MARYSVILLE With about 120 titles and discussion kits available, between 80 and 100 already are spoken for according to Sno-Isle Library community relations manager Mary Kelly.
The reservations have just been popping, she said.
Late last month, the library system launched a new program aimed at book discussion groups. Groups looking for potential titles now can go online and find not only a number of titles to choose from in various categories, but can also reserve up to 10 copies of any given title along with discussion kits for those books.
The books and kits can be reserved at www.sno-isle.org. Click on Books on the top bar, and then Book Discussions. The online reservation form and a list of available titles can be found at the bottom of the page, under Book Discussion Collection.
The service is open to any book discussion group in Snohomish or Island counties.
According to Kelly, book discussion groups have become an increasingly popular way to spend an afternoon or evening. Many groups meet at local libraries, but also in homes, coffee shops or other community gathering spots.
There are discussion groups in place at both the Marysville and Arlington branches of the library system. More information on those groups including the books to be discussed can be found on the library Web site. You also can call the Marysville Library at 360-658-5000 or the Arlington branch at 360-435-3033.
Facilitated by staff, the Marysville group meets on the second Monday of each month and the Arlington group meets on the second Tuesday of each month. Again run by library staff, the Arlington group meets the same time on the following night.
Kelly said the launch of the discussion group service initially was deliberately kept low key. The system was designed in house and Kelly said officials wanted to make sure there were no major operating problems before making a general announcement about the service. So far, she said, she has heard of no complaints or difficulties.
In this case, no news is good news, Kelly said.