Credit: Erich Martin/LevittownNow.com
What started as a way to connect local readers in Bucks County continues to connect bibliophiles while supporting local charities and causes.
Sarah Tuck and Courtney Haney co-founded the Bucks Book Club in 2014 when Tuck asked her Facebook friends if anyone was willing to join her in starting a book club. Almost immediately after the post went live, Haney spoke up immediately.
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“We started the book club when we realized there were not many book clubs in our area that catered to our age group. We both loved reading and discovered that bond while working together at Barnes and Noble. We created this book club to serve as a place where book lovers in our community can express themselves and have a sense of belonging.” Tuck said.
The book club caters to young adults between 20 and 35 years old.
The club meets twice every month. At each meeting, about 10 members of the club will get together to talk about the month’s chosen book. The mid-month meetings, set in a public place like a coffee shop, act as a check-in for the group to discuss where they are in the book. Meetings at the end of months let members discuss the books in full at one of the member’s home. These meetings often involve baked goods and other home made foods, Tuck said.
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The group totals about 25 members, but all of the members do not make it to each meeting, Tuck and Haney explained.
“We have received a lot of inquiries from people wanting to join and learn more about us. I think what appeals to a lot of people is the fact that we meet up twice a month,” Tuck said.
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The group has a strong social media presence and works to include virtual members from other states as well as those who attend the regular meetings.
Both founding members were born and raised in Lower Bucks County and have had a love of reading established since they were young.
“I’ve always loved reading,” Haney said. “My mom would read to my sister and I before bed every night when we were younger. In fourth grade we read Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone in class and took a field trip to see the movie. Our teacher sorted us into “houses” for seating assignments in class and I think that was what really sparked my interested in reading.”
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Tuck explained: “I grew up with my mom walking my siblings and I to the local library. I thought my library card was the coolest thing ever and couldn’t believe this card granted me the opportunity to read any book I wanted. I remember escaping to my parents’ bedroom and throwing all their pillows on the ground and reading ‘Black Beauty.’ Reading has always been an escape for me.”
Although the group definitely connects over their love of reading, they are constantly working towards a greater purpose.
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“I come from a nonprofit background and knew I wanted to implement that in our book club,” Tuck said.
One of the book club’s main goals is the creation of its own little free library. The library would be a mailbox-like structure where people can take and leave books. The group has started fundraising for the project but is working on other projects in the meantime.
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The group recently collected items for EASEL Animal Rescue in Ewing, New Jersey, and helped the Middletown Community Skatepark to raise money during the skate jam in Falls Township in May.
Anyone who wants more information about the club can find the group on Facebook and Instagram, or by emailing them at bucksbookclub123@gmail.com.
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