“The Oprah Show,” “The Today Show” and other popular TV shows and magazines have made book clubs trendy and attracted millions back to the joy of reading. Libraries of the Middlesex Automation Consortium (LMxAC) make holding a book discussion as easy as checking out a kit. Member libraries have combined their resources for a system wide collection of 50 kits that provide everything in one bag that book clubs need for a great discussion: 10 copies of the book and a packet of information about the author and discussion questions.
Librarians can also recommend websites to build, improve and maintain successful book discussion groups. Some clubs even share a themed meal or dessert that complements the book.
Each Book Discussion Kit is loaned for 35 days and can be renewed one time. Library card holders from towns that are part of the LMxAC library consortium can place a hold on a book discussion kit from home or their local library and pick up the book discussion bag at the Monroe Library or their hometown library. The book discussion bags can be returned to any LMxAC member library. Holds may also be placed on a book title if it is currently being used by another group, just as if it were an individual book.
The consortium currently consists of libraries in Edison, Jamesburg, Long Branch, Matawan-Aberdeen, Metuchen, Middlesex, Middlesex County College, Milltown, Monroe, North Brunswick, Old Bridge, Red Bank, Sayreville, South Brunswick, South River and Spotswood.