I attended the Irlam Library Community Book Club on Tuesday 20th February. It was 'new book day' and there was a lot of excitement and curiosity about what it was going to be. I always enjoy visiting the group as they are always so welcoming and chatty. When I first visited them last year I came away with a book recommendation, as they had just finished reading 'Where the Crawdads Sing' by Delia Owens. I went and got a copy and I couldn’t put it down. It was a good story and I was pleased to report back that I had really enjoyed it.
The Irlam Library Community Book Club started in 2019 as the 'Reading group' with the help of the Health Improvement Team. They paused their face-to-face meetings during the pandemic but managed to keep in touch with each other sharing book recommendations and tips to get them through the difficult time during lockdown. They relaunched after lockdown and started to meet again every third Tuesday of the month at 10am for an hour.
The group work closely with the library to make a schedule for the year of the books they would like to read. This is a mix of recommendations from the librarians and from the group members, so there is lots of variation. They get a new book each month which is delivered to the library. One group member said “I’ve read loads of books I would never normally had picked up”.
The meetings are very informal and relaxed, they get together over a brew and discuss the book from the previous month. They talk about what was good, or bad, the theme or characters. As Kerry and I chatted about the group, she mentioned that there is no pressure to finished a book, maybe you don’t have time or you don’t like it and that’s absolutely fine. If you don’t like a book, maybe read something else and then come to the meeting and talk about that instead. They are always looking for recommendations and enjoy swapping books too. There is always lots to chat about and if you are still in the middle of reading a book they promise “no spoilers”.
The group also enjoyed a trip to Eccles Library to hear a talk from author David Nolan about the Manc Noir trilogy set in and around Manchester which they found very interesting and is something they would like to do more of.
In 2022 some of the members of the Book Club spotted an opportunity to create a lovely outdoor space to read in when the weather is nice. Irlam Library has a small courtyard and a larger garden at the back. These members worked with Salford CVS to form FOIL (Friends of Irlam Library). The group has worked hard to apply for funding to clear the land, add planters and pots and seating areas that people can use to relax in. Both areas have been transformed and there are always plenty of opportunities to get involved with some gardening too.
Both groups are always open to new members and are very friendly and welcoming. Their social media pages are really interesting and are kept up to date by the group members. You can visit them here Irlam Library Community Book Club and Friends of Irlam Library.
Read their blog and see photos at: Irlam Library Community Book Club (wordpress.com)
There are a number of book clubs in Salford Libraries. Why not check out your local library to see when your next meeting is? You can find the list here Reading Groups - SCL (salfordcommunityleisure.co.uk)
Recommended Reads by the group members
- For a feel-good book - Away with the Penguins by Hazel Prior
- For an easy read with some mystery - The Rose Code by Kate Quinn
- For those up for a challenging read - A prayer for Owen Meany by John Irving
If you would like to learn more about the groups or get in touch you can do so via their social media and they will get back to you.
You can also get in touch with Jane Williams at jane.williams@salfordcvs.co.uk and she can put you in touch with the group.