Rutherford Weekly

There are exercise clubs, sewing clubs, civic clubs and after-hours clubs in Rutherford County. Car clubs, card playing, youth clubs, running and walking clubs also claim the interest of many. The number of clubs around Rutherford County is endless and the subject matters are just as numerous. Perhaps one of the most popular are book clubs and there are several of them. Some meet in private homes, some in restaurants, some in libraries, book stores or even online. Most are public clubs as those mentioned in this article. They are also free. Former East Rutherford High School librarian Pam Childers of Forest City is known for her experience and expertise with books. Retired from her job at East, she still orders books, but these are for two book clubs she helps coordinate. "Book clubs are a great way to socialize and meet new people," Pam said. When choosing books for Cover to Cover and Spinning Tales book clubs, Childers said, "my goal for choosing books is to encourage at least one member to step outside their box." Childers said many people do not read outside of their box, but she encourages exploring other avenues. "We don't read rom-coms (romantic comedies) and many people read one genre or series books like Virgin River," she said. The Spinning Tales Club depends on public libraries to get the books." Pam began. "We have to read older books to wait for circulation to go down among the libraries in the county. These books are the bestsellers," Pam explained. The Cover to Cover Book Club meets the second Tuesday of the month at 6pm at Mario's in Forest City. Most members purchase books or use public libraries, Pam said. "Never choose a book for the book club you have not read," she advises. Charlotte Epley of Rutherfordton is a member of the Cover to Cover book club that meets at Mario's restaurant in Forest City. "I enjoy being with these women, most of our group are teachers... or have retired," Charlotte said. "I appreciate the discussions and the varied perspectives, it causes me to think and consider things differently and we all need that," Charlotte added. Book club members bring various ideas about the books, but Pam said she can usually tell who will not enjoy a particular book. "They still contribute with interpretations," she said. A reader of more than 100 books a year herself, Pam said she likes to hold her book in her hands to read. However, when traveling she will use a kindle. Pam is loving retirement and often visits www.LibraryThink.com to keep a list of the books she is reading. She does not reread because there are too many new books available. Her favorite book of all time is Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd. While at East, Pam met many avid readers. "We talked about books and they were always telling me books to order" she said. "I may have converted a few nonreaders with book talks." Rutherford Readers book club began at the Norris Public Library in Rutherfordton some years ago, said librarian Sarah Ross. It meets the fi rst Tuesday of each month at the library and has been a popular club for many people for a long time. New members are welcome. Ross was delighted recently when a grammar school-age student from Thomas Jefferson Classical Academy asked about starting a book club for her age group at Norris Public Library. The student's interest prompted the Tween/Teen book club and is for anyone between the ages of 10-15. "It's wide open and there is no registration," Ross said. The chosen book for this month is Fallen by Lauren Kate. Continued on page 3. ISSUE NO. 4 • January 26, 2023 ISSUE NO. 4 • January 26, 2023 • • RutherfordWeekly.com • 828-248-1408 RutherfordWeekly.com • 828-248-1408 131 East Main Street, Forest City 828-245-6496 Store Hours: Mon.-Thurs. 7am-6pm Fri. & Sat.7am-7pm • Sun. 9am-3pm ©Community First Media Community First Media •Motorcycles, 4 Wheelers •Golf Carts •Quick, Easy Cash Loans •Quality Merchandise •Best Prices: Gold, Silver, Diamonds •Large Selection Home Appliances •Layaways •Much, Much More B&D'S THRIFT & LOAN THRIFT & LOAN 596 S. Broadway St., Forest City 828-245-3551 Mon-Fri 8-5:45 • Sat 8:30-4 Major Credit Cards Accepted Your Valentine's Day Headquarters! Large selection of jewelry! Very low prices! Gifts for him or her! Book Clubs reach variety of people of Book Clubs reach variety of people of all ages in a lot of places all ages in a lot of places Our 31 st Year • Over 25,000 Weekly Readers JUST A FEW BOOK CLUBS AROUND THE COUNTY: • Cover to Cover meets: second Tuesday at 6pm Mario's restaurant, Forest City • Spinning Tales: second Thursday at 10am Spindale library • Rutherford Readers, fi rst Tuesday at 5:30pm Norris Library • Tween/Teen book club - fi rst Tuesday at 3:30pm Norris Library • Library Book Club: 10am second Monday of each month; Mountains Branch Library • Not Your Mother's Book Club: meets fi rst Thursday of each month, 5:30pm at Next Door Used Books in Forest City Article by Jean Gordon. Photos Contributed. Why join a book cub? It creates reading countability; helps you engage deeper with the book; encourages critical thinking, keeps your brain sharp; Gives you new perspectives; helps you make new friends; can improve writing skills; fosters continuing love of literature; give you a break from life. — Abi Johnson, Bona Fide bookworm Pam Childers reading one of her 100 books for the new year. Our Special Edition

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