In a year when everyone has to socially distance and patrons could not check out physical books for nearly four months, book groups bucked the pandemic by adapting and bringing people together online in new and innovative ways.
The King County Library System (KCLS) offers book groups for all ages and interests, ranging from the Quarantine Cocktail Book Club to the Harry Potter Social Distancing Book Group. Other popular groups have included Cat Chats; Reading with Rover; Shoreline All-Ages Socially Distant Book Club; the Kenmore Kids Socially Distant Book Club; the Pandemic-Themed Teen Book Club and Pizza and Pages. More book groups are planned for the fall.
The Quarantine Cocktail Book Club was particularly notable. Trying to find some humor amid a mandated lockdown, KCLS librarians arranged Zoom meetings so patrons could share their favorite reads while discussing (and drinking) their preferred beverages. Though the latter was optional, the pairing of books with themed cocktails proved a big hit. Over 100 adults participated during the seven-week book group, averaging about 15 per class, and many became digital friends.
KCLS Librarian Mie-Mie W. hosted each Zoom session, inviting speakers with bartending or mixology expertise. One session, themed “The Desperation and the Comfort,” featured Bobby Wood, Washington state’s first, and the world’s fourteenth, Advanced Cicerone.™ A bartender and Cicerone, beer’s equivalent of a wine sommelier, Wood educated viewers on the finer points of craft beer and cocktails, providing tips and recipes.
Book group members had fun comparing notes, sharing their interests and developing a greater appreciation for various books as well as beer styles. One man asked what a “Pickleback” was while discussing a book on mass extinction, while another said he loved science fiction, but not bitters. One woman touted both English author Dorothy Sayers and Belgian beer. Heads nodded in agreement over classics like Anne of Green Gables, and the need to avoid dark or depressing stories because of COVID-19. But they learned how to make “Dark and Stormy” cocktails.
“The group saved me, really,” said S. Regimbal, who enjoyed the wide-ranging conversations with fellow bibliophiles.
“At a time when the world seemed like it was falling apart, it was a way for people to connect,” she said. “I needed to connect during COVID. The group was really fun, and reminded me that there’s still life during a pandemic.”
She added: “I don’t drink; the group wasn’t so much about the alcohol, it was about being big readers.”
J. Pellegrino agreed.
“It absolutely helped me cope with COVID,” she said. “It brought me together with people I may have never socialized with, and who recommended books I decided to read and wanted to discuss. I really looked forward to every Wednesday.”
Pellegrino praised KCLS for offering the group, and Wu for being “a fantastic facilitator.”
“Mie-Mie made me feel welcome,” she said. “She is so knowledgeable and offered a lot of resources. Anything she puts together, I’m in!”
B. Root was another “regular” who longed for socialization while sheltering in place.
“The cocktail book club was a welcome respite,” Root said. “After months of quarantine, it was exciting and entertaining. I’m not much of a drinker, but I did learn a thing or two about proper bartending. Mostly, I enjoyed the book talks. I met some new folks online, and when we have a vaccine, I hope to meet them in person.”
Regimbal summarized it well: “It made a community. It was a fabulous experience, and I hope it continues!”
