Calling all bookworms and sci-fi enthusiasts alike, Tarver Library has introduced a new book club for students interested in reading and discussing fantasy and science fiction novels. Established by library staff and student workers, the goal of this club is to encourage students to read outside of their classes.
The club garnered interest quickly, with many members questioning why Mercer had never started one earlier. “In college, most of the reading students are doing is for their classes. We wanted to not only encourage recreational reading but also to create a space for community for book lovers to meet one another and get new books recommendations,” said Julia Stuckey, a library assistant.
Tarver Library has recently been encouraging leisure reading through its displays and engagements on the main floor. Often, students are encouraged to write their favorite book title, genre, author or even music genre on the whiteboard near the main entrance to help foster student engagement.
"The library recently started working on programming for students, including working with student organizations to plan events and displays in the library. We want to get students more engaged with the library and the services it has to offer, as well as provide some fun study break activities," Stuckey said.
The first interest meeting was held in the Elam Alexander Room on January 24th and included discussions of different novels, laid-back conversations and snacks. Possible book titles for next week’s meeting include “The Space Between Worlds,” “Parable of the Sower,” “The Adventures of Amina Al-Sirafi,” “Piranesi” and many more. The library will be providing all members with a copy for reading and discussions.
The structure of each meeting will be discussion based, with occasional reading analysis as a framework for the club. Students who are interested in joining should scan the QR code on the flyer and join the GroupMe for more information.
Priyanka Yagneswaran ’25 is a Neuroscience and Piano Studies student at Mercer University. As the Arts and Culture editor, she covers and coordinates reporting on different cultural events happening in Macon and in the general art and music scene. In her free time, she enjoys reading, listening to music and brewing espresso.
