal fee – a quilting club meets in the school down the road from me, ideal because there are large tables. My neighbor is a member and says they pay $100. a year for the use of the room which probably just pays for the electricity.
Thinking outside the box (or outside the library) might give a viable solution.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Andie, thanks for all of the great meeting places ideas! What a source of information!
Donna says
I’ve had similar experiences here, but assumed it had something to do with a lack of funding on the library’s part. The book clubs they host always seem to be focused on newly published “hot” writers and never on mysteries, especially not (gasp!) cozies! The new books are provided for them (by publishers, I guess???) and tend to be, well, filthy, either in language or subject matter, and I prefer good old-fashioned escapism because my life is difficult enough right now! On the subject of forums, the Amazon site has some active forums on cozy mysteries, clean books, etc. I tend to agree with Danna that keeping the negative comments off her wonderful cozy website is important. I like visiting here because it really is warm and “cozy”! 🙂
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Thank you, Donna, for the very nice things you say about the site.
Every once in a while I take a look to see what the reading groups are doing in my area. I see a lot of focus on authors who … are mostly men! Well, I have to admit that most of the authors on my list of favorites are … not men!
Patti says
My hubby is the Assistant Director at our town library and I know for a fact that they would not have acted the way this library did. They have a Great Books discussion group that is still going on even though they have only 5 members in it. They are able to meet in the library’s meeting room. I am sorry to hear that not all Libraries are as accomodating.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Patti, I am guessing that Margaret had the bad fortune of getting the library crab apples, and that this type of “help” is based on the particular person doing the “helping.”
Sharon says
Wow! Do I feel fortunate. I live in Winter Park, FL and our small local library is continuously rated #1 in the state. We have several book groups and they are always open to a new one. Although it may take a while for new books in this genre, if I ask they will put out a requisition or interlibrary loan. Couldn’t ask for a better group of librarians or volunteers.
And, I too support the “no negative comments” philosophy that is practiced here. GREAT SITE!
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Sharon, your library sounds like a really welcome place to go. And, thank you!
Deb says
Good point about interlibrary loan, Sharon! I’ve used it especially for older books in a series. Some libraries are good about keeping them. We have an excellent system in Maryland – we can request the books through our local library’s website and have them sent to our local branch. It’s also a way to get nonfiction on subjects your local library doesn’t cover.
Sharon says
Deb,
I used to use the library in Maryland too – New Carrollton outside of Washington! It was great then. Glad to hear it is still doing well.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Deb & Sharon, when my children were quite young, we lived in Maryland. I remember our library actually had puzzles and educational games we could check out. It was great.
susie says
I always feel badly when people share disappointing stories about librarians and libraries. As in any field or profession, a few bad apples ruin the pie (or however the saying goes). In my experience, even under-resourced/over-worked librarians usually try to accommodate patrons when they can. I hope that everyone seeking a mystery book club can find one!
Danna - cozy mystery list says
So true about a few bad apples, Susie.
Regina says
I realize libraries in this day and age have budget problems. I buy many books brand new, read them, and then I am finished. Repeatedly, I have offered them to our library for its shelves, but I am told that they won’t accept them. The books are in excellent condition but that is the library policy. I feel that it is short-sighted on its part. Sometimes I am able to donate them to smaller libraries in the state. Now that I have my Nook, I buy books but can store them without a problem. Oh, I should add that it is my husband feels we are drowning in books and should eliminate some.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Regina, shame on your library!!! They must be a very well-funded program if they can turn away free books!
My library system always accepts the books I donate>>> They either stock the shelves with them or sell them at their yearly fund raisers.
linda says
When the first levy for the library in my town failed, a lot of people started donating their newer books. After a few weeks the library personnel placed a notice on the shelves of the new releases explaining the need for other patrons to donate their newer books. Since I had several books from a few of the mail order book clubs, I more than gladly donated my books. A lot of other people did as well.
Some books that are damaged in some way are put in the “for sale” book section and that money is used to buy the newer books. I did see most of the books that I had donated on the new released shelves.
I can’t imagine why any library in this day and time would not accept free books like this especially when so many are having their funds cut.
As I have said before I have come across a few librarians that can be snooty and nasty but I just try to tell myself that these people are indeed few and far between. Sometimes I get the urge to be nasty right back to these nasty people but then I ask myself why bring myself down to this level? I just go to another librarian if a nasty one is on duty. People are people. Don’t get down to the nasty peoples’ level. You just make yourself feel bad by doing that. It isn’t worth it.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Linda, my library system does the same thing with donated books. I think it all depends on how many copies they have, and of course, the condition of the books…
Susan says
Wow, just have to jump in here – most public libraries in this economy are woefully underfunded – tax dollars only make up a part of their budget, and librarians are usually scrambling applying for grants and other methods of getting funds for the library – and yes, that includes renting the rooms out to various groups, etc. A lot of time these are booked well in advance, book clubs usually require a librarian to be involved – if they are off the desk, someone needs to cover them, etc. As with everything, there is a lot that goes on behind the scenes that the public may not be aware of to make things run smoothly…and most librarians I know are extremely dedicated, overworked, and underpaid. We love donations – most of them go to our Friends group who sell them to raise money for our children’s programs. I could go on and on (like why volunteers are not always as helpful as you might think etc). I am glad you found a way to have your mystery cozy book club, but don’t assume that the libraries were all unhelpful bad places – they may have been overbooked, underfunded, overscheduled – or tried a similar thing in the past without success.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Susan, thanks for filling us in about libraries’ behind the scenes tasks…
Andie says
It is deplorable how little so many citizens value the library system today.
