Discussion Groups

Page Turners Book Discussion Group

This lively discussion group typically meets on the 1st Tuesday of each month at 1 p.m. in the Schoolhouse. The reading selections are mostly fiction choices–with a sprinkling of non-fiction and classics–with an emphasis on books appealing to an eclectic taste as well as those with interesting points of discussion. This group runs September through June. Registration is not required and drop-ins are welcome. Copies of the discussion book are available in the library to check out at the circulation desk a month prior to discussion. For more information or Zoom login details contact: Tamara Dalton  [email protected]

This year’s theme is “Award Winning Books”: Catch up on some of the Pulitzer Prize, Kirkus Review, National Book, etc. award winners you may have missed or may want to read again!

2020-2021 Page Turners Reading List and Meeting Dates:

September 1, 2020 Tinkers, by Paul Harding, 2010 Pulitzer Prize for Fiction (191 p., 2009) (Review by Karen G.)
October 6, 2020 The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie, 2007 National Book Award winner ( 229 p., 2007)
November 3, 2020 Salvage the Bones by Jesmyn Ward, 2011 National Book Award ( 288 p., 2011) (Review by Sarah H.)
December 1, 2020 Breathing Lessons by Anne Tyler, 1988 Pulitzer Prize for Fiction (336 p., 1988) (Review by Deb D.)
January 5, 2021 The Shipping News by E. Annie Proulx, 1993 National Book Award, 1994 Pulitzer Prize (337 p., 1993) (Review by Kathy M.)
February 4, 2020 Severance by Ling Ma, Kirkus Prize 2018 (297 p., 2018) (Review by Tamara D.)
March 3, 2020 How I Live Now by Meg Rosoff, 2005 Printz Award for YA Fiction (194 p., 2004) (Review by Kathleen H.)
April 6, 2020 The Overstory by Richard Powers, 2019 Pulitzer Prize for Fiction (502 p., 2018)
May 5, 2020 A Visit from the Goon Squad by Jennifer Egan, 2010 Pulitzer Prize for Fiction (273 p., 2010)
June 2, 2020 Afternoon Tea and Book Swap (location TBD)

 


Insatiable Readers Book Discussion Group

THIS GROUP IS CANCELLED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE
Spend an enjoyable evening at the Norfolk Public Library with people who share similar interests and are passionate about reading. Formerly the History Book Discussion Group, this participant-run adult discussion group focuses on non-fiction selections, with some historical fiction titles thrown in, that are of both historical and contemporary interest. New members are always welcome to attend. Copies of the discussion book are available in the library to check out at the circulation desk a month prior to discussion.

This group typically meets on the 2nd Thursday of each month at 7 p.m. in the Schoolhouse. This group runs September through June.

For more information contact: Jane Hoffman    [email protected]


Great Decisions

Developed by the Foreign Policy Association, the Great Decisions Discussion Program is designed to bring millions of Americans together in study groups to discuss, debate and learn about compelling issues of the day. Prepare for the discussion by viewing a short video, reading a few brief articles, then discussing and debating timely national and international issues.

For more information contact: Ralphael Maliakal        [email protected]


Read It & Eat It: A Cookbook Discussion Group

Join NPL staff and others who share a passion for cookbooks to discuss and sample the fares of some today’s more celebrated cookbook titles.  Copies of the selected title(s) will be available for checkout at the circulation desk weeks prior to the discussion. After we have all had a chance to peruse and perhaps sample some of the recipes at home, we will meet in the library to share our thoughts and samplings prepared from the selected title(s). Although, bringing a prepared dish is not required, it is encouraged. Registration is required.

This group meets on Thursday evening at 7:00 pm, every 6 weeks, September through June.

For more information contact: Sarina Bluhm       [email protected]


A Taste of Poetry

1st Tuesday of the month at 11:30am (meetings will take place virtually until further notice)

Bring your lunch and an appetite for poetry. Each month we look at few poems by a well-known poet. We provide copies of the poems and lead a discussion after reading them. All are welcome. Registration is required. Once you register, a PDF of poet and poems to review before discussion as well as a link to join the virtual discussion will be sent to you a few days in advance of the meeting.

2020-2021 Meeting Dates & Poets:

September 1, 2020: Kim Addonizio
October 6, 2020: Robert Frost
November 3, 2020: Lucille Clifton
December 1, 2020: Wendell Berry
January 5, 2021: Rupi Kaur
February 2, 2021: Seamus Heaney
March 2, 2021: Donika Kelly
April 6, 2021: Simon J. Ortiz
May 4, 2021: Aimee Nezhukumatathil
June 1, 2021: Clint Smith

For more information contact: Tamara Dalton  [email protected]

Looking for something? Search below.