Check out our Reading Group Kits!
Do you belong to a book discussion group? Are you considering starting a book group...
- in your neighborhood
- at your church
- with your friends
- ...or in a retirement center?
Your library has ready-to-go, instant book discussion kits that are available for you! Once your book group
has decided on a title, stop by the Reference desk on the second floor to sign up or call the Reference desk
at 584-8503. Each kit is put in a canvas bag and is ready for checkout by your group's contact person.
Each Reading Group Kit Contains:
- Ten paperback copies of a title.
- Suggested discussion questions for the book
- Background information about the author and the book
- Author interviews and other book-related information
Guidelines for Using Reading Group Kits
The Saratoga Springs Public Library maintains reading group kits which may be used by community groups and
agencies, subject to the following guidelines approved by the Library board of trustees:
- Kits are available to groups with individuals who have a valid library card, are in good standing, and
are citizens of the Saratoga Springs Enlarged City School District.
- The library encourages use of the reading group kits by all book clubs in the area and seeks to give all
eligible individuals an opportunity to use our services. For these reasons, no group may reserve a kit
more than 12 months in advance.
- Bookings must be made at least 48 hours in advance.
- Book kits have a loan period of 6 weeks. One renewal is allowed if there is no one waiting. Renewals may
only be done at the Reference Desk where you originally made the reservation.
- Kits should be returned in good condition.
- Neither the name nor address of the Saratoga Springs Public Library may be used as the official address
or headquarters of a book club.
The contact person for a group must complete a Reading Group Kit
User Registration Form and a Reading Group Kit Request Form
in order to reserve one of the kits. Confirmation by a staff member is necessary.
How we Select our Books
- The book must be in print and available in paperback.
- It is well reviewed and promotes discussion.
- The book appeals to a wide reading audience.
- Authors from a variety of ethnic populations and/or countries are represented.
- The publication dates are varied and cover a variety of time periods that include classics as well as
contemporary literature.
- Fiction and non-fiction titles are both included.
- Other library systems and/or book groups have recommended the book.