Modern libraries go beyond just carrying a range of books on shelves, and the Lakewood Public Library (LPL) is a perfect example of this. In addition to offering a wide selection of titles for all ages, the library also provides study and meeting spaces, educational workshops, technology assistance, youth programs, and cultural events.
Among these offerings, the library’s book clubs stand out as a modern way to turn reading into a community experience. Currently, the themed clubs that the library hosts are the Love and Lore club, the Booked for Murder club, and the Knit and Lit club.
On Jan. 11, the Love and Lore club met to discuss their recent read, “Assistant to the Villain” by Hannah Nicole Maehrer. Hosted by Nickie Lui of Lakewood’s Flame & Fable bookshop, the club explores a vast majority of romance/fantasy (“romantasy”) books–discovering creative stories of love with a whimsical twist.
“So the library and I decided on the books together. They asked me for a list, and then they went through and chose which ones they wanted. The intention was intro to romantasy, so easy books to get into, and easy books to understand,” Lui said.
The Love and Lore club meets on the second Sunday of each month to discuss its specific book. For Lakewood residents interested in the other clubs, the Booked for Murder club meets on the third Thursday of each month, while the Knit and Lit club meets on the third Tuesday.
“I started getting into fantasy a couple of years ago. It was because I read the Divine Rivals duology, and I realized I forgot how much I liked it,” said book club member Nadia Zaiem. “I hadn’t really gotten to read anything like that until I read Divine Rivals, and I loved it, and I wanted more stuff like that.”
Unlike most libraries, the LPL’s book clubs do not require registration. Participants are free to drop in when they can to share their opinions and love for reading with other members of the community.
“I’ve been looking around for a book club, and when I found this here in Lakewood, I figured that I could just branch out,” said member Linda Topp. Between newcomers like Topp’ and frequent customers of Flame and Fable like Zaiem, the meetings bring readers together to share their different reading perspectives.
Meetings typically start off with sharing initial information and opinions on the book, providing members a safe space to ask questions and discuss their standpoint on the book. The conversation then moves toward personal connections to the book. During the meeting, Nickie Lui dove into questions that the members could relate to or think about on a deeper level.
“I definitely think the book club’s books have engaged the readers of Lakewood a bit, because I’m finding that even when the library gets more copies from me, they’re always gone or infrequently available,” Lui said.
The collaboration between Lui and the library allows the club to remain accessible to readers who are new to the genre while also guaranteeing the romantic vibe that returning members expect.
At the end of each meeting, members conclude with a simple but engaging tradition: star ratings. Attendees are encouraged to share their final thoughts in a fun and expressive way. Even if the ratings greatly differ, all members are able to collectively share their opinions.
Whether the interest is love and drama, crime, or quilting and classics, Lakewood Public Library offers unique experiences that cater to all reading groups and levels. Designed to foster expression and curiosity, these local events create a meaningful way to bring the community together.
