I believe that it's time to strengthen our library's promotion of our collection of Romance fiction. This genre is an important one, though its popular reputation presents some barriers to easy promotion. Some readers view the Romance genre as "low-brow" literature and may not consider it worthy of their time. Other readers may be hesitant to request readers' advisory assistance for fear of engaging in a potentially awkward discussion about steamy literature.
For these reasons, I recommend promotion on two fronts. First, I would like to supplement our existing "Romance fiction" display with a printed list of book club style reading questions that could apply to any book of the Romance genre. In a study of the promotion of Romance genre fiction in American public libraries (2013), Adkins, Esser and Velasquez note that romance novels can provide excellent opportunities to discuss the societal context that is reflected by the content and characters of the books. While the story lines may be relatively similar across the genre, we see variety in the discourse, power relationships, and daily life of the characters.
With these questions readily available to readers of the Romance genre, I would like to suggest a monthly Romance genre discussion group that will meet at the library. Loosely based on the discussion questions provided each month, it is my hope that avid Romance readers will come together to discuss themes and ideas that they may apply to the Romance novels that are of most interest to each individual. This discussion group may allow readers to learn about sub-genres and authors outside of their reading experience, and it may even catch the eye of readers who are new to the Romance genre as a whole.
For these reasons, I recommend promotion on two fronts. First, I would like to supplement our existing "Romance fiction" display with a printed list of book club style reading questions that could apply to any book of the Romance genre. In a study of the promotion of Romance genre fiction in American public libraries (2013), Adkins, Esser and Velasquez note that romance novels can provide excellent opportunities to discuss the societal context that is reflected by the content and characters of the books. While the story lines may be relatively similar across the genre, we see variety in the discourse, power relationships, and daily life of the characters.
With these questions readily available to readers of the Romance genre, I would like to suggest a monthly Romance genre discussion group that will meet at the library. Loosely based on the discussion questions provided each month, it is my hope that avid Romance readers will come together to discuss themes and ideas that they may apply to the Romance novels that are of most interest to each individual. This discussion group may allow readers to learn about sub-genres and authors outside of their reading experience, and it may even catch the eye of readers who are new to the Romance genre as a whole.
I think book discussion groups are a great way to promote a certain genre, for all of the reasons that you stated. One of the branches in my system has a group that focuses specifically on paranormal romances and I know that it has been a big hit for years.
ReplyDeleteThe book discussion group is a good idea, and it would be a good way to invite patrons who love romance to the library. They wouldn’t feel ostracized for loving romance, and I think this idea could apply to any genre, not just romance. Romance is a very popular among these patrons, and they should be celebrated with monthly book discussions with titles that they suggest for the club.
ReplyDeleteIt makes me sad and angry that people are judged based on what they like to read and that romance is considered "low-brow". People should be able to read whatever they want- at least they are reading. Sometimes people just need a break from life with a good love story. I think your romance group sounds like a great idea. Attendees can share books and maybe find new authors as well!
ReplyDeleteI love the idea for a romance book discussion group. Romance isn't normally "discussed" in this setting because it is seen as a guilty pleasure and not well written. Discuss groups might show the public the wide variety of romance novels available.
ReplyDeleteI think it's a great idea to create a comfortable setting where patrons can feel welcomed and not judged for their reading tastes (not that they should ever be). Full points!
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