A Real Page Turner
Pauline Robinson Book Club Turns 15
By Regina Renee Ward
The Pauline Robinson Library Book Club meets on the fourth Saturday of each month at 12 noon. Drop-ins are always welcome. In honor of its 15th year, and going strong, we asked members to weigh in with their best stories, and their best memories.
“Fifteen years ago when I was the librarian at Pauline Robinson I wanted to start a book club. No one thought that a book club would actually work at Robinson; there was some attitude that people in the African American community didn’t read. I put up a sign and women came saying they wanted a book club – that they had been waiting for a book club and were so happy. When I decided to retire, Denver Public Library thought that the Book Club would end. As you can see, it did not. It continues to be a strong presence in the library community and a wonderful addition.” ~ Deborah Hogue
“I was encouraged to join by my cousin and sister-in-law. The love of reading and expressing ideas has kept us going. We read all types of books and are open to anyone that loves to read. It is nice to hear other views and see the members.” ~Karen Hogue-Murray
“Deborah Hogue drafted me to become a member. She related to me the opinion that central administration had regarding northeast Park Hill. “Adults in this neighborhood are not readers, so getting a book club started will be futile.” I read the upcoming book, came to a meeting and stayed. I serve as the ad hoc record keeper and meeting date reminder. Our librarians over the years have made really good suggestions on books of interest to book club members.” ~Harriet Hogue
“Being a writer and having one book published, I find it very beneficial to read what other novelists have written. And what makes it so interesting and varied is that each member of the club chooses their favorite. And it’s always different kinds of stories. And thanks to our librarians, present and past, who have helped us to find rare and other subject matter than we didn’t know about. I’ve been a member about 10 years and almost all the present members were members when I joined. We enjoy a wonderful time once a month. Readers delight.” ~ Madestella
“Our ability to diversify the book materials by allowing each member the book of their choice regardless of book type/genre has maintained member interest. While we started with an Afro-American author slant, the lack of materials, or even worse – materials that are part of the library’s lost collection (which have grown legs and walked out of the library) – encouraged the Book Club to widen our selection to encompass all authors.
“Another factor is our free, open and lively (sometimes loud) book discussions. Each book is more than just the story between the covers. It is also a relationship with each reader and we share those in our discussions. We are able to discuss a book technically, analytically, stylistically, thematically and emotionally. But never argumentatively. We respect each others’ opinions. Finally, over many years, we have become friends, even if we only see each other once a month.” ~ Harriet Hogue
“We are a group of women and one man who love reading and discussing the books. We are special because we value and respect each others’ opinions as we discuss the books. Our personalities are so different, which makes our discussions stimulating and quite interesting.” ~ Jean Hainsworth
“For three years we met at the Park Hill Library, until Pauline was reopened for Saturdays. Members have moved into different cities and still we come back. We have lost two members to death. One, due to long term illness, while no longer attending, still keeps in touch and even selected one of the 2014 month’s book. We gained a male reader and at one time had a millennial or two, so we are not just senior ladies. Pauline Robinson Library Book Club has had members of all races, genders and ages and we are willing to read just about anything, written by anyone that is recommended as a good story … fact or fiction, romance or murder, sci-fi/fantasy or classic literature. We always welcome potential new members, even if only for a visit or one or two books. Come and get a cookie. Read in joy.” ~ Harriet Hogue
“I enjoy the friends I have made through the Book Club. We have a unique friendship and respect for each other and everybody’s opinion counts whether you liked the book or not. We share our personal experiences, our families, our likes and dislikes for the book, and great snacks. We laugh a lot, cry a little and share information.” ~Jean Hainesworth
Pauline Robinson Branch Library
After School is Cool
After School is Cool, also known as ASIC, runs everyday from 4:15-5:15 p.m. This program is suited for 8- to 12-year olds but as long as the participants are at least in kindergarten, they are welcome to attend. ASIC is free and no registration is required.
Monday
Photography Madness
Oct. 6, 13, 20, 27
Tuesday Art with Mandy Medrano
Oct. 7 Paracord Bracelets
14 Star Quilt Art
21 Day of the Day Mono Art
28 Sugar Skulls
Wednesday October 1
Air Brushed T-Shirts
Wednesdays with Science Matters
Oct. 8 Crazy Carbon Dioxide
15 Crushed by Air
22 Wow Science!
29 Best of Science Matters
Thursday Craft
Oct. 2 Fairy Houses (My Art Workshop)
9 Bristle Bots
16 Cave Paintings
23 Cd Textile Art
30 Halloween Monster Bookmark
Friay Fun
Games and other activities every Friday
Oct. 3, 10, 17, 24, 31
Computer classes
Internet Basics
Monday, Oct. 6, 1-2 p.m.
Learn how to use Google to access the internet for all of your information needs.
