You may think of reading as a solitary activity, and though it can be, at Silver Maples we also emphasize the community connection of reading, sharing stories, and connecting over a good book!

Norma Kumbier, a retired librarian, still carries that title into her retirement. Silver Maples has a large, up-to-date library that is fully resident managed. Along with a lot of helpers from the Library Committee, Norma maintains a balanced collection including fiction (both classic and new bestselling titles), nonfiction, and large print. There’s truly something for all readers at the Silver Maples Library.

Silver Maples partners with the Chelsea District Library to host a bi-monthly book club. Thanks to the help from CDL, multiple copies of the same book get passed around the community. This engaged group is led in conversation by CDL librarian Laura Brown: “The residents have wonderful book discussions with a wide variety of opinions about fictional characters, as well as non-fiction topics. Reading stimulates the brain and having an outlet to discuss what one has read further develops the mind.”

In the off-months of the CDL book club, residents gather for “Tea and Talk,” a less structured conversation to share what they’re reading, old favorites, and new discoveries. It’s impossible to leave a Tea and Talk without adding something to your “To-Read” pile.

In the Meadows, Silver Maples’ assisted living, we put a twist on the classic book club format. Rather than have everyone read a book prior to the meeting, Winn Mahoney, the Meadows Activity Coordinator will share a short story aloud. This makes it so that all residents, even those whose vision makes reading a challenge, can engage in literary discussion.

Thursday, August 9 is National Book Lovers Day. Silver Maples will be celebrating with a session of Tea and Talk. Hope you have the chance to share a book you love, too!