All members in good standing, full members and associate members, are eligible to participate in Interest Groups. Members should contact the facilitator to participate in one of the Interest Groups listed below. At times groups may be full.
Members are welcome to propose new Interest Groups. Contact the Interest Group Coordinator or click the button below.
Contemporary Book Group
Facilitators: Finnegan Alford-Cooper and Sandy Padernacht
Day and Time: Second Friday of the month, October – June, 1:00-2:30 p.m.
This group is for people interested in reading both fiction and non-fiction books published within the last five years. The aim of the group is to spread our wings a bit and enjoy a wide variety of books (historical fiction, humor, memoir, biography, mystery, thrillers, romance, current events, history, politics, natural science, etc.)
Each month participants will choose among 2-4 books recommended by the facilitators and group members. Group members will vote on books two months ahead of time so there is enough time to procure and read the books. Membership capped at 14.
Our Stories, Our Lives
Facilitators: Finnegan Alford-Cooper and Bonnie Strickland
Day and Time: Third Tuesday of the month, 4:00 – 5:30 p.m.
This is a group of women who meet monthly to discuss life experiences, focusing on such topics as the experience of aging and ageism, health issues, political concerns, using time wisely, gender roles, family ties, and friendship.
Reading the Classics
Facilitator: Jeanne Kaiser
Day and Time: January, March, May, July, September and November, on the 4th Thursday of the month, 2:00 – 3:30 p.m.
This is a book club focused on books considered to be classics of literature. Each month a new book is read, and discussed at the meeting.
Reading Round Table
Facilitator: Martha Cohen and Cat Batson
Date/time: First Friday of the month, at 12:30 – 2:00 p.m.
Join other incurable readers for an informal round table one Wednesday afternoon a month. Whether you prefer literary fiction, biographies, nonfiction, science fiction, plays, detective series, or graphic novels, you’re welcome to join this eclectic group. We talk about what we’re currently reading (or listening to), where we get our recommendations, trends in publishing, and anything else that interests us. No prerequisite or homework!
Viewpoints
Facilitator: Jay Russell
Date and Time: Third Thursday of the month, 2:00-3:30 PM
Hybrid meetings: in person at the Five College Library Annex Building in N. Hatfield and on Zoom.
Viewpoints is a monthly round-table discussion of current domestic and international events and issues (often, but not always, political), and other subjects not necessarily tied to the headlines of the day (such as culture wars, free speech restrictions in schools and colleges, and policing and firearms). Each month’s participants choose four topics for roughly 20-minute discussions.
Photography Club
Facilitator: Tom Clune
Date and Time: Second Friday of the month.
In-person: FCI Library Annex
The group would explore various aspects of photography, from learning new techniques and equipment (macro photography, studio lighting, astrophotography, etc.) to developing our skills in wildlife, street, event, etc. photography. We could touch explore post-processing and aspects of presenting our work for display. I imagine that we would share our efforts for group evaluation during the meetings.
Story Time
Facilitator: Elizabeth Armstrong
Date and Time: Third Thursday of the month from 3:30-5:00 p.m. January through October.
We will meet once a month on Zoom to discuss short stories that we have read prior to the meeting. Members of the group will take turns choosing stories and leading the discussion. In most cases stories selected will be found on the internet. Suggestions of interesting stories will be provided by the group leader.
