Reading & Discussion Program
Questions and Answers
What is a reading and discussion program?
A complete program generally has from four to six individual programs, each focused on a book which the participants read before coming to the program. The books are chosen for their literary quality and relevance to the theme of the series. The theme is a topic of interest or concern to the community. The books are generally arranged in an order which explores best the theme and also puts the more difficult books last.
What does a program consist of?
Each program usually begins with a short background talk by a scholar of literature and continues in small discussion groups led by volunteer leaders from the community. A concluding session summarizes the reactions of the different groups to the book and the theme. The programs last between two and three hours and are usually two or three weeks apart.
Are people required to attend all the programs and read all the books?
No person seriously interested in the theme or book should not attend because he/she has not read the book or attended previous sessions. However, most people find that they get much more out of the programs and are better able to participate in the discussions when they have read the books. People may attend one, several, or all of the programs but should be encouraged to attend as many as possible since some comparison of books and development of the theme will be done at each program.
May we design our own theme and program or choose one already developed?
You may do either. When designing your own, it is a good idea to discuss various possibilities with library patrons and local scholars and teachers of literature; then review your series with Foundation staff before filling out the application. You may also select one of the themes and series listed in this document. These have been developed with the advice of librarians and scholars; several have been successfully done at other libraries. Again, it is a good idea to involve local people in the selection of a series.
When and where should we hold the program?
Ask people about the best season of year, day of the week, and time of day for the program. Often the winter and early spring are good times for such programs to counteract "cabin fever." The fall (up to Thanksgiving) is also a popular time. Weekday evenings at 7:00 or 7:30 are good choices, but Sunday afternoons (especially in winter) may be better for elderly participants. Hold the program in your library if you have an appropriate room. If not, programs have been successfully held in town halls, churches, community centers, and similar locations. Whenever possible, find a room which is accessible to the handicapped.
How do we find good speakers?
The Foundation has compiled a Scholars Directory for most of the programs we have developed. For a copy of this directory, please call Hayley Wood at the Foundation at (413) 584-8440.
Where do we get the books for the program?
Series are reserved by calling the Foundation's Resource Center Director, Hayley Wood, at (413) 584-8440. Please reserve the books before sending in the application for funding to the Foundation.
What will a series cost us?
Your first program will cost the library nothing. For the second program, the Foundation will fund only the scholars' fees. Support for additional programs will consist of half the scholars' fees. Since one purpose of these programs is to increase community support for library programming, we hope that local sources will provide part of the funding of further series.
How much work is involved for us?
All the planning as well as detailed information and model forms for publicity and administration of the program are provided. First, however, you will need to schedule the speakers and fill out the application form. Once the application is funded, you will want to involve people in carrying out the publicity, recruiting discussion leaders, selling or lending the books, hosting the programs, keeping records of money and volunteer work, and, at the end of the series, reporting to the Foundation. Much of this work can be delegated to a small committee of volunteers. A Schedule for Carrying Out a Reading and Discussion Program is included in the coordinator's guide available in the download library.
How can we be sure people will come?
Librarians continue to be amazed at the number and variety of people who attend these programs, many of whom are not regular library patrons. Large numbers, however, are not necessary for a successful program. The Publicity Plan which is included in the Coorinator's Guide will help you reach everyone who might want to attend, and encourage those who are doubtful to try it.
May we ask another group to cosponsor a program with the library?
Certainly. Involving other groups enlarges your pool of potential volunteers and also helps reach a larger and more varied audience than you could on your own. Good cosponsors are Chambers of Commerce, local recreation departments, senior citizen organizations, and women's clubs as well as Friends of the Library and other literary groups. Don't hesitate, also, to cosponsor with a nearby public or school library.
When should we apply?
Plan to submit your application at least three months before the series is scheduled to begin. Four months is even better. This gives you adequate time to publicize the program and to order books if needed.
You may submit an application at any time. Notification is immediate.
If we apply, what are our chances of success?
Quite good, if you have spent some time planning the series, reading the Coordinator's Guide, and filling out the application.
May we do more than one series?
Certainly. A document called Planning Future Programs in the Humanities is enclosed in the Coordinator's Guide, and contains information about funding and suggestions for continuing these and other programs.
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