Formed in 1986 by Vicki Brown, The Ole’ Book Nook Club is going strong after reading a mix of 240 fiction, non-fiction, classics, young adult, and books by Ohio authors. Brown, the past owner of the store, and Linda Stallsmith are still active members of this group with an average membership of 12 women. One brave man did participate for a year. Booked to Die, a mystery by John Denning, was the first book read. November’s selection was Beach Music in honor of Pat Conroy, a Low Country author who passed away this year. The 2016-17 readers list also includes The Wright Brothers, Circling the Sun, All the Light We Cannot See, and I Am Pilgrim. We are also reading Factory Man by Beth Macy, who grew up in Urbana.

The club met at the bookstore until its closure in 2010, then moved to Mercy Hospital. It now meets on the third Friday of the month (September –May) at the Spotted Cow Coffeehouse at 10 a.m. Members take turns facilitating the discussion. The facilitator introduces the book and author, then engages all the members in a lively discussion in response to her questions. The books come to life after hearing different viewpoints and many find themselves enjoying a book they never would have chosen on their own. It is a comfortable atmosphere that encourages sharing. Those interested in joining the group may contact Jeanne Bowman at [email protected]