The Review Magazine : May-June 2022

Northern Field Report

CRYSTAL FALLS pop. 1,598

U.P. Notable Books Book Club

Beginnings In 2020, the Crystal Falls Community District Library participated in Summer Scares, a reading program that provides libraries and schools with an annual list of recommended horror titles for adult, young adult (teen), and middle grade readers. The goal is to introduce new authors and help librarians start conversations with readers that will extend beyond the books from each list and promote reading for years to come (American Library Association 2018). The program included a wonderful guide, and the organizers were very helpful in assisting libraries with author chats. When library patrons got to meet and have discussions on Zoom with the authors of the books they had just read, they were so excited—they asked for more opportunities like this. “The adults involved did not want to quit this type of book club where you get to meet and talk with the authors,” said Crystal Falls Community District Library Director Evelyn Gathu. Partnering to Create a U.P. Author Book Club Later in the year, Gathu read about a list of books by U.P. authors in her local paper. The list—U.P. Notable Books List—was created by the editors of the U.P. Reader and UPPAA (Upper Peninsula Publishers and Authors Association). UPPAA board member Mike Classen explained that he initiated the effort as a response to the lack of representation of U.P. writers in other state literary circles. Classen said, “Traditionally, recognition of Michigan books has been dominated by the university presses downstate and we would like to take this opportunity to highlight literature that focuses closer to home for us.” (UPPAA 2020) Gathu approached UPPAA President Victor R. Volkman about using the list to create a virtual book club of Upper Peninsula authors. He was thrilled with the idea. The plan was to host monthly virtual book club meetings via Zoom, where local authors would interact with readers in the community. Presentations include author readings, a conversation on the making of the book, and a live Q&A with the audience. The library and UPPAA decided to pay authors $150 per session and divide the cost.

When Gathu contacted the authors, most were really excited to participate. There were 10 books on the first U.P. Notable Books list, and eight of those authors agreed to speak via Zoom with readers. Some authors planned to give their talk with an audience at their hometown library. Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, following the CDC guideline for gatherings and adjusted accordingly. At a minimum, the authors offered to host their talk from their homes. “…when you get to meet them on Zoom, it’s just so neat, because they’re real people and they have real interests,” Gathu said. (TV 6, December 30, 2020) Ready—Set—Zoom In 2021, the U.P. Notable Books Book Club was launched. The first flyer for the U.P. Notable Book Club pronounced: Read Books—Zoom with Authors—Get Educated and Entranced by Michigan’s beautiful Upper Peninsula. The participation was phenomenal. People from all over the country took part, with up to 53 households participating per club meeting. The library and UPPAA continued their partnership into a second year and nine authors are participating. Year two started September 9, 2021 and ends May 12, 2022. The club encourages members to check the featured books out from their local library, or if buying, to please consider supporting their local, independent bookstore. “’While many libraries were closed during the COVID-19 surge, and suffering from a disconnect from their patrons, our library actually grew…’” EVELYN GATHU, CRYSTAL FALLS COMMUNITY DISTRICT LIBRARY DIRECTOR

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38 THE REVIEW

MAY / JUNE 2022