Conference at Madison Public Library to delve into components of book club

MADISON – What does it take to start and grow a successful book club? Madison Public Library is hosting a Book Club Conference to define the necessary components.

The event, “Book Club Conference: How to Have an Engaging Book Discussion,” is scheduled for Jan. 19 from 2 to 3:30 p.m. in Auditorium 1. Authors Georgina Cross and Sarah Crouch will launch the New Year by networking with fellow readers and exploring book clubs. The conference is intended for adults (19 years old and older).

Cross, who writes suspense thrillers, and Crouch, a mystery author, will help participants learn about the ways to run a book discussion meeting that keeps everyone engaged. They will discuss how to incorporate a book’s characters, themes, plot and settings into a club’s discussion.

The presenters will share information on book clubs at Madison Public Library and in online resources, along with encouraging participants to explain the strategies of their book clubs.

Cross and Crouch will use their new titles, “My Perfect Husband” and “Middletide.” The authors will have copies of the books for sale at the event. “The time to start planning New Year’s resolutions is here. As frequent library-goers, we know that reading more books is on your 2025 list, and we want to help you reach your reading goals,” Julia Backmann said. Backmann works as Public Relations Assistant at Madison Public Library.

Backmann recommends joining a book club for one of the best ways to increase reading. The library system “has 40 book clubs to choose from. We have book clubs focusing on young adult novels, horror, romance, mystery, fantasy, classics and more.”

The library has a book club for people who prefer large-print books. Other groups meet at restaurants or in virtual groups that communicate from their homes.

Each club has different meeting times, locations and commitment levels to let a person choose the best fit with schedules. An individual can check out multiple clubs to get a feel for the group. “If you decide it isn’t for you, try out another until you find your perfect match,” Backmann said. “A book club is a great accountability partner on your reading journey, giving you a set date and time to finish your book or risk spoilers by attending,” Backmann said. “Moreover, clubs are a wonderful way to connect with other people who have similar interests.”

“Joining a book club may be the best New Year’s resolution. If your goal is to get reading or make new friends, consider joining,” Backmann said. For more information, visit hmcpl. org/bookclubs.

“Our annual Book Club Conference at Madison Public Library is where you can get more info about the (library system’s) book clubs and learn tips and tricks for running a successful book club on your own,” Backmann said.