“The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go,” Dr. Seuss once said. Reading connects you to the world, opens your mind to the unknown and fosters community.
While the modern lifestyle of being online 24/7, extended work hours, and increased stress can make it feel like community is disappearing, that connection has never been more vital. Community is essential to quality of life; studies show that people with strong ties tend to live healthier, longer lives.
Many people grew up watching a parent or grandparent join a book club, and those spaces are more needed today than ever. Book clubs initiate connection by allowing like-minded people to enjoy a shared experience. “It’s more fun than reading a book on my own,” said Kathleen Kovecina, a member of the Lakewood Library Book Club.
The Lakewood Public Library is fostering that connection through several groups, including the Knit & Lit, Booked for Murder and Love & Lore book clubs. While meeting times vary, they typically gather in the library’s multipurpose room or the Main Library Auditorium.
This week, the Love & Lore group discussed “Daughter of No Worlds” by Carissa Broadbent. This month’s selection explores themes of trauma, healing and self-identity. “We try to spread the romantic genre a little bit,” said Nicky Louie, head of the Love & Lore club and owner of Flame and Fable Book Store. “It’s a newer genre to a lot of people, so it’s more like an intro to romance.”
Louie and the library’s events team narrow down options to find titles that will resonate with the widest audience. “I actually read the whole book and enjoyed it,” Kovecina said.
With average attendance of five or more, the meetings remain intimate enough for deep conversations about heavy topics. This size allows members to comfortably share personal reactions in a trusting environment.
“The conversations have been so engaging that I definitely recommend this club,” said Nadia, a member of the Love & Lore club. “You don’t really see these types of books in book clubs, so it makes the conversation really interesting.”
The members encourage anyone interested to join, even if only for one meeting. “But you can only join if you’re cool,” Kovecina joked. With more meetings scheduled throughout the month, the door is open for anyone looking to connect and find new friends.
