Every week, in a small conference room in the basement of the Howell Carnegie District Library, a dozen or so people carry out a quiet 30-year tradition.
Under the direction of retired teacher Fred Woodhams, the Howell Library’s Literary Discussion Group has been gathering every Monday for decades to discuss literature.
Because of meeting weekly when most book clubs meet monthly, many of the readings are less-lengthy works, such as short stories, essays or poetry. If a full book is being discussed, members are warned in advance to provide a little more time to get the reading done.
Woodhams has long been committed to the weekly format; some years the group doesn’t even take a Monday night off for holidays, finding places to meet if the library is closed.
“We see book clubs that meet monthly,” Woodhams said. “But I knew I could find a book club that meets once a week.”
Starting in 1996, a group was formed to discuss the works of mythologist Joseph Campbell, later transitioning into a great books discussion. Then the group developed its own reading list to include short stories, essays and poetry.
“Short stories are one of the pillars of literacy,” Woodhams said.
In April, the Howell Carnegie District Library Board of Directors honored Woodhams with a resolution for his 30 years of leading the group, “offering his love and knowledge of literature and natural leadership skills to anyone who wants to join.”
Formally known as the Literary Discussion Group, the resolution describes the club as a “cherished group for information and entertainment for the patrons of the Howell Carnegie Library.”
And the longevity of the group serves to back up his belief that there is a demand for what the group provides.
Woodhams’ purpose is simple: “To have people enjoy reading.”
In the past year, things have changed for Woodhams. Parkinson’s disease and a mild stroke have rendered him homebound. But the book club goes on, with Woodhams still at the head of the table, although he now participates with the group via zoom.
On a recent Monday, the group convened to discuss Willa Cather’s work “My Antonia.” The Zoom link was enacted and Woodhams appeared to warm greetings. Then, almost instantly, a lively discussion began of the classic work, which chronicled the lives of Nebraska pioneers in the late 19th century. Some had read the novel before, in high school or college. Some had never read it. But opinions and theories rang strong. All in good nature.
“Fred has nurtured a very safe environment for diverse opinions,” said Sue Alt, a member of the group for 20 years.
The group endured during the pandemic via Zoom, returning eventually to in-person meetings.
“One thing that has grown out of this is a lot of long-term friendships,” said Alt, who now helps with some of the administrative duties, though “Fred is still in charge.”
Many members have been in the group for decades; though some have come and gone through the years, there are current members who have clocked at least 20 years, and at least a few are original.
Ask anyone in the group how it could have been sustained for so many years, the answer is the same: “Fred.”
“We all love Fred,” said Joyce Vitez, a retired social worker.
Gary Scanlon, an engineer, is an original member of the group, one of several such clubs of which he is a member. Why?
“I like a good idea,” he said. “Books are the repositories of good ideas.”
On this particular Monday he provided a plate of chocolate chip cookies prepared by his wife.
Leslie Berg, a retired attorney, is one of the newer members of the group, have joined only a few months ago.
“I haven’t been here 30 years, but I wish I had been,” she said.
As for Woodhams, his dedication remains strong.
“I hope we can continue to read stories for 50 more years,” said Woodhams.
In addition to leading the book club, Woodhams recently started the “Religion, Philosophy, and the Meaning of Life” discussion group, which meets monthly at his home.
— All photos by Barb Modrack
