Many people love to read, but lingering stereotypes can make it uncomfortable to admit that interest out loud. Through this newly formed club, students at Liberty High School have a space where they can openly enjoy reading while spending time with others who share the same appreciation for books. The club goes beyond traditional reading by offering a variety of engaging activities designed to make meetings welcoming and fun for everyone. Members can participate in creative arts and crafts, such as designing and coloring personalized bookmarks, or join literature circles where students choose a genre they’re interested in and discuss it with others who share that focus. In addition, interactive games like Kahoots and book scavenger hunts help create a relaxed atmosphere that encourages participation, conversation, and connection among students.
NEHS (National English Honors Society) created this Book Club in hopes of constructing a safe and welcoming environment where students feel comfortable coming together to enjoy the art of literature, while also strengthening peer relationships throughout the school community. So far, there has been one Book Club meeting, and many participants shared how much they enjoyed the arts and crafts activities, as well as the opportunity to socialize with others who share a passion for reading. “I think it’s a good way to find a good book to read while exploring new genres. It’s also a way to communicate with other people who share the same interest in reading,” junior, Taytum Gault explained.
When people were asked what outcome they hoped to achieve by creating this Book Club, many responses focused on breaking out of social norms and familiar cliques. Students shared that they wanted the club to encourage members to step outside their usual circles, connect with people they may never have spoken to before, and form new relationships rooted in a shared love of reading. Another common goal was to build stronger, more meaningful connections between Liberty students and books, helping reading feel less like an assignment and more like a personal passion. English teacher and club sponsor Ms. Larsen explained her vision for the club’s future, saying, “My goal for this is to develop a group where people feel comfortable, and people want to continue joining meetings and being involved in what we are doing.”
Many students also shared ideas on how the club could reach a wider audience at Liberty High School, suggesting increased promotion through morning announcements, recommendations from teachers and librarians, word of mouth, and the creation of additional school-wide events. As reading continues to grow in popularity among young adults, clubs like this provide more than just a space to discuss books; they offer a sense of belonging. The NEHS Book Club aims to foster both a love of reading and meaningful connections among students who share that interest. Looking ahead, members can expect more meetings, expanded activities, and opportunities to gather beyond the school day. For anyone who enjoys the comfort of a good book and the community that comes with it, the NEHS Book Club welcomes all students to join.
