Book Groups Tasmania
If you enjoy talking about books and sharing your ideas with other readers, why not join Book Groups Tasmania? No exams. No assignments. No need to buy the books.
You can use our services by forming your own group or by joining one of our existing book groups. As part of a group, for an annual membership fee, you will have access to our catalogue of over 400 titles. Each title comes with a specially prepared set of discussion notes.Your group will receive one title of its choice per month.
"Just think that without Book Groups Tasmania we would not have read 420 books accompanied by well-written notes or made such lasting friendships and at times had quite heated discussions. Thank goodness we don't all think the same."
A Launceston group operating since 1962.
Groups
Books and Notes
Start Your Own Group
Join an Existing Group
Each book group consists of between 5 and 15 members. Members meet once a month in a relaxed and informal environment, usually in each others homes. Some groups choose to meet in their local libary or Adult Education centre.
Groups are self-directed - there are no tutors or written assignments - and the form the discussions take is entirely up to the group itself.
Each group has a nominated secretary. The secretary acts as a co-ordinator for the group and as a liaison between the group and Book Groups Tasmania. They are the point through which groups receive and return books.
Once a month a box of books and notes for the group are sent to a nominated branch of the State Library for collection. Books are also returned via any branch of the State Library. It is usually the responsibilty of the secretary to collect and return the box of books. However other members can share this responsibility as the need arises.
"We enjoy the unpredictability of the discussion, the chance to experience books we wouldn't otherwise read and opportunities for learning and friendships."
Nottage Hill Group
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We have a catalogue of over 400 titles available for loan. These include both fiction and non-fiction titles. They cater for a wide range of tastes, and include: classics, contemporary fiction, memoirs and books dealing with social, historical and philosophical issues. Thirty new titles are added to our collection each year.
Some of our most popular books include:
- Nine Parts of Desire by Geraldine Brooks
- Mao's Last Dancer by Li Cunxin
- The Master Butchers Singing Club by Louise Erdrich
- The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time by Mark Haddon
- The Hospital by the River by Dr. Catherine Hamlin
- The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini
- To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
- The God in the Ink by Kathryn Lomer
- Joe Cinque's Consolation by Helen Garner
- Too Close to the Falls by Catherine Gildiner
Each title from our collection is accompanied by a set of discussion notes (3000 words approx.). Written specifically for Book Groups Tasmania, these notes include an analysis of the book and list of questions intended to promote stimulating discussions. Our notewriters come from a diverse range of backgrounds.
All you need is
- A minimum of five members (maximum of 15) - you can build on your membership - there is flexibility to add new members throughout the year.
- A member who is happy to act as a Secretary for the group (a discount on membership fees is available) who will pick up the box of books from a branch of the State Library and distribute books to members at each meeting and return the books to us by the due date.
- A New Groups Starter Kit which includes a copy of our Catalogue and enrolment forms available from Book Groups Tasmania bookgroupstas@education.tas.gov.au. or by phoning (03) 6233 8681.
We keep a register of groups seeking new members. Please call us or send an email with some details about your interests, any preferences for particular age groups or days or evenings and areas you can travel to. Contact bookgroupstas@education.tas.gov.au. or by phone 62338681with your details.We will try to match you with a group in your area. There may be a waiting period if there are no available groups in your area at the time of your enquiry.
Book Groups Tasmania is a joint venture between Adult Education and the State Library of Tasmania.
For further information and assistance please contact us at:
Book Groups Tasmania
Adult Education – Glenorchy Library
PO Box 63
Glenorchy TAS 7010
Telephone: 6233 8681 or email: bookgroupstas@education.tas.gov.au.