When I was a child in the ’40s and living on a farm in western Kentucky my grandfather did have a fairly good library but there was always a once-a-month pilgrimage to the Carnegie Library in Paducah. For me it was like going to church. There were rotating exhibits, programs for children and reading programs to teach adults to read.
The founder may have been a “robber baron” but he did have enough respect for the written word to fund these libraries so everyone could have access to books.
It would be nice if some of the billionaires of today, who have profited so much from the toil of other Americans, would “adopt a library” and make it possible for the less fortunate to have access to books and computers.
A recent audit revealed that if everyone who owes taxes in California (including many of the super-rich) actually paid them, the state deficit would be cut by nearly 70 percent.
Schools and libraries are important to our future and neglecting them is going to cost greatly in the long run.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Andie, wouldn’t it be great if someone… say an actor (or two!) who makes 20 million dollars per picture, would donate some of his/her wealth to organizations that need $upport?
Andie says
I agree wholeheartedly. I was thinking about the super-rich such as Bill Gates and maybe the new CEO of Apple, Tim Cook, who reportedly was paid $378 million to run the company in 2011, which makes him the highest paid executive in the country.
A very small fraction of that would go a long way to support California libraries that are going downhill rapidly.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
I wouldn’t be surprised to find out that Bill Gates already donates to such a worthy cause. I know that he and his wife are truly philanthropic, and have many great causes they give their surplus money to.
linda says
The building that my city library is in is an old historical building that our city fathers and mothers could not decide what to do with until our library trustees decided that we needed a bigger library. This old hotel had sat completely empty for several years while people tried to think of a way to use it. When it was decided to remoldel the old hotel and to use it as the library along with several others I, myself included, was very skeptical about putting all of those old books and old records into this rundown fire trap.. This building was old, run down and an old eyesore in the center of our downtown. All I could see was a place for the pigeons to do their dirty work! No way could I ever see this old building being used as our library. But you know what? This was a very good thing for our city.
This old building has turned into the focal point of our town.
This is a huge old building, with many, many stories and many more rooms. The library board does indeed rent out many of the rooms for various other events. The top floor is a large ballroom that is used for weddings and such. In order for the library board to make ends meet, they have to do this.
I love this old building. There is so much of our city’s history in this building. Several artifacts were found as the renovation was going on. Many of these artifacts are on display from time to time. Each time I go into this library I am very proud of whoever decided to put the city library in it. A few years ago when our city fathers were trying to pass an operating levy many of those against the levy would say that libraries have outlived their purpose, that not that many people use the libraries any more. I say these people just don’t bother going to these libraries themselves. I visit 3 libraries in this area and there are always, always many people in these libraries whenever I go into visit.
Maybe because I love reading so much that I am this passonate about libraries. But I know I would hate to live in a world without these libraries.
Sorry for my rant this morning.
But those of you who visit this forum who are librarians, I salute you!
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Linda, your library building sounds totally delightful. I love old buildings, and sometimes find myself wondering about some of the wasted space our new buildings have in them. I know a lot of people like the modern, sleek, full-of-glass look that some of our newer buildings now offer, but I prefer the old-fashioned buildings of yester-year….
linda says
Too bad such a book discussion group couldn’t be started in this forum. Do any of you remember the episode of M.A.S.H. where the doctors found a partial murder mystery but couldn’t find the ending? Remember they tried to disect the book while they were operating on the soldiers? Each person who had read however much of the book they had gave their own oppinions and why? This was neat.
Sometimes some mysteries will give what I think are clues but then really don’t have anything to do with the final solution at all.
But it would be fun doing something like that here. Might be a neat thing to do during these long winter months. Just a thought.
Margaret says
I am a librarian and organized a cozy mystery book club over 10 years ago. We are the ‘Mystery at Lunch Bunch’, meeting over the lunch hour. Everyone brings what they want and we discuss cozy mysteries. Our selections are varied, some years we try new authors, some years we all read the same book each month. When I first started the club, I was selecting a category, ie, read a book set in a town where none of the buildings are more that 2 stories, or read any book set in England. We would then each talk about our own selection. The people who have come have changed over the years. Right now we have 4 very faithful ladies who come every month, and since we are a lunch club, every December, we pick a local restaurant and treat ourselves to a lunch out. I can’t imagine a public library not supporting this kind of activity.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Margaret, your Mystery at Lunch Bunch sounds like a terrific group. I like the idea of everyone reading books of their own choosing… with central theme.
What a great library AND librarian!
Margaret says
Hi Margaret!, yes what a wonderful group and a wonderful Librarian you are! My 9 branch Library system has issues to say the least. However I am now working closer with the Friends of our Library system and working in our used book store (we are all Volunteers and the books are all donated). This is a store that could compete with any for-profit store. We are talking about having book clubs after store hours. The saddest thing about this whole issue is the Friends give back over 100k per year in proceeds from the store, other book sales, events and Friends Memebership dues that pay for all the programs at the Library. This is ontop of a 5.5 million budget the County gives them every year. Yet I have not been encourged in any way in starting this club. Even after going to the Director who tried to help me, the Director of Adult Programs did all she could to squash it, so now I am focusing on the Book Store and other Friends projects. You are the kind of Librarian I expected when I approached them with my ideas!