IN-SIGHT’s monthly book club recently marked its fifteenth anniversary. The group meets monthly and has read and discussed more than 200 books since its founding in June 2008.
The idea came from a tour that members of the IN-SIGHT staff took of another agency that offered a very well-attended group that listened to books through the Talking Books program and then met to discuss them. Our vision rehabilitation therapist, Carla Ferreira, contacted a few clients, including the late Freda Goldman, to start a similar group in Rhode Island.
Initially, the group met twice per month, but after a couple of years moved to monthly gatherings to allow everyone enough time to read the assigned title. During the COVID pandemic shutdowns, when in-person meetings were not possible, the group continued to meet via Zoom, providing a much-needed source of socialization. While the group has returned to in-person meetings, some members with transportation issues or who reside out of state during the winter continue to participate virtually.
Each group participant selects a book provided to all members via the free Talking Books program. The ninety-minute meeting is focused on discussing the plot, characters, themes, and other topics related to the book.
In a recent survey of past and present Book Club members, 91% indicated that their primary reason for joining the group was to enjoy reading and discussing books. Many also said the group allows them to meet and socialize with others with vision impairments. Everyone agreed that they enjoy the program and that it has met most of their expectations.
The IN-SIGHT Book Club meets on the third Friday of each month from 10 AM – 11:30 AM at IN-SIGHT and via Zoom. For more information or to join, please use the Contact Form below to let us know.
