A book club, proposed by sophomore Finance and Political Science major Aiden Fornicola, is in the works here at Monmouth. The club’s aim is to cultivate a shared love of language and literacy through reading, book discussions, and activities like author visits and working closely with other clubs and social forums.
While there are other book clubs on campus, Fornicola wanted to create a student-led space for avid and new readers alike. “I really enjoy talking about a book after I finish it, but oftentimes there is nobody for me to talk about it with,” Fornicola said. “So starting an active book club has always been a secret wish of mine.”
Fornicola hopes the book club will serve as a productive alternative to digital distractions. “We as a generation are waking up and realizing that ‘doom-scrolling’ just isn’t that fun anymore; we need healthier alternatives to fill our free time. I think a book club is the perfect solution to the ‘brain rot’ problem we are currently dealing with.”
Fornicola is not alone in his efforts. University Librarian Kurt Wagner backs this endeavor completely. “For several reasons, it is a challenge to read for pleasure,” Wagner said. “So when student Aiden Fornciola and Dr. Rekha Datta approached me with a book club idea, and Aiden discussed it as a way to, perhaps, spark a renewed interest in reading books, so I was quick to join the effort.”
Dr. Rekha Datta, Professor of Political Science and Author, joined Fornicola in his efforts during the idea’s beginning stages. Fornicola joined the Debate Team and Datta on their recent trip to India, where they observed a more significant focus on literacy. “The idea germinated among and from students when we were on College Street in Kolkata, India,” said Datta. “College Street, with its rows of bookshops and street-side used and rare book stalls, is a haven for book lovers. I was very impressed to see how our students immediately fell in love with the place and from then on, have kept up discussions of books of all genres.”
This interest is worth reigniting, as the interest is already evident on campus. Professor Beth Sara Swanson, English Lecturer and faculty advisor for Monmouth’s chapter of Sigma Tau Delta, the International English Honors Society, has seen how Sig Tau’s recent efforts demonstrate a growing readership on campus. “The popularity of Sigma Tau Delta’s ‘Blind Date with a Book’ on Valentine’s Day confirmed that there’s a palpable interest in reading that extends beyond the boundaries of a single major into our whole campus community,” said Swanson.
In recognition of this readership, Fornicola envisions expanding interest through partnerships with other clubs, one example being Sigma Tau Delta. Through themed readings, author visits, and discussions, Fornicola aims to inspire student engagement regardless of whether they have the time to read the book. “When two groups that share such an investment in promoting literacy across campus come together, it really elevates the vibration and expands our outreach far beyond what we could accomplish individually,” said Swanson. “Nothing brings people together quite like a book club. Stories are very powerful things.”
Both Wagner and Datta can attest to this. As an author herself, Dr. Datta hopes that the book club will create stronger readers and stronger students. “My graduate school advisor used to say ‘good reading leads to good writing.’ I have always tried to follow that advice,” she said. “I want my students to become strong writers and good reading is critical in that formative process.”
While there are constant efforts to increase library attendance and use of resources, Wagner is confident that this will increase how people approach library services. “There is so much about a Library that cannot be replaced with a Google search. A book club provides a good opportunity for an in-person conversation, and that’s a marvelous way to interact and experience a community of ideas like none other.”
While the book club is in its beginning stages, Fornicola, alongside support from the library and other faculty, hopes for the club to be open for new members and executive officers by next Fall. Students who wish to join this new chapter can contact Aiden Fornicola.
