Innovative book clubs mix reading with local treats
by Chris Studor
The Highland branch of the Medina County Library has launched two new book clubs designed for readers who enjoy sharing ideas over an ice-cold beer or a piping hot cup of Joe.
The first club, Pints and Pages, is up and running and takes place the last Thursday of each month at Hoppy Dude Brews, starting at 6:30 p.m. Starting in October, a second club will be added – Donuts with Dewey – which will held at 9 a.m. the last Wednesday of each month at Hinckley Donuts.
“For some people, going into a library building and using the library system can be a bit intimidating,” said Highland librarian Annetherese Biesiada. “While we have a book club held at the Highland Library, we wanted to try bringing book clubs to readers in local, informal settings.”
During th month of August, Pints and Pages members gathered at Hoppy Dude Brews in the center of Hinckley. Owners Chad Rissel and Keith Clapper opened their brewery to this new group as they do for so many local organizations.
A handful of book lovers gathered at a small table in the brewery, sat down with pints of their favorite ale and the discussion began. The selected book for August was “The Children on the Hill,” by Jennifer McMahon, a science fiction/ horror novel.
As the readers discussed, however, “Children on the Hill” was really more of a suspense novel than horror as the main character of the book, an elderly doctor appearing as a kind, grandmotherly type, takes in problem children and presents plenty of questionable and frightening scenarios.
Club members discussed whether “grandma” really is a sweet old doctor trying to help the girls or if is she more of a “Frankenstein.” Adding to the mystery are the children themselves who believe in monsters and have a monster club.
“The book was completely different than what I thought it was going to be,” said book club member, Brianna Turner.
Pints and Pages isn’t the traditionally formal book club with a preset list of questions to be discussed. Instead, it’s one in which topics spring up sporadically.
“I liked the idea of the casual atmosphere for a book club and when I saw Pints and Pages, I decided to come,” said club member Mindy Badovick. “I don’t have to make a trip to the Highland library and we can discuss books and enjoy pints.”
Much to the delight of club members, Biesiada announced that Pints and Pages will continue into fall.
As for Donuts with Dewey, the club works its way through the Dewey decimal system, beginning with books numbered in the zeros, Biesiada explained.
“Each set of numbers in the Dewey Decimal system represents a different genre of books. The 000’s are more technical books but you still can find some very interesting topics of interest to most readers.”
In addition to the two new Hinckley book Clubs, the longstanding book club offered at the Highland Library continues to draw interest. That club takes place the last Wednesday of each month at 6:30 p.m. From time to time the Highland Library also hosts special book club events, often bringing in an author. On Wednesday, Nov. 9, starting at 3 p.m., popular author Mary Kay Andrews will be discussing one of her bestselling books, “Home Wreckers.”
To register for any of the book clubs call 330-278-4271 or email Biesiada at biesiada@mcal.info. ∞
Photo: Pints and Pages is the name of one of two new book clubs now being offered in Hinckley Township. Pictured are members of Pint and Pages Book Club, Mindy Badovick (left) and Brianna Turner (right) with Highland librarian, Annetherese Biesiada, pictured in the middle. Photo by Chris Studor