ABOUT THE BOOK CLUB
The Dayton's Bluff Book Club is a neighborhood book club that is co-facilitated by librarians from Metropolitan State University and the Dayton's Bluff Branch of Saint Paul Public Library whose members live, study, or work on the East Side.
We focus on books by diverse local authors who write about local and global issues that affect our community. Book discussions include issues related to social justice, equity, and anti-racism.
In the past, we have invited authors, speakers, and professors from Metropolitan State University to speak at meetings and facilitate discussion.
We encourage book club members to use both the university and public libraries in pursuit of lifelong learning and the joy of reading.
WHERE TO PICK UP BOOKS
We have a limited amount of books to give away for free on a first-come, first-serve basis to current book club members. We will notify members when books become available. Once we run out, we strongly encourage members to place titles on hold at the library or to patronize a local book shop if they are able.
GROUP AGREEMENTS
By participating in this group, we agree to the following touchstones:
Give and receive welcome. People learn best in hospitable spaces. In this group, we support each other’s learning by giving and receiving hospitality.
Speak your truth in ways that respect other people’s truths. Our views may differ, but speaking one’s truth does not mean interrupting, interpreting, correcting, or debating what others say.
Set aside judgment to listen to others- and to yourself- more deeply. Respond to others with honest, open questions rather than counsel or corrections. If you feel judgmental or defensive, turn to wonder. “I wonder what brought them to this conclusion?” or “I wonder why they interpreted the text this way?”
Respect boundaries and learn to accept that your question may not be answered in the way that you want or expect. Learn to navigate and learn from gray areas. Remember: what is offered in the discussion is by invitation, not demand.
Trust and learn from the silence if you find yourself speaking over others. If you tend to stay quiet, try sharing in a way that is comfortable for you.
We thank Circle of Trust Touchstones developed by Parker J. Palmer and the Center for Courage and Renewal for giving us the framework and language to develop our group agreements.
WHEN TO MEET
We meet once a month on a Wednesday at 6 p.m. in the months of October, November, December, February, March, and April in-person and via Zoom.
MEET YOUR FACILITATORS
Mai Yang she/her
Saint Paul Public Library
Library Associate
Reading: fiction & manga/graphic novel
Watching: foreign & horror movies
Listening: audiobooks, podcast
Learning: to keep houseplants alive and propagating it
Fun Fact: I have a small collection of assorted rubber ducks on my bookshelf.
Michelle Filkins she/they
Metropolitan State University
Professor/Reference
& Instruction Librarian
Reading: fiction, non-fiction & poetry
Watching: baseball, streaming series and films
Listening: musical omnivore with metal leanings
Learning: gardening, pickleball, RPGs
Fun Fact: I am the commissioner of a fantasy baseball league and the manager of Tender Buttons, a team named in honor of Gertrude Stein.
Email us to join or with any questions you may have.