Arts & Culture
English Department promotes reading with book club
The Pointer
kshan945@uwsp.edu
An Annual Circle of Campus and Community Book Groups, or ACORN, a University of Wisconsin – Stevens Point book club, is starting up again this year and looking forward to new recruits, new books, and new points of view.
ACORN, A Chance to Read In Company, is sponsored by the UWSP English department and is intended to promote the value of reading and writing in the community, as well as the university itself.
The club has been a collaborative effort with the English department staff in order for students, as well as people in the community, to come together to read and discuss certain books that are considered “good reads.” Lorri Nandrea who runs the group believes in this organization whole-heartedly.
“A special aspect of our program is that it brings people together, giving everyone a chance to learn from each other’s perspectives,” Nandrea said, “Reading doesn’t have to be an isolating activity: talking about books can be a very satisfying way to connect with others.”
The organization has historically had a steady participation rate. Last year there were 14 book groups registered with a total of 100 participants.
“Our membership was very diverse, including UWSP faculty, staff and students as well as community residents from many walks of life,” Nandrea said.
According to the National Endowment for the Humanities, the number of American adults who read literature went up between the years of 2002 to 2008. The ACORN program, and others like it, contribute to this reports findings.
“The first ACORN program last year was a great success, and this year’s program will be as good or better,” said planning staff member, Professor Robert Sirabian.
Last year, ACORN started off the year with the book “Persuasion” by Jane Austen; this year the book will be “The Maltese Falcon” by Dashiell Hammett. While groups set up registration either by forming their own book club groups, or being a single participant and joining another formed group, the planning staff will be busy setting up workshops for the book clubs. On Oct. 17, 2009, the staff will feature a keynote presentation on The Maltese Falcon by Professor David Arnold, which will be beneficial for all participants according to Nandrea.
“The workshop provides background information, handouts, discussion questions and other resources to enrich the reading experience,” said Nandrea, “We’ll also have two rounds of breakout sessions on the novel, and a session for group leaders on facilitating book discussions.”
ACORN also provides an annual ACORN Extravaganza in February where all book groups come together to celebrate the book and all it brings to the table. Held in the Dreyfus University Center, the event will provide activities based on The Maltese Falcon and its history.
“Plans are still shaping up, but we hope to have live jazz music, 20s era flapper dancing, and dramatized scenes from the novel, as well as a discussion forum and trivia contest,” Nandrea said.
Registration deadline is Sept. 15, but Nandrea accommodates late registration. The forms are available on the ACORN website or by contacting Lorri Nandrea by email or phone at lnandrea@uwsp.edu or 346-2317.
