By Allie Edwards
ROGERS, ARK–Scholars may be wondering, what is Book Club? “So book club for Haas Hall is for anyone who enjoys reading, not the type of reading that we require you to do in English classes, but the type of reading where the scholars lead the conversation,” states Loranda Bailey, the sponsor of Book club and an avid reader herself. Bailey believes that scholars who love to read should have a space where that appreciation can be shared. Book Club is the perfect spot for all who want a piece of that literature pie.
Riley Olson, the president of the Book Club and a Rogers freshman, can always be seen with a book. “When I read, it truly brings me to another universe,” Olson says, “I started [Book Club] because for all of my life I have been infatuated with books.” Book Club is for people like Olson to really dig deep into books, discuss with others, and show off their reading skills.
Reading and discussing is not the only thing that draws scholars to Book Club. “One of the perks is that we order coffee and tea from a nearby business. During our Book Club meetings, we sip coffee and discuss the book,” stated Bailey, continuing, “But the thing about it is, in order to receive the perks, you have to actively participate by attending the meetings. And not only attend the meetings, but you must read the book and come prepared to discuss.”
Another privilege of the Book Club is the partnership with a local bookshop. “If you are a member of the Haas Hall Book Club there is a discount that will be offered on the book of the month…Book Club members will be able to go to Barnes and Noble and get a discount on that particular book,” Bailey stated. You will need the code word, your Haas Hall ID, and the book of the month, that the club is reading, to get the discount.
Book Club is spreading not only around Haas, but also to the city of Rogers. Bailey states, “We have discussed other things we can do in the community because we love to read. There are opportunities to read to younger kids.” Bailey continues, “And of course a community service project, I’m always down with that.” Another way book clubs are spreading the word is through the other Haas Hall campuses. “I know [the Bentonville campus] does not have a book club, and maybe we can set that up to where it’s like a community,” Olson says.
If you love reading, are infatuated by words, drink coffee or tea and love to be a part of the community come join Book Club!
