Tag book club

A black and white photo of the author, wearing glasses and a big hat, from the middle of his nose up sits under the title, where the word "song" in multi-colored stripes.

Musical Mondays

Tony B Leave a comment
A black and white photo of the author, wearing glasses and a big hat, from the middle of his nose up sits under the title, where the word "song" in multi-colored stripes.

by Tony B.

2nd Mondays, 6 – 7 pm
HCLS Miller Branch
Registration encouraged.

Music has been an integral part of my life, and I consider it almost like a second language full of nuance and strange etymology. From cello and bass lessons in middle and high school, exploring other strings and voice in college, to finding a new prog band, music has always been a mainstay for me. Making a habit of falling down musical “rabbit holes” exposes me to all kinds of new musical vocab, including some really inventive genre bends and blends. Fun stuff like modern metal mixed with Japanese instrumentation , or EDM with classical samples. Much like how books can transport you to another place and time and travel abroad can expose you to more of humanity, I think that a widely cast net of musical experiences can benefit the listener in similar ways. 

The universal nature of music is one of the many facets that we will explore in Musical Mondays, HCLS’ new music-centric book club. If you’ve ever had a song give you goosebumps, wondered how music affects the brain, or thought about expanding your own musical vocabulary, then come to Musical Mondays! Whether you are a professional musician, avid car singer, or just enraptured by music like so many of us are, I can’t wait to hear your experiences. Bring song recommendations as well! 

Musical Mondays meets the second Monday of each month, from 6-7 pm at HCLS Miller Branch. We will read both nonfiction and fiction titles, the first of which is How to Write One Song by Jeff Tweedy. Tweedy is best known as the lead singer/songwriter of Wilco and has written several books about music and the creative process. You can pick up copies of the book at the branch.

Sep 8: How to Write One Song by Jeff Tweedy, lead singer and songwriter of hit band Wilco
Oct 13: The Violin Conspiracy by Brendan Slocumb
Nov 10: Anatomy of a Song by Marc Myers

Tony is an Instructor and Research Specialist at HCLS Miller Branch. He has a degree in history, started playing cello in third grade, and enjoys reading science fiction and fantasy.

Members of the Noontime Bookclub stand on the steps at HCLS Central Branch, each holding a book and the group leader holding a clock set for noon.

Celebrating 85 Years of HCLS: A Tribute to Noontime Books and the Fictionista Legacy 

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Members of the Noontime Bookclub stand on the steps at HCLS Central Branch, each holding a book and the group leader holding a clock set for noon.
The Noontime Book Club is the longest running book club in the HCLS system. They gather at HCLS Central Branch.

by Wendy C.

As Howard County Library System (HCLS) celebrates its 85th birthday this year, I’ve found myself flipping through a mental scrapbook—page after page of memories and moments since I first started in 2010. It’s been a rich and satisfying journey, filled with more book recommendations than I could count and some of the most passionate readers and coworkers one could hope to know. When I became an Instructor and Research Specialist at the Central Branch, I landed in a dream team of literary champions affectionately known as the Fictionistas. These were (and still are!) some of the most brilliant book minds around. They mentored me, encouraged me, and perhaps most importantly, welcomed me into their bookish fold. 

One of the most meaningful invitations came early on when I was asked to help facilitate Noontime Book Club, lovingly known as Noontime Books. This wasn’t just any club. It was founded in 1993 as Noontime With Books by Marge Trautman, a true trailblazer and the OG Fictionista. Community members were encouraged to come on their lunch breaks, eat, and talk about books. Marge had retired by the time I came on the scene, but her influence lingered in every discussion circle and on every dog-eared reading list. 

Marge recently passed away at the age of 81. While we are saddened by her loss, we are comforted knowing that her spirit is alive and well in the very club she started. Month after month, rain or shine, in-person or virtual, some members have been showing up for over a decade, testament to the powerful sense of community and curiosity Marge helped spark. There’s something incredibly special about gathering midday to unpack a story together, be it mystery, memoir, or modern classic. Noontime Books isn’t just about reading. It’s about connecting, questioning, and sharing a slice of life over lunch and literature. 

So as we celebrate HCLS’s incredible 85-year journey, I tip my hat to the Fictionistas, to Marge, and to every reader who ever leaned in a little closer during book club to say, “Wait, did anyone else notice that part? 

Click for a listing of all the HCLS book clubs that have meetings soon, and many more return in September.

