Normally, the Patch Library is a quiet place.
Not on the last Wednesday of each month, however.
On these days, the conference room is filled with laughter and lively discussion and, instead of quieting the occupants, the librarian himself is leading the group.
The meeting is for the Patch Library Book Club, which focuses on reading and reviewing on a variety of authors and their literature.
During the hour-long meetings, club members praise and critique the works they read.
Members of the club read one “work book” and one “fun book.” per month.
The Army European Library System supports the book club through its “Books in a Box” program. This program sends Army Europe libraries a box filled with 10 or more books and a guidebook, which offers discussion topics and analyses on particular books.
The book club was started two years ago to offer community members the chance to meet with one another, be introduced to new authors, analyze literature and offer their own views on the books.
Many members use the book club as an opportunity to get out in the community. “I came to meet people,” said Elizabeth Gortan.
The book club currently consists of 12 members, with around six to eight members attending per meeting.
“We’re planning on introducing a young adult book club and science fiction book club” said Thomas Edgar, the Patch Library librarian and leader of the club meetings.
“If there is enough interest, I’d like to also introduce an Anime and graphic novel club as well,” he added.
The Patch Library Book Club meets on the last Wednesday of every month at 6 p.m. The Young Adult Book Club will have its first meeting March 16 from 4-5 p.m. and the Science Fiction Book Club will meet for the first time March 18 from 6-7 p.m.
For more information, e-mail thomas.b.edgar@eur.army.mil or Patch_book_club@groups.yahoo.mil.
