Book Bites Club Creates a Strong Community of Readers

Danny Johnson

Seniors Aaliyah Johnson and Livvy Lambros discuss their most recent read in a Book Bites meeting.

Have you ever wanted a club that was fun, educational, and built around a strong community? Great Crossing High School has a club called “Book Bites” that provides a chance for students that enjoy reading to meet.

The Book Bites club meets monthly in the GCHS library on club days and is hosted by our library staff. The club has only met once this school year, but it is still accepting new members. The club usually meets during second period, and switches between navy and green days.

The club attracts quite a few students who love to read and have an interest in discussing books.. Even the quieter kids have a good time in the club when gathering and talking to others. “Often the stereotype is that people who read books are quiet, but when everyone gets together, everyone gets sociable and really helps build a community,” Lauren Feeback, the school librarian stated. “It really breaks them out of their shells.”

Kari Dascher is the library’s aide, and she assists with the club.  She enjoys the conversations that happens during meetings.  “I remember being taken back because our readers are usually quiet and more reserved, and it was amazing to see them all their true selves.  Very excited, very loud and you could tell they were just happy to find their people and share information about different books. Meeting with like-minded individuals gives other students confidence,” Dascher said.

The club usually has a visitor come in every year to talk to the students about literature, books, and publishing. Last year, Feeback brought in a local author to talk to the group. “Local author Kaitlyn Hill came and spoke to everyone. We also paired that with a creative writing class. She talks about how she got into publishing and how she got into her stories,” explained Feeback.

Every club meeting is different from the previous one. The club does many things as a group besides just reading. They play games, socialize, and just overall just have a good time. “You never know what to expect,” said Dascher.  “Of course we talk about books. Sometimes we play games, sometimes there is candy involved. Mostly book discussion. The group always has fun, and it’s nice to see the excitement over reading and sharing ideas about literature.”

Senior club member Maggie Cron, said “During our first meeting this year, we played a game of Scattergories. It was a really fun way to interact together as a club.“

Senior Caitlyn Reffet feels that the club helps her learn more in a way that doesn’t happen in a class. “We really have learned how to widen our horizons and perspectives with books and the people around us,” Reffet stated.

Dascher has similar thoughts about why the club is beneficial. “What I love the most about this group is that what students are coming here expecting to learn but what they find, it’s way beyond that. They make connections and friendships. If there was anyone who wanted to get plugged into a group that had an interest in reading, they definitely would be surprised by how much they can benefit and grow, just by being a part of this community.”

Feeback is always looking for ways to allow students to make decisions for the club so that it is tailored to their preferences. “In the first meeting, I just wanted to talk to everyone and make sure that we are doing what everyone wanted to do. I do want more authors to come in to talk about writing and publishing though, I think that would be good.”

Anyone who has an interest in the club, can talk to Feedback or Dascher in the library at any point in the day. Dascher believes anyone who comes will enjoy their time. “Time always goes way too fast; I’m never ready for it to end, and I don’t think the kids ever are either.”