Wendy Camassar is an Instructor and Research Specialist at the HCLS Central Branch and facilitates Noontime Books discussion group. In her spare time, she enjoys reading fiction, thrifting, and volunteering for Success In Style at Savage Mill. 

A face appears behind and between swashes of color in cool blues, greens, and oranges.

New: Equity Resource Center & Collection Virtual Book Club

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A face appears behind and between swashes of color in cool blues, greens, and oranges.

by Dr. Kelly Clark

Black Cake by Charmaine Wilkerson
Available in print, e-book, and e-audiobook formats
Tue, Aug 12 | 7 – 8:30 pm
Register to receive link to online session: bit.ly/Required-Reading-ERCC

Required Reading: Texts for Change is a new quarterly book club for readers who care about equity, community, and meaningful conversation. It’s for anyone who’s curious, committed to learning, and ready to grow—no matter where you’re starting from.

Each season, our group gathers around a thought-provoking book that invites us to see the world—and one another—a little differently. These are texts that challenge assumptions, offer fresh perspectives, and help us think more deeply about equity in our lives, our work, and the communities we live in.
Howard County is a beautifully diverse place, home to people of many cultures, backgrounds, and experiences. And like many communities, we still face real challenges around access, opportunity, and belonging. Take advantage of the chance to slow down, reflect, and strengthen the ability to show up for one another with empathy and intention.

Read three nonfiction books throughout the year and one fiction title each summer—something lighter to make space for joy, imagination, and connection. Some of these books will stretch us. That’s the point. Growth happens when we’re willing to sit with complexity and listen deeply—to authors and to each other.

Our first title is Black Cake by Charmaine Wilkerson, which is one of those books that subtly teaches you things about the world that you didn’t know – like the history of Chinese indentured servants in the Caribbean or that surfing isn’t the sole proprietary sport of blond dudes in California. Inspired by her own multi-ethnic Caribbean roots, author Charmaine Wilkerson manages to weave a history lesson seamlessly into a heart-tugging tale of family secrets.

Written in bite-sized chapters that move from past to present and back again, the story is woven together like grandma’s quilt. A little bit of love pinned here, a little bit of pain there. While the new ERCC book club will focus mostly on nonfiction titles, summers will be reserved for fictional getaways. Black Cake is the perfect inaugural book. Enough drama and intrigue to keep you hooked, while sharpening the mind and deepening the senses for of those committed to equity work in our own community.

Dr. Clark is the Chief Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging Officer at Howard County Library System.

An illustration shows two female fantasy creatures making coffee, with a counter full of pastries in front.

Brand New Book Club Alert!

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An illustration shows two female fantasy creatures making coffee, with a counter full of pastries in front.

Between the Lines
Third Fridays; 5 – 6 pm
Brewing Good at Savage Mill
Register for emails and updates.

by Sahana C.

Let me know if you can relate, but my attention span has been pretty garbage lately, to be frank. It makes reading harder, and it makes some of my old favorite genres, tropes, and go-tos feel tedious. It makes it hard to motivate myself, when there’s so much on streaming, and my phone is just barely out of reach.  

So recently, the best way I’ve found to get out of my reading slumps is to switch it up. And in the wake of world events over the past few years, I’ve been trying to intentionally read more diversely and to see as many different perspectives as I can through the books I choose. I’ve managed to read some really interesting things, venturing outside of my comfort zone (and it makes giving recommendations, a whole lot easier!). 

Something I love to do when I’m reading something I’m not familiar with, whether my lack of familiarity be related to genre or to the topics and themes in the book, is to try to figure out what in my life can relate. I always ask myself what exists in my life that mirrors this, or if there’s nothing that’s familiar, I try to learn as much as I can about the subject.  

Against a red background, a blue block print of a woman's profile showls long har, with a fish tail embedded.

My favorite book of 2022, for example, was about sapphic Norwegian “witches” from 1621. The Mercies by Killan Millwood Hargrave gave me a lot of context to a witch trial I didn’t even know existed, as well as introduced me to the Sámi people, an indigenous group that spans Scandinavia. Shortly after, I read a cheesy friends-to-lovers novel that had me thinking about the romance in The Mercies all over again. I love doing stuff like that, and I know a lot of people who do, too. Here at the branch, we discuss it among ourselves, as staff, but we kept talking about how fun it would be to do as a book club.

Which is why we’re all here now! In this brand new book club, I’m really hoping that we can make connections. We’ll read books of all sorts, from sci-fi, poetry, historical fiction and romances, to nonfiction, biographies, then more fiction. I really want to discuss the similarities and differences, the intersections and identities, the ways that genre and form show up and make each work.  

