On a recent Tuesday in November, a group of about a dozen adults gathered in the meeting room at the East Regional Library to read aloud and enjoy Chapter 22 of Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan. For these participants, the One at a Time Book Club is not just about finishing a book—it’s about building connections and confidence.
The club, designed specifically for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, meets every Tuesday from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the East Regional Library. Since beginning the novel in June, the group has steadily worked through it at their own pace, creating a supportive environment where all are encouraged to participate.
Strengthening Friendships Through Books
The book club’s core participants, students from a nearby adult day school, arrive each week in a familiar white passenger van. Many of them had been frequent library visitors before the club started, using their trips to check out books. The club has since strengthened their relationships both with each other and with library staff.
“We came up with the idea because we knew this was an underserved population,” said Adult Services Librarian Lynn Holt. “It started at East Regional because this group was already visiting regularly.”
Reading Aloud Builds Confidence
During the hour-long sessions, participants take turns reading aloud if they feel comfortable. Those who choose to read have gained confidence through practice, while others enjoy listening and engaging in the stories. The sessions are punctuated with laughter and camaraderie, as the group bonds over snacks and the humorous prose of the book.
“We’ve got some folks who are really very confident about reading out loud,” Holt explained. “Others may not read, but they love hearing the story and being part of the group.”
Inclusive Programs for All
The library’s One at a Time Book Club is part of a broader effort to create inclusive programming for all patrons. Librarian Christy Jarrett said the club was a natural fit, as the participants were already regular visitors.
“They’re just really good library patrons anyway,” Jarrett said, adding that the book The Lightning Thief, which the group selected from a few options, was chosen for its engaging yet accessible storyline. The protagonist, Percy Jackson, has dyslexia, making him a relatable character for some of the participants.
More Than a Book Club
The program has become more than just a reading group—it’s a space for mutual respect, social interaction, and personal growth. Participants have formed friendships with each other and with library staff, sharing updates from their lives during the sessions.
“This is an opportunity to build community,” Holt said. “They’ve become friends with us, and we get to check on them and see how they’re doing. I learn a lot from them, and I always have a good time.”
Hadley, one of the regular attendees, said she enjoys fantasy novels and values the connections she’s made through the group. “I like having a community of people I can just rant about books with,” she said, pointing to a book about warrior cats she brought along.
Jeff, another participant, summed up his experience simply: “I love learning about the characters and stuff like that.”
For the participants and the librarians alike, the One at a Time Book Club offers more than just a chance to read—it’s a celebration of community, inclusion, and the joy of storytelling.
