HOPKINSVILLE, KY (CHRISTIAN COUNTY NOW) – Embark on a literary journey at the Hopkinsville-Christian County Public Library, where book enthusiasts can find adventures in three distinct book clubs.

“Each book club has their own identity,” said Mari-Alice Jasper, Communication and Outreach Director at HCCPL. Readers can choose from the Dark Reads Discussion Group, Books at the Bar, and the latest addition, the Brown Bag Book Club.

“All of our book clubs are very welcoming,” said Jasper. “There is a misconception that in order to participate you always have to finish the book or you always have to like the book we selected. That is not true. We always tell people, even if you don’t finish the book or do not like it, still come out and tell us why you didn’t like it. We want people to enjoy fellowship and camaraderie with other book lovers, even if they don’t connect with that month’s book.”

Picking the right club for you

Brown Bag Book Club was established in March of this year and meets at noon on the first Wednesday of every month. This books club explores a different genre each month, making it a great opportunity for readers to step out of their comfort zone, according to Jasper. At their next meeting on June 5, the group will discuss “Nobody Gets Out Alive,” by Leigh Newman.

For the mystery and horror enthusiast Jasper recommends the Dark Reads Book Club which meets at 5:30 p.m. on the third Thursday of every month. The club is for ages 21 and older as alcoholic refreshments are sometimes served. On June 20, the club will meet to discuss “The Last House on Needless Street,” by Catriona Ward.

“We also want people to know that our book clubs are a form of recreation. This is all for fun. There isn’t a quiz at the end. No one is going to ask you to write a book report or anything. This is a very low-key environment and zero pressure,” Jasper added.

Their longest standing group is the Books at the Bar which began in January 2022. Rather than meeting at the library, this group meets at the Hopkinsville Brewing Company.  Their next meeting will be on June 25 at 6 p.m. to discuss “The Martian,” by Andy Weir.

“I also want to mention it is perfectly okay to skip month’s if a selection doesn’t interest you. We also have several patrons who bounce between the three clubs based on their schedules and interests,” Jasper said.

All three clubs are open to everyone, whether or not they hold a library card, and there’s no fee for participation. For more information, interested individuals can contact the Hopkinsville-Christian County Public Library at 270-887-4262.