Sample menu:

Our Guidelines

The Book Club meets on the second Monday of the month.

Three books are chosen at a time at the second meeting of the 3-month cluster.

The Secretary will send out a revised list of book selections after each selection process along with updated contact information as necessary.

Responsibilities of Members

1. Each member takes a turn at hosting a meeting.

2. All members are encouraged to participate in book discussions.

3. All members are encouraged to research books and offer suggestions for reading.

“The success or failure of a book club can often be determined by the quality of the books selected.”

4. Book Selection Process
(refer to http://www.book-clubs-resource.com/running/choosing-books.php)

        a. Each member submits up to two book ideas.
        b. Book ideas must be sent to all members two weeks prior to the meeting along with a brief synopsis of the suggested books. Only books sent in prior to the meeting will be considered.
        c. A volunteer (2011--Sandie) will send out a reminder to members to send their book club selection out to the membership. Sandie will compile the list along with a brief description of each book.
        d. The group discusses the merits of the books and votes.
        e. Three selections are made for the upcoming cluster.

5. Each member is expected to respond to the invitation from the host so that she can adequately plan for space and refreshments.

Responsibilities of the Hostess:

1. Arrange for meeting space (at the home, café, etc.).

2. Confirm meeting and send directions approximately a week prior to the meeting (include your phone number—just in case!).

3. Facilitate the discussion of the book; prepare a few questions to start the discussion.

        a. Discussion questions are often found in the back of a book or can be found on line, or you can make them up.

(refer to http://www.book-clubs-resource.com/running/discussion-questions.php)

4. When a member hosts the second meeting of a 3-month cluster (when we pick the book for the next cluster), she presides over the voting and compiles the votes of each member.

Voting Method

1. Each member comes to the meeting prepared to discuss the suggested books.

2. Hostess distributes three small sheets of paper to each member.

3. Members choose their top three choices and indicate the choices on the note paper.

4. Host distributes a container and members place their votes in the container.

5. Host compiles the votes.

6. The top three vote getters are chosen for the next cluster.

7. In case of a tie, host conducts another round of voting for tie only.