How to Join a Local Book Club, Understanding Genetic Links to Osteoarthritis, and Building a Charitable Giving Strategy

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Book clubs offer more than lively conversations about books—they’re a great way to stay socially connected, discover new authors, and add a pleasant rhythm to your month. If you’ve ever thought about joining one but weren’t sure where to start, here are simple, reliable ways to find a book club that feels like a good fit.

Public libraries are one of the best places to begin. Many libraries host free book clubs for adults and seniors, often organized by genre or reading style. You can stop by the front desk, call the library directly, or check your local library’s website. To find your nearest library system, visit here or your city or county’s official website.

Independent bookstores also frequently host book clubs and author discussions. These groups tend to be welcoming and casual, and staff can usually tell you which clubs are currently open to new members.

Community centers, senior centers, churches, and lifelong learning programs are also common hosts for book clubs. These groups often meet regularly and focus as much on conversation as on the book itself.

If you’re open to searching beyond physical locations, several trusted platforms list local book clubs:

Most groups clearly state what they read, how often they meet, and whether new members are welcome.

It’s perfectly acceptable to attend a meeting simply to see if it feels right. Book clubs vary widely in pace, discussion style, and atmosphere. The right one should feel enjoyable—not like an obligation.

“The Beach Chair with My Name on It”
From the life overview of Marjorie L., 90, Myrtle Beach, SC. Shared with permission.

When I was a young mother, there was a stretch of beach just south of the boardwalk where the crowds never seemed to gather. The sand there was coarser than usual and full of little shells that would poke your feet, and the wind carried the faint scent of fried dough from the stands up the shore. I used to drag along an old folding chair, which had striped canvas and one leg that was slightly bent, because that spot was the only quiet place I could read a magazine without someone tugging on my sleeve. The chair squeaked loudly every time I sat down, announcing my arrival like a fanfare that no one asked for.

One afternoon, after a long night up with a teething baby, I claimed my usual spot near the dunes. The ocean was uncharacteristically calm, producing a hush-hush rhythm like someone breathing deeply. I’d barely opened my magazine when I spotted a little boy, maybe five or six, standing at the waterline, clearly debating whether he was brave enough to wade in. His mother called out encouragement, but he shook his head so firmly that his whole body wobbled. Something about the determination on his face made me laugh—not at him but in recognition. I remembered that exact tug-of-war between wanting to leap forward and wanting to stay safe on dry sand.

Eventually, he stepped in the water—just ankle-deep—and let out a triumphant yelp that carried all the way down the beach. His mother clapped. I did, too, but quietly from my crooked chair. There was something lovely about watching a stranger take a small, wobbly step toward courage, especially on a day when I felt I didn’t have any to spare.

I didn’t keep that chair forever since it rusted out, as beach things often do. But every now and then, I think of the squeak it made, the sun on my shoulders, and that little boy announcing, in his own way, that sometimes just one step is victory enough.

***

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PBS American Experience — Full Films
A free streaming collection of documentary films on people, events, and movements that shaped the United States. The films are well paced and grounded in primary sources, with a focus on context rather than spectacle. Many can be watched in a single sitting.

Smithsonian Transcription Center
An online project that lets the public read and help transcribe historical documents from across the Smithsonian’s collections. Materials include letters, diaries, field notes, and ledgers that are otherwise difficult to access. You can simply read along or take part at your own pace, making it a quiet, hands-on way to spend time with original documents.

National Museum of the American Coverlet (Facebook Page)
The museum’s active Facebook page shares photographs and brief background notes about historic American coverlets—woven bedcovers made in the 19th century. Posts often highlight patterns, materials, and the stories behind the makers, giving a practical sense of this craft tradition. It’s an easy way to explore material culture through images and short contextual descriptions.

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If bright screens make your eyes tired, dry, or uncomfortable—especially at night—you’re not imagining it. Night Mode and Dark Mode are built-in settings on most phones, tablets, and computers that make text easier to read by reducing glare and harsh light. Many people find they’re more comfortable for evening use or long reading sessions.

You don’t need any special apps to get started.

On iPhone or iPad (Dark Mode):
Go to Settings → Display & Brightness → Appearance → Dark

You can also schedule it to turn on automatically at sunset.

On Android phones:
Go to Settings → Display → Dark theme

On Windows computers:
Go to Settings → Personalization → Colors → Choose your mode → Dark

On Mac computers:
Go to System Settings → Appearance → Dark

If text still feels hard to read, increase text size at the same time—Dark Mode works best with slightly larger fonts.

Some devices also offer Night Mode (sometimes called Night Shift), which reduces blue light rather than changing the background color.

You can schedule these automatically so your screen adjusts in the evening.

For even more control, many like reading-specific apps that support Dark Mode:

One Helpful Reminder
Dark Mode isn’t better for everyone. Some people read more comfortably with dark text on a light background. Try both during the day and at night and keep what feels best for your eyes.

A few small setting changes can make daily screen use noticeably easier and more comfortable.

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Unscramble the letters to find a famous person, event, or object! Be the first to reply with the correct answer, and we’ll send you a free gift in the mail.

Today’s clue: Style of music popular in the swing era.

GIB NABD

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