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Ladies’ book clubs unite at Poland library
By SARAH FOOR
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This local book club doesn't have a name, but they've spent years together reading an impressive array of different books. Some of the members are, from left, Ann Marie Hiznay (front row), Barb Ade, Barb Soboto (back row), and Ann Manning.
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Neighbors | Sarah Foor.Before the rest of her book club showed up, Dee Ringer enjoyed perusing through some books displayed at the May 12 networking night.
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Although they never planned on telling anyone their name, these Columbiana-area ladies call their group “The Back Bay Beauties.” The beauties are, from left, Suzanne Diettrich (front row), Carole Kevinsky, Barb Kuzma (back row), and Janice Vellie.
Book clubs are all about discussing opinions and trading ideas, but the small groups usually don’t go beyond the churches, libraries, and private homes they meet in.
The Poland library decided to change that when it hosted a women’s book group networking night on May 12, offering ladies’ book clubs a chance to meet other organizations from around the area.
Developing director for Mahoning County libraries, Debra Liptak, helped plan the event she hoped would be a friendly exchange of ideas.
“We host a Friends of the Library book club and even we’re pressed to keep it fresh — I know other groups understand that trouble. Tonight, the ladies can talk about the good things of their groups, or about the bad things, but also meet others with similar interests and see how other groups work. It’s a time to explore possibilities.”
The event featured dinner catered by Kravitz Deli, a raffle and a fashion show and presentation by the Glitter Girls, but the focus of the event was on the book clubs.
The Poland Presbyterian Book Club meets each Wednesday and focuses on religious texts.
“We read a lot about other religions, even some of their holy books. We really relish the chance to learn about other cultures and beliefs as much as our own,” member Dee Ringer shared.
Ann Manning is the unofficial leader of an unnamed book club of work colleagues from around Poland.
“Whenever anyone has an idea, we go forward with it. We’ve read bestsellers, inspirationals, classics, mystery. We love to be challenged,” Manning said.
Manning’s cohort, Barb Soboto, appreciated that the networking event expanded the group’s horizons.
“In a book club, I thought I was in a very small world — I’m pleasantly surprised how many ladies are involved. I’m excited to meet some new people and see how our group can grow.”