Several residents supported by JCFS have been participating in book clubs – first via Zoom, at the beginning of the pandemic, and eventually in person at the Skokie Public Library. The 11-15 residents read about three chapters at their weekly meetings, but they gain so much more than what’s on those book pages.

“These groups are a great idea because they've opened social and educational opportunities for our residents,” said Denise Pugh, Supervisor of Residential Supports. “As they continue to be introduced to community resources, our staff gets to witness their excitement and growth in these areas.”

Since the groups started meeting at the library, individuals from other agencies have joined the two book clubs, and the enjoyment of the residents has flourished, Denise said.

Before the start of each book club meeting, participants have time to interact and socialize, sharing everything from their latest accomplishments and family news to recipes they’ve tried.

“They have interacted with people they know from their community and met strangers they now call friends,” Denise said.

Skokie Public Library Volunteer Accessibility Specialist Dawn Wlezien said the library received a grant from the local Skokie community fund, which paid for the library to receive training and purchase an array of books for the program, called Next Chapter Book Club.

“The mission of the book club, ‘Let’s Get Together Book Club’, is to provide meaningful opportunities for lifelong learning, social connection and authentic community engagement for people with developmental disabilities with all reading abilities,” Dawn said. “It is not about learning to read but to learn about reading.”

As for the books that are chosen each season, Denise said they are appropriate for all skill levels and include classics such as Huckleberry Finn and 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea. There is review at the start of each meeting to refresh everyone’s memory, and then the participants take turns reading the new chapters aloud.

“No one is left out as staff and volunteers are on hand to tutor and engage in ‘echo reading,’ where residents are partnered with skilled readers who allow the residents to follow along and repeat back the sentence they just heard,” Denise said. “The pride in this accomplishment is visible on the residents' faces and everyone encourages one another, no matter how much or how little they choose to participate.”

Dawn agreed, saying, “Over the years I have seen individuals grow. During their first few sessions, they might pass, but by the fifth time, they are comfortable enough to read and even share their thoughts and opinions regarding the story