To book club and beyond!

This National Reading Month, get to know the Ardenwoods Book Club, a group of eager, lifelong learners. The club held its first meeting in July 2021 and has since grown to 15 residents active in the club.

“There have been many conversations and collaborations involved,” said Community Life Services Director Kari Schrader. “One of the most important collaborations has been with Ryan Kampert, the Branch Manager of the South Asheville Library. He was the first magic piece.”

In 2021, a resident suggested that Kari pursue the local library, South Asheville, for assistance with ordering books. Ryan now graciously allows the Ardenwoods Book Club to place book orders through the library, giving club members access to in-demand titles.

In the second half of 2024, the Ardenwoods Book Club read and discussed popular novels and historical literature alike — The Art Thief, Huckleberry Finn, The Diary of a Young Girl, Pride and Prejudice, The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store, The Maltese Falcon, and The Lady in the Lake to name a few.

“This year, we plan to revisit some popular books from years ago, and it will be interesting to see how age and experience may have altered my understanding of and feelings about various topics,” said Ann McEndarfer, an avid reader and club member.

Resident Jim Ward’s arrival is a key factor in the book club’s popularity and success. Before Jim came to Ardenwoods in May of 2023, meetings were every 3-4 months instead of monthly. Not only has Jim been a key organizer, but he has also helped facilitate and direct the meetups. As a retired English professor of 30 years, his passion for reading and connecting with others over novels comes naturally.

“I still constantly try to read new things, things that I’m not familiar with, to learn new things about the world, the universe, life, what it means to be a human being. And I also read just for pleasure and to escape, as many people do,” said Jim.

Kari also plays a key role in keeping the club thriving, ensuring new residents know about the club, managing the members email list and communicating with residents when new books arrive.

“Residents regularly pop by my office and ask if the new books have arrived, eager to start turning pages,” she said.

The Ardenwoods Book Club is unique because its meetings are solely resident-led. The meetings are guided yet open to discussion and act as a bridge to new friendships.

“The book club is something I enjoy because it is a way to get to know people who like reading. People with similar interests can find each other and develop friendships,” said Ann. “I have been an avid reader most of my life, and joining a club has nurtured that love of reading and opening up new worlds.”

The Ardenwoods Book Club has even inspired the Heather Glen crew, Ardenwoods Assisted Living facility, to start a book club. After a devoted Ardenwoods Book Club member relocated to Heather Glen, a program assistant had the idea to transition the program over with that resident. Meetings at Heather Glen are more discussion-based get-togethers, with facilitators reading passages aloud.

Whether embarking on a literary adventure in the pages of a new book or fueling new and meaningful relationships with other residents, the book club is the place to be!