All book discussion groups at Forbes Library are drop-in and open to anyone with an interest.
You may place holds on upcoming book discussion titles for yourself, or contact the library for assistance. We suggest placing holds a month or more in advance of the discussion date to allow adequate transit and reading time. Most book discussion titles are available in alternate formats for your convenience.
Afternoon Book Discussion
Third Friday of the month at 1 PM
This is an informal librarian-led hour long discussion. The reading selections are mostly fiction choices with a sprinkling of non-fiction, genre fiction, and classics with an emphasis on books appealing to an eclectic taste as well as those with interesting points of discussion. Tea and light refreshments are served. See selected titles for our upcoming meetings.
The Great Books
Third Monday of the Month at 6:30 PM
The Great Books discussion is structured in a think tank environment with the intention of gaining insight from other readers that one would not have by reading alone. See selected titles for our upcoming meetings.
Herstory Book Discussion
Second Wednesday of the month at 7 PM
To elevate the voices of women in American history, a new book club is being offered by the The Calvin Coolidge Presidential Library and Museum. The inspiration for the club, Herstory: Women in American History, came from some members of the museum’s Presidential Book Club, who expressed a desire to read more about the context of historical figures, and to hear from and about the women involved in the building of our nation.
Selections in the book club will include biographies of women interspersed with texts on significant periods in American history. This way, book club members can place the women they read about in context and gain a fuller understanding of their challenges and achievements.
Mystery Book Discussion
Fourth Monday of the month at 7 PM
Casual discussion with other mystery readers. See selected titles for our upcoming meetings.
Nature and Environment Book Club
Second Wednesday of the Month at 6:30 PM
The Nature and Environment Book Club is a group devoted to the best of nature writing and environmental reporting with discussions on the second Wednesday of each month. Readers and writers interested in books ranging from such classics as Annie Dillard’s Pilgrim at Tinker Creek to topical reportage like Elizabeth Kolbert’s The Sixth Extinction will want to join the conversation.
Paradise City Readers
First Monday of the month at 6:30 PM
Respectful, queer / LGBT-friendly, easy-going bunch who want an excuse to get out more and talk about books. See selected titles for our upcoming meetings.
Presidents Book Group
Fourth Monday at 7:30 PM (skips August and December)
Join the Calvin Coolidge Presidential Library & Museum’s Presidential Book Group to deepen your understanding of the American Presidency. We are tracing the history of the presidency, beginning with George Washington, and watching how American democracy evolved in ways the Founders never anticipated. We examine how presidents, both celebrated and forgotten, grappled with slavery, economics, executive power and America’s role in the world. We also broaden our knowledge of Coolidge, how he determined the course of the modern Republican Party, and where his presidency fits in the American story.
Sci-Fi and Fantasy Discussion
First Wednesday of the month at 6:30 PM
Anyone interested in Science Fiction or Fantasy is welcome. Although we focus on this month’s selection, we will discuss any topics related to Science Fiction or Fantasy, books or movies. See selected titles for our upcoming meetings.–>
Second Mondays Book Discussion
Second Monday of the month at 6:30 PM
A book discussion group for those who love literature and lively discussion. Come if you love the book, come if you hate it, come if you’re not sure how you feel!
Social Justice Book Discussion
Third Friday of the month at 3:00 PM
We strive to learn more about the world outside our own bubbles. We read both nonfiction and fiction on timely topics and in our discussions try to challenge our own assumptions without judging one another.