Facebook 101
Monday, Oct. 13, 1-2 p.m.
Learn how to connect with friends and family all over the world by making the most of Facebook, including messaging, posting photos and making friends.
Email: Attaching A File
Monday, Oct. 20, 1-2 p.m.
Learn how to save a word.doc or a photo and attach it to an email.
Free Legal Shield Advice
Thursday, Oct. 2, 5:30-7 p.m.
Attention all small business owners: If you are looking for an affordable legal protection for your business, join us for an affordable option. Come ask those questions that you need answered.
Free Extreme Couponing Class
Saturday, Oct. 11, 1-2:30 p.m.
Learn tips and secrets to extreme savings. You will learn the couponing secrets the pros use to slash your grocery bill by hundreds of dollars a month. It is a simple system that only takes a few hours during the week.
Pauline Robinson Book Club
Celebrating our 15th year, the Robinson Library Book Club’s October Selection is The Rosie Projectby Graeme Simsion; drop-ins are welcome on Saturday, Oct. 25, at 12 noon.
Considering A Business?
Monday Oct. 27, 5-7:30 p.m.
Explore the realities and rewards of owning a small business. Receive strategic tips on how to start a business. Learn about Mi Casa’s Business Success Training program. For more info/RSVP: 303-388-8213 or www.MiCasaResourceCenter.org/Events
Park Hill Branch Library events
Tuesday Tech Hour | Tuesdays at 3 p.m.
Individualized technology assistance available from one of our in-house helpers on a public computer or a patron’s own device. We specialize in assisting you with the basics like email, social networking, word processing and eMedia. No registration required.
Pajama Storytime | Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m.
Join us for the Park Hill Branch Library’s PJ storytime. Stories, songs, and fun for all ages. Come in your pajamas. Stuffed animals and blankies welcome. No registration required.
All Ages Storytime | Thursdays at 10:30 a.m.
All ages are welcome for this storytime. We may do a craft, play musical instruments, or have some fun with the parachute. No registration required.
Book Babies: Early Walkers | Thursdays at 11:15 a.m.
Stories, action songs, and rhymes developed to meet the needs of babies on the move and their caregivers. Playtime and socialization immediately follow the program. No registration required.
Tales for Twos | Fridays at 10:30 a.m.
Join us for a storytime just for two-year-olds and their caregivers. We will share books, sing songs, and provide movement activities. No registration required.
Book Babies: Pre-Walkers | Fridays at 11:15 a.m.
Stories, Rhymes, and lap songs developed to meet the needs of infants and their caregivers. Playtime and socialization immediately follow the program. No registration required.
Teen Advisory Board (TAB) | Tuesday, October 7, 6 p.m. and Tuesday, October 21, 6 p.m.
Students in grades 6-12 are invited to join the Park Hill TAB. Help plan library events and projects at the Park Hill Library, talk about your favorite books, and make your opinion count! Join us for twice monthly meetings.
Star Wars Reads Day| Saturday, October 11, 10 a.m.
Join us for a morning of intergalactic fun! In honor of Star Wars Reads Day, we’re hosting a party with crafts, games, a costume contest and other fun activities for all ages. Free and open to the public.
Teen B.U.I.L.D. Club | Friday, October 17, 4 p.m.
Teen B.U.I.L.D. Club stands for Believe, Understand, Imagine, Learn, and Discover. This is a club for teens in grades 6-12 that meets to create stuff, eat snacks, play games and have some laughs.
Genre Chat 2nd/3rd Grade Book Club | Tuesday, October 21, 3:30 p.m.
Over My Dead Body by Kate Klise; Activity: Decorate a book bag
Blooming Readers 4th/5th Grade Book Club | Thursday, October 23, 3:30 p.m.
The Strange Case of Origami Yoda by Tom Angleberger; Activity: Origami
Teen After Hours Murder Mystery Dinner | Friday, October 24, 6 p.m.
Come for dinner. Stay to solve the mystery. Come dressed as your favorite character from a book for this Halloween-themed literary interactive murder mystery play. Call or stop by to register.
Below are a few of the top books the Book Club has tackled over the past 10 years:
• 2005 The Red Tent by Anita Diamant
• 2006 The No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency by Alexander McCall Smith
• 2007 Angels and Demons by Dan Brown
• 2008 The Measure of a Man: a Spiritual Autobiography by Sidney Poitier
• 2009 The Shack by William P. Young
• 2010 Snow Flower and the Secret Fan by Lisa See
• 2011 Till You Hear From Me by Pearl Cleage
• 2012 The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot
• 2013 Kindred by Octavia Butler
• 2014 To Be Determined … we are still reading. The October selection is The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion; drop-ins are welcome on Saturday, Oct. 25 at 12 noon.