The Whistler Public Library might host programs every weekday night, but for Jeanette Bruce, one monthly event is a highlight: the Community Book Club.
“This is a bold statement, but I think it’s my favourite program—and we run a lot of programs,” says Bruce, program coordinator with the library. “From a work perspective, it’s really rewarding, but I’ve also met a lot of amazing people through the book club. Hopefully they would say the same thing.”
The Community Book Club first started in July 2015 as a partnership between the library and Armchair Books, with the independent bookstore still serving as a partner today. Back then, Bruce was working at the store and would come to the library to help with the club.
“Then I started working at the library, which was very convenient,” she adds.
Each month, she faces a massive task—choosing the book. Generally, she sticks to two overarching rules. The book has to have been out for more than a year and be available in paperback—mostly to ensure its accessibility.
Other than that, she looks at a range of topics and genres. “We try not to shy away from race, gender, LGBTQ issues,” Bruce says. “Those issues that are real and existing in our world right now, I love digging my teeth into those books. It’s always worthwhile.”
Often, she adds, people end up reading books they never would’ve selected on their own.
It might seem surprising, but books with mixed reviews are often the best book club picks. “Usually a book that’s universally loved is a boring discussion,” she explains. “The ones that have a really interesting, juicy discussion are polarizing books that half the crowd hates and half loves. By the end, we’ve met in the middle. The people who come have such compelling things to say, it’s very persuasive.”
Book club members come and go throughout the year, but the numbers tend to grow in the winter months to around 20. While ages have become more diverse over the last four years, the gender of participants has not.
“The white whale for book clubs is getting dudes to come,” Bruce says. “I would love to have more guys coming, but I’m not going to reinvent the wheel. I’m over the idea that men and women have to read different books. I’m letting them come to us.”
That said, there have been a few men in attendance over the years, but one in particular stands out. “Last year we had an awesome guy who was 23 years old,” Bruce says. “He came every month regardless of the book. Sadly he left Whistler, but he approached me before he left and said, ‘The next place I end up in my journeys I’m going to look for a book club.’ If you’re a dude, don’t be afraid, you’re welcome to come.”
Currently, the club is reading the 2017 National Book Award winner Sing, Unburied, Sing. The next meeting is set for Wednesday, Feb. 27 in the library’s Fireplace Lounge at 7 p.m. No registration is required. The book can be borrowed from the library or purchased at Armchair Books (with 15 per cent off for book club members).
“I know several of our attendees would say if you’re new to town and looking to meet people, it’s a great way to do it,” Bruce says. “(You) meet likeminded people. They like to read, they’re insightful readers. The social aspect is an important one.”
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