By definition, a bibliophile is “a person who collects or has a great love of books.”
Case in point: Rogers State University sophomore Ian Feary.
Recently, Feary decided to channel his love for the written word into the creation of a new student organization – one to allow himself and his fellow bibliophiles the chance to discuss their shared love of books.
“My friend and I had (English & Humanities) Professor (Jeanice) Davis as an instructor in Comp I and II, and we were talking about the book ‘Fahrenheit 451.’ We had such good discussions about that book,” Feary said. “I thought how great it would be if we could continue having those kinds of discussions. I didn’t think there’s a student book club on campus, so we decided to start one of our own.”
Called Book Club on the Hill, the newly formed student organization will meet at 4 p.m. in the Stratton Taylor Library Conference Room every other Tuesday.
“Every member will suggest a book for the club to read, explain why they recommend it and after a vote, members will then read that book and discuss it at the next meeting,” he said. “Basically, we’re sharing our appreciation of books with like-minded people, regardless of their book preferences.”
Professor Davis will serve as the student organization’s faculty advisor.
“Ian was an active part of my Comp II class, and he saw how discussions about great pieces of literature could be an avenue to examine ourselves and the world around us,” she said. “Those discussions, although sometimes deep and difficult, can be fun too. His desire is to create a communal space where students can come together and have those types of deep conversations in a relaxed, open, accepting and yes, even fun atmosphere.”
Feary said the club will celebrate all book genres, although – as he’s studying public administration – he currently reads more philosophy and historical fiction.
“Once the club gets going, we might be looking at holding a book drive some time in the future – to get some more books to add to the library,” he said. “I’m still looking into that, though. We’re just getting the club going, though, so that’s way down the road.
“So, if you enjoy reading, if you love books and especially, if you like to talk about books and their ideas, please join us,” he said.
Book Club on the Hill’s first meeting will be Tuesday, March 5, at 4 p.m. in the Stratton Taylor Library Conference Room. Meetings are open to all RSU students.
For more information about Book Club on the Hill, email [email protected].
For more information about Rogers State University, visit www.rsu.edu.