Title Talk

About the Program

Category: Libraries (Best in Category)

Year: 2021

Staff at Henrico County Public Library (HCPL) sought ways to maintain book discussions virtually when public health concerns prevented in-person library services. Book discussions are a cornerstone of library programming, and book discussion groups often contain regular attendees who wanted to stay connected during the shutdown. HCPL devised as a solution a series of open-ended book discussion groups called Title Talk, where library book discussion leaders and attendees could share recommended titles, critique recent reads, and pursue their reading interests in a virtual group conversation. Title Talk was expanded to serve teens, and Teen Title Talk developed into a popular series for teens craving a less-structured way to connect over literature and fandoms outside of their regular virtual learning environments. Title Talk was an innovative solution to a challenge many library systems face during the pandemic.