Back row, from left to right: Ruby Hovda, Pam Chertack, Yvonne Steep, Debbie Itani, Lois Kubica. Not pictured is Martha Bymaster. (Submitted photo)
Patriotism, memories and thankfulness filled the conversation when the Older, Wiser, Livelier Seniors of Garden Homes at Zionsville Meadows met for their monthly book club earlier this month. These enthusiastic readers were among the first to enjoy Crackerjack Books, a new book club discussion kit for senior groups provided by the Hussey-Mayfield Memorial Public Library.
Originally launched with six titles to choose from, the kits grew out of an idea proposed by the library’s Senior Council. Each boxed kit is dedicated to one title and contains eight large print copies, an audiobook and a discussion guide. Thanks to a generous grant from the Library Foundation, nine different Crackerjack Book sets are now available for checkout to local assisted living facilities and their residents. What makes the Zionsville library’s Crackerjack Books different from other lending programs, such as the Indiana Humanities’ Novel Conversations, is that the kits cater to seniors.
The enthusiastic OWLS celebrated the launch of the library’s new program with a discussion about “The All-Girl Filling Station’s Last Reunion,” a best-selling novel by Fannie Flagg. The book, which brings to life some unsung heroines of WWII, the Women Air Force Service Pilots, was a perfect choice for the group’s Veteran’s Day event. The ladies shared their impressions of the book and personal recollections during the event.
All 11 gave the book an enthusiastic thumbs-up, something of a rarity, according to Debbie Itani, Activities Coordinator for the Garden Homes, who has led the group for three years. At the end of the discussion, Itani presented the library with a copy of “American Experience: Fly Girls,” a program produced by WGBH for the Public Television Service. This DVD will be added to “The All-Girl Filling Station’s Last Reunion” Crackerjack Books box for others to enjoy.
“The Library is thrilled by the enthusiastic response it’s received about the Crackerjack Books kits from residents at both Zionsville Meadows and The Hearth at Tudor Gardens,” said Barbara Litkowski, Teen & Adult Services Librarian.
For more information about how your assisted living facility or how residents may reserve a kit, stop by the Library and pick up a brochure, or call Litkowski at 873-3149, ext. 12464.
The Hussey-Mayfield Memorial Public Library is at 250 N. Fifth St., Zionsville. For more information about the library, visit www.zionsville.lib.in.us or call 873-8341.
