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   Ten years ago, a “Wanted Ad” was put in local newspapers by the Outing Volunteer Library. A new volunteer, Ellen Leger inquired of then-librarian, Carol Pierce, would the library help organize a Book Club? An ‘Ad’ was placed and eight women from the Emily/Outing area responded. The diverse group did not know one another and aged from 50+ to 90. First,  we met to determine when, where, time and spontaneously selected our first book.

   Our first book discussion was a total flop. However, to this day we roar with laughter remembering how we tore into the author, the plot, the narrative and how absolutely useless – the book was. With great humor and relief we had ALL agreed! From that time forward we were no longer strangers.

   Now, at no cost to us, our books come from the Brainerd Public Libriary – Books in a Bag Program. Carolyn H.  picks up the books and emails a meeting reminder. It’s hardly necessary because we’ve met on the second Wednesday of the month, for ten years.  In our first year we met in a member’s home. Now we have a lunch date at a local eatery. And, we don’t meet in deep Minnesota winter! 

   Last week we acknowledged our unique community at the Outing Library and Townhall. We wondered -- how did this small community of curious, comic, strangers continue on for so long?  (Seven members remain from 2015).  Here’s what the Book Club members said – Because:  We created good friendships with people we wouldn’t have known --We read books from genres that normally we would not have read and maybe some topics we found un-appealing – and this opened up a whole new world of interests and education.—We love to engage in dialogue with each other because we’ve learned to trust others have experienced the world differently and we can accept viewpoints opposite to ours.  Whether we like the book or not, sometimes we get insights that we would not have had before a discussion.

   And finally, we welcome  differences; everyone’s experience is valued. 

   This is our rural Minnesota. Celebrate who you are and find ways to bring others together to read, laugh, discuss, disagree, relax and learn. The resources are in our community. Talk to folks around you, start a reading community with your church group, your seniors group, sporting group – whatever. This is not science or academics or politics – this is about building community. 

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