Inclusive Next Chapter Book Club training

If it's been your desire to offer a program for young adults with disabilities (ages 18+), then we have an exciting opportunity for you! Elmhurst Public Library and Skokie Public Library have both arranged to receive Next Chapter Book Club affiliate training in the next few weeks, and we've saved seats for you!

Next Chapter Book Club is a community-based literacy program designed specifically for adults with developmental disabilities. NCBC groups meet all over the US in coffee shops, bookstores, and community centers, but very few meet in libraries. We want to change that! NCBC groups average eight participants with two facilitators and meet weekly (for about 14 weeks) to read and discuss a book. This is a perfect program to serve your transitional students (18-22) with a partnering agency. 

Love it? Good! So do we! So here are the NCBC training dates (pick one) and the nitty-gritty details...

Elmhurst Public Library on February 1, 9:00am-1:00pm

Email Kristin Sanderson or call at 630.279.8696

Skokie Public Library March 18, 9:00am-1:00pm

Email Holly Jin or call at 847.324.3117

You can send 1-2 staff members to the training which would make your library an official affiliate site. You could then train more of your own staff to lead NCBC discussions. 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 their respective trainings, but in order to get a NCBC going in your community you would want to purchase start up materials 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:

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

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 may take the Form and Standards back to your agency/library and return the Agreement form when you are ready. In that case, you would receive a Resource CD after the Agreement Form is received by NCBC.

Kristin has 10-15 spots available at Elmhurst, and I have eight. So contact us soon, and don't miss this chance to offer an inclusive book discussion in your area!