Monday, February 2, 2015

KCK Public Library launches online book club

KANSAS CITY, KAN. – The Kansas City, Kansas Public library has launched its first ever completely online book club.

Designed for book-lovers who want to enjoy the books and discuss at their own pace, the book club will be solely hosted on the library’s eCommunity site and have no scheduled meetings.  It will feature video introductions to the books, interactive elements, and easy online commenting.


All books will be available for instant download as audiobooks through the eCommunity site.

“We picked titles that are not only great reads, but would be available for members when they needed them, with no wait," said Book club host Carmen Hannon-Patton. "With the at-your-own-pace nature of the book club, it was important for us that it be instantly accessible, convenient, and appealing to digital users. This is a book club for people who love to great stories, but might not have the time or ability to wait for a book to come in and then meet in-person.  This way, they can participate on their own terms.”

The library also carries print copies and one ebook copy for most of the books.

Named Youngbloods, the book club will feature popular and engrossing young adult titles that are sure to appeal to adult readers.

“YA is becoming more and more popular with adults," said Hannon-Patton  "I love YA.  If it’s dystopian or a paranormal romance, I am there!  We picked a variety of titles – fantasy, realistic, romance, adventure – that are great for all readers and sure to spawn wonderful discussions.  I can’t wait to hear what our members have to say about the books.”

A new title will be announced each month.  The first pick will be The Raven Boys by Maggie Stiefvater: For as long as she can remember, Blue Sargent has been warned that she will cause her true love to die. Despite being surrounded by a family of psychics, she never thought this would really be a problem.

That is, until she meets Gansey and his group of private school friends – the Raven Boys. The boys are on a quest to discover and waken the mythical Welsh sleeping king, Glendower.  Blue is drawn to Gansey and the other boys in a way she can’t quite explain.

As her life becomes more and more caught up in the strange and sinister world of the Raven Boys, she's not so sure of anything anymore.

If you knew someone’s future, would you tell him?

To join Youngbloods, visit http://ecommunity.kckp.org/youngbloods.html.  For more information, email kwoolery@kckpl.org or call 913-279-2106.