Mendon Public Library is pleased to announce the arrival of our new DIVERSE VOICES BOOK DISCUSSION KITS. The Rochester Regional Library Council and The Friends & Foundation of Rochester Public Library awarded a grant from the Harold Hacker Fund for the Advancement of Libraries to make the creation of these kits possible.
Twelve Diverse Voices Book Discussion Kits were created. Each kit contains seven copies of a particular title and seven copies of a book discussion guide, conveniently circulated in a special tote bag. Titles were selected to represent diverse characters, authors, and topics. The intended audiences for the Diverse Voices kits are both established and new book groups, and anyone who may wish to host a single book discussion for their friends, family, coworkers, etc. The book kits have an extended 8-week loan period.
The goal of these Diverse Voices Book Discussion Kits is to bring people together in meaningful ways. Mendon Public Library conducted a Community Survey in 2022 and found a common concern was divisiveness, while a common desire was for more opportunities to get to know people. The Library’s Long Range Plan includes objectives to “foster a culture which values and actively seeks to increase diversity, equity, and inclusion” and to expand the support of Book Clubs.