$10,000 grants aids HWPL reading group

The Next Chapter Book Club has made itself feel at home at the Hewlett-Woodmere Public Library in the four years of its existence. They now feel even more comfortable with the $10,000 grant they received from the American Library Association’s American Dream Literacy Grant with Dollar General Literacy Foundation in February.

Hewlett-Woodmere is one of 16 libraries in the country that received the grant. Library Cultural Program Specialist Nadine Connors, who founded the club with librarian Laurie Adler was shocked when she received the news of the grant. “I was thrilled to hear that we got the grant.” Connors said. “Libraries usually don’t get grants. So, we were very pleased to receive this.

Connors said that a large iPad was already purchased to use for quick answers to questions that arise from their reading and discussions. They plan to use the remaining funds to purchase more books, movies, and kindles as well as to host special programs, speakers, and a support program for parents. The club includes nine high school graduates ranging in age from 23 to 32 who have physical and/or mental disabilities that results in making them what Connors describes as “reluctant readers.”

Meeting each Monday in the teen area from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m., club members begin by discussing what they did over the weekend to facilitate the social aspect of the program. Then, the group reviews where they left off from the previous meeting and either read the latest book or watch the corresponding movie. The club typically reads young adult-themed books. “The club is not only about reading, it’s also about socializing with one another,” Adler said. “It’s great to see the camaraderie that has been built between the group.

The club also has written letters to authors such as Anthony Horowitz after reading his book “Stormbreaker” and received a response from Horowitz. The club is about to finish reading “The House with a Clock in Its Walls,” and plan to move on to books such as “A Wrinkle in Time” and the Harry Potter series. It is open for anyone to join, Connors said.

Dr. Thomas Fish, the director of Social Work at the Ohio State Universities Nisonger Center for Excellence in Disabilities created the Next Chapter Book Club in 2002, to provide meaningful opportunities for lifelong learning, social connections and authentic community inclusion for those with these challenges, through weekly book club meetings.

HWPL became an official affiliate of NCBC in the summer of 2018, the club rebranded themselves as the Pagemasters in reference to their growing accomplishments. As a club regular and aid, Mike Fischer explained its importance. “This club promotes the love and pure joy of reading,” he said. “A friend of mine in Huntington said that her local library started a club similar to this one. So, it’s great to see this spreading around.”