Between the Lines is going to be hosted at Brewing Good, at the Savage Mill, and we’re incredibly excited for this partnership. It’s a fantastic setting for a book club, with the cutest café and sitting area. We’ll discuss our book of the month on the third Friday of the month, from 5-6, but come by a bit earlier to grab something to eat or drink, and we’ll settle in slowly.  

We’re kicking off with a fun one this summer: Legends & Lattes by Travis Baldree is about an orc who is done with all of the violence of her life and is ready to start a new life, opening up a coffee shop (are you seeing why we picked this book?) while trying to stay on her new path, regardless of distractions.  

Pick up a copy at the Savage Branch, read the e-book through Libby, or peruse the copies that are already at Brewing Good – either way, we hope to see you on July 21.  

Register for emails and updates.

Sahana is an Instructor and Research Specialist at the Savage Branch. They enjoy adding books to their “want to read” list despite having a mountain of books waiting for them already.

Man in jeans and grey T-shirt leans up against a brick wall reading an open book.

Veterans Book Group: A Journey

Rohini G. Leave a comment
The mostly blue cover features a an illustration of people gathering at the Vietnam Veterans Wall, drawn in the primitive style.

by Rohini G.

Last year we embarked on a powerful journey of connection through reading and discussion among veterans in Howard County. This journey continues in 2021. Our facilitator, David Owens, USNA Class of ‘94, shares his thoughts in a candid interview.    

David, you are a former Naval officer and an entrepreneur with your own media production company. You are also the facilitator of a Veterans Book Group (VBG) at the library. Tell us more about all these different hats that you don so effortlessly.  

I do indeed juggle a lot, but I love it! I want to be someone who makes communities better, and thus volunteering (Veterans Reading Group, etc.) makes me feel more satisfied. I’m a graduate of the United States Naval Academy and spent six years active duty stationed at Naval Station San Diego. I was also a news reporter for 15 years after leaving the service. 

Running a small business has been one of the most rewarding things I’ve done, and much of the success of the company centers on human connecting and teambuilding. I learned many of those skills in the military and try to bring those abilities to the reading group as well.  

The Veterans Book Group was a first for Howard County Library System and a first for you. What prompted you to take on this role? 

First of all, I love this reading group, and I hope it continues! I wanted to be involved in the group because I love to read, and I like listening to other people’s opinions on things. This has been the best of both worlds for me! We all read the same book, yet we sometimes have different perspectives, which helps us all grow. Additionally, it is awesome to meet new people and connect with them. 

What makes a Veterans Book Group different from other book groups? 

Just by the nature of the job, military members tend to have experience working in high intense environments with diverse groups of people. I believe those experiences facilitate deeper discussions in our group. I also believe there is increased sensitivity and empathy among the members because we understand some have had life-altering experiences during their service/lives. As for the readings, we are a relaxed group that gives members plenty of time to read all the books. 

Would you like to share any special memories or experiences from last year’s VBG? 

Last year we were honored to have author Madeline Mysko (Bringing Vincent Home) join us for a session. She was so gracious, and having her talk about how the book was really a reflection of her own experiences brought a realness factor to our discussion.  

I would be remiss if I didn’t mention Covid-19. Our group initially met in person, then held our final few meetings virtually. Howard County Library and Maryland Humanities were great at adjusting on the fly. Being able to remain connected to people brought positive energy for me, and provided a bit of normal human interaction during such a difficult time. 

I understand that participants at VBG read novels, short stories, articles, and just about every format. What was your favorite story, book or excerpt from what you read last year? 

Again, I have to give a lot of kudos to Howard County Library and Maryland Humanities because they work hard to assist the facilitators in selecting a good cross-section of books. Bringing Vincent Home was my favorite. The characters in her story were so identifiable and really hit home for me. I honestly had to remind myself on several occasions that it was actually a novel.  

You are embarking on another journey with VBG in 2021. What are your plans for this year? How are you feeling about it? 

I am really excited about the diversity of subjects in this year’s books. We will explore issues with the VA (Dead Soldier by Carmelo Rodriguez), as well as a few eras that might not get read as much (Korean War and Civil War). We are also planning to invite authors to our discussions; in fact, Carmelo Rodriguez has expressed a desire to speak with us. I’m looking forward to the journey, and I know the group is going to have a lot of great discussions and connections! 

The Veterans Book Group 2021 starts on February 2. For more information and to register, click HERE.