Dynamics Book Discussion Club
Welcome to the Dynamics Book Discussion Club! The Wolfner Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped is pleased to share this aspect of our service with you. We hope that your group will soon be enjoying stimulating conversations about great books, as well as having fun socializing, reminiscing, and building new friendships. The library will provide the books in cassette format and the information you need to lead the programs; all you have to supply is the participants-and we give you suggestions on finding those, too!
Wolfner created this program in response to numerous requests from patrons and Activity Directors. We chose the name Dynamics because one definition of "dynamic" relates to interaction, as in group dynamics, and another definition is "an underlying cause of change or growth." Hopefully, Dynamics will fulfill both of these goals, not only cultivating personal relationships, but also helping individuals grow creatively and intellectually.
Other reasons the library initiated the book discussion club are the research findings of "The Harvard Study of Adult Development" and the groundbreaking "Nun Study" at the Sanders-Brown Center on Aging. Both studies identify lifestyle elements that significantly increase an individual's prognosis for successful aging; two of these are "maintaining strong social relationships" and "pursuing education." The Nun Study found a clear correlation between low rates of Alzheimer's and intellectually active seniors.
The Dynamics Book Club fills these needs by providing social interaction as well as brain exercise in a fun format that all can enjoy. We have tried to select works that will appeal to all varieties of seniors as well as prompt reminiscence for the participants. Once your club is ready to start reading, Wolfner will send a copy of your first book to each eligible member; however participants who are not Wolfner patrons will have to locate their own copy. We are eager for any suggestions of other books to discuss and we look forward to receiving feedback on how Dynamics is working for your group. Please keep us posted on your book club adventures! For further information contact Brandon Kempf, Wolfner Library's Reader Advisor for Institutions.