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Claire Jennings reveals the ideas behind our Silent Disco Book Club event.
When I started the application to be Reader-in-Residence I had a clear idea in my head of what I wanted my first event to be: a Silent Disco-inspired book club night. I could even envision exactly how I wanted it to look, right down to the coloured headphones that everyone would be wearing as they settled into the ultimate night-in with a twist, because it would all be happening inside the library.
The concept was simple, the process has been fun, and now I’m here to tell you all about it. Are we comfortable? Then let us begin…
Step 1: the interview. “We really like the Silent Disco idea, tell us more about how that might work.” I’d done the research, I knew it might be vaguely possible, but the biggest question was, can we get the headphones? The answer to that turned out to be YES. It seemed only fitting that this response was followed by a happy dance.
Step 2: book selection. “We can have three channels which means three different audiobooks. Which ones would you like to choose?”
*Insert several weeks of falling down book club rabbit holes, headfirst into Bookstagram and tumbling into BookTok*
Have you ever tried to select three titles from quite literally thousands of books?! Trust me when I say that is not an easy task. I wanted something new, or as near to new as possible, titles or authors that everyone was talking about, and perhaps most importantly, books that were interesting enough to catch the eye of potential attendees!
Of course we had to start with the Freida-frenzy. If you’ve not heard of Freida McFadden, either you’ve been living under a rock, or you absolutely refuse to engage with anything that is hugely popular because that frenzy is real. The physical books are no sooner returned to the library then they’re straight back out on their merry way to the next person in line. Both the eBooks and audiobooks have multiple licenses on Libby to allow lots of borrowers to use them, and luckily that gal can write fast because she has a hungry crowd!
Book 1: The Divorce by Freida McFadden.
Next up we went with the series that everyone is talking about, and it had to be Heated Rivalry. It’s trending, it’s viral, it’s 100% heated, it has its own fan pages all over the socials and we’re definitely hoping it will catch some interested eyes.
Book 2: Heated Rivalry by Rachel Reid.
Massive on BookTok, the final book is from the romance writer that everyone loves to love. Funny, relatable, warm and ‘achingly’ romantic, Abby’s books hit the spot when you need that perfectly sweet escapism from all the noise.
Book 3: Say You’ll Remember Me by Abby Jimenez.
Next up? Step 3: event planning. We’re basing this one at Billingham Library as there’s lots of opportunity to move things around to create the ideal cosy space. I’m planning to make it look like a living room with big seats, beanbags, cushions, rugs and some soft lighting. My aim is for everyone to come in, kick their shoes off, get comfy and settle in with their book of choice and some tasty treats.
If you’re joining us (and I really hope you will!) you can either take the whole evening to listen to your book, or you can listen to just some of it and then decide to talk about it with your neighbour. Pick a side if you will: chatty book club or silent book club. Whatever you choose, make it your ideal evening.
If you’re already a member of the library, you can borrow the book via Libby to keep on listening. If you like what you hear but you’re not a member there’ll be staff available to join you right up. All you need to bring is some ID that confirms your name and address and we’ll do the rest. We’ll also be on hand to show you how to access Libby for more audiobooks and eBooks.
And that just leaves step 4: book your tickets. Headphones at the ready, we’ll see you there!
Silent Disco Book Club.
Date and Time: Thursday 30 July, 6pm – 7.30pm.
Location: Billingham Library, Kingsway, Billingham, TS23 2LN.
Tickets are free and available now.
Please note that there is free parking in Billingham town centre. The nearest car parks to the library are Kingsway East and Kingsway West.
The town centre is also accessible via public transport, by both bus and train.
