Book Night – The Next Chapter

By Carol Van Why, Library Committee Chair
Originally published in the December 2016 issue of 1666 Coffman Newsletter
With a message in the January 1994 1666 Coffman Newsletter, Thor Kommedahl invited residents who were interested in starting a Coffman book club to gather in the social room on January 19, 1994. A February article called Thor’s “trial balloon an unqualified success.” Thus, Book Night was launched with Thor serving as convener for fifteen and a half years.

In August 2009, Thor decided it was time to pass the Book Night gavel on to someone else. For the next seven years, Gretchen Kreuter graciously filled the role of convener, lining up reviewers with seeming ease. October 2016, was Gretchen’s last Book Night event as convener.

So, what’s next for Book Night? One thing is certain: there will be no Book Night this December. No reviewer had been scheduled, and a new convener(s) is not in place. And seriously, aren’t you happy to free up one night on your calendar during that very busy holiday week?

Book Night returns on January 18, 2017. The theme of the evening will be “Start the New Year Reading!,” hosted by bibliophiles Joanne Kendall, Victoria Tirrel, and Katie Weiblen. A feature of the event will be several residents presenting snappy four-minute reviews to help you jumpstart your own 2017 reading.

You can be a part of the evening’s planning. Soon you’ll receive a brief survey from Victoria Tirrel. Whether you’re a regular Book Night attendee or not, I hope you’ll complete the survey and return it by the deadline.

Plan to join your neighbors as we celebrate the importance of books and reading in our lives along with Book Night’s twenty-three year run. Mark Book Night on your calendar for Wednesday, January 18, 2017 at 7:30 pm. Then watch for “Start the New Year Reading!” updates and posters once the new year begins.