Learn How to Start a Next Chapter Book Club in Your Library

Posted on January 27, 2016 Updated on January 28, 2016

Next Chapter Book Club (NCBC) is a community-based literacy program for people with developmental disabilities. NCBC groups meet all over the US in coffee shops, bookstores, and community centers, but very few meet in libraries.

Elmhurst Public Library and Skokie Public Library, in an effort to expand NCBC groups throughout libraries, have arranged to receive affiliate training in the next few weeks. There are a few openings for staff from other libraries to attend. 

Take advantage of this opportunity.  Starting an NCBC group is is a great way for your library to offer programming that engages young adults with developmental disabilities.

Training will be offered at:

Elmhurst Public Library on February 1, 9:00am-1:00pm
Contact Kristin Sanderson at kristin.sanderson@elmhurst.org

Skokie Public Library March 18, 9:00am-1:00pm
Contact Holly Jin at hjin@skokielibrary.info or 847.324.3117

You can send 1-2 staff members to the training which would make your library an affiliate site. You could then train your own staff. If you are working with a partner, someone from that community organization should also attend the training. Elmhurst and Skokie are covering the cost of the training ($550), but in order to get a NCBC going you would want to purchase start up materials cost for $200 (manual, tote bags, and a set of starter books).

If your library is unable to pay for start-up materials, you can still participate in the training with the understanding that you will not receive start-up materials. (You would still get a training folder/packet.) In this case:

a. You library may still become a Next Chapter Book Clubs affiliate if you complete and submit the Affiliate Agreement Form. Signing and submitting this Form means the organization understands the NCBC model and agrees to operate its book clubs by our Standards of Practice,
OR
b. You may choose to start book clubs without signing the agreement, but you cannot use the Next Chapter Book Club name.

If you aren’t yet sure who is going to be the coordinator for your club, you can take the Form and Standards back to your agency/library and return the Agreement form when you are ready. In the latter case, you would receive a Resource CD after Agreement Form is received by NCBC.