NCLA Con 2025

Libraries are constantly evolving to meet the needs of their communities, and book clubs and readers' advisory services are no exception. Today's readers expect more than just book recommendations - they crave deeper engagement, diverse perspectives, and access to content that enhances their reading experience. Gale Literature Resource Center, often viewed as an academic research tool, is an underutilized resource for public libraries that offers a wealth of materials to support and enrich programming. With primary source sets, author interviews, scholarly articles, and even podcasts, this database provides valuable historical and contemporary insights that can spark meaningful discussions in book clubs and enhance readers' advisory services. This session will explore how libraries can integrate these resources to create richer, more dynamic book club discussions and connect patrons with literary works in new ways. Presenters will showcase practical strategies, such as using primary source sets to provide historical context or incorporating author interviews and podcasts to connect readers with contemporary voices. Attendees will receive discussion prompts, hands-on demonstrations, and concrete ideas for making their library's programs more engaging and impactful. Beyond the tools themselves, this session will also highlight the value of collaboration between vendors and library consortia in meeting the changing needs of member libraries. By working together, we can ensure that libraries have access to high-quality, curated content that not only supports traditional book-related services but also expands their role as community hubs for learning and conversation. Whether you're looking to reinvigorate an existing book club or enhance your library's approach to readers' advisory, this session will provide actionable insights and materials to help you navigate the future of programming in both in-person and virtual environments.