By Afia Amoakohene and Olivia Palmer
SANFORD – Inside the Sanford High School library, every Thursday during Spartan Time the school’s bookworms gather to discuss what they are recently reading. In Book Club, the members vote for a book from options that the librarian, Jennifer Raymond, picks for their weekly meetings.
According to SHS Junior and Book Club member Thalinda Hengthal, “I think being in the Book Club has opened up a lot of opportunities for me, not just diving into new books—but also the sense of community it gives you.” Many readers struggle to find peers who enjoy the same stories, and Book Club allows easier access by introducing students to people with similar interests in reading.
Hengthal also mentions, “We’re a pretty small, yet tight-knit group, [and] but we aren’t opposed to accepting more members as the years go by.” If you are a Freshman or just looking to branch out and find new friends, this is the place for you!
This community is held together by the club advisor. Raymond has been hosting the Book Club for 10 years. Hengthal also showed her admiration for Raymond, highlighting, “Meetings are often very fun and engaging, Ms. Raymond makes sure of that…since my freshman year, [she] has always been a highlight throughout my years in high school and … been someone I can speak to about basically anything. She’s very open and friendly, and she makes sure that Book Club runs the same.
As of now, Book Club is about to read “Under the Same Stars” by Libba Bray; a young adult historical mystery that connects three timelines through a landmark called the Bridegroom’s Oak. This story is very critically acclaimed, and is a highly anticipated book by club members.
The book club welcomes all who are interested in stopping by for a meeting. The book genres are always changing, and may even be something you are interested in! So when you get the opportunity, book out Spartan Time to the SHS library on Thursdays if you want to be part of a close community and make new friends, as well as to just enjoy your time with people who have the same interests as you.
