Are you looking for a club in the region that revolves around reading and spending time analyzing books?
Smoky River Family and Community Support Services (FCSS) is gearing up to host its second Book Club of 2026.
“We will be reading We Bought a Zoo by Benjamin Mee,” says FCSS community programmer Anita Portsmouth.
“We meet by Google Meets every Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. This allows members from outside our area to join us.”
Portsmouth says the Book Club is a great way for people to get together with others who like reading to discuss a chosen book. She says each week the group is expected to read about 70 pages, but it varies depending on what book is chosen and its length.
“The members of each book club decided on the prescribed reading each week,” she says.
“I send out the Google Meets link usually the Friday before with discussion points to start us off.”
Portsmouth says it isn’t a huge time requirement either, with meetings lasting around an hour.
“The book was chosen by vote from a list of five books that I previewed and checked the movie trailers for what I hoped would be good choices for our book club,” Portsmouth says.
“When we have completed the book, we will get together to watch the movie.”
She says the book will cost $20 if it is ordered through FCSS, but for those who purchase an ebook or have their own copy, there is no charge.
“The Smoky River FCSS Book Club provides a way for those who love to read to share thoughts and discuss a book together,” explains Portsmouth.
“It is a way to connect during the blustery winter months,” she adds. “We have had members join from the combine during the busy harvest season, and members who find it difficult to get out during the winter months take value in the ability to meet virtually and discuss as shared love of reading.”
Portsmouth urges new book club members to reach out by phoning her at the office (780) 837-2220 or emailing her at anita@srfcss.com.
“I enjoy the discussion that comes from each book,” she says.
“Book Club has made me read books that I wouldn’t normally read, and I find that I get a lot more from the books that we read in Book Club than I would if I had simply read them on my own.”
Emily Plihal
Local Journalism
Initiative Reporter