In the midst of the global COVID-19 pandemic, while trying to get creative and find new ideas for programs to deliver to the youth in Fayette County, I developed a Book Club for our youth to participate in. I advertised in our Newsletter, as well as on our Facebook page. There was a registration to be added to the club list on Qualtrics and 12 youth registered. This first round of book club, we read 'The One and Only Ivan' by Katherine Applegate. I was able to provide each youth with their own copy of the book, however many that registered never came to pick up the book. I conducted 4 meetings over the course of 6 weeks. We met every other week (except the last meeting was one week after the previous.) There were 3 youth that consistently attended with some meetings having 4 attendees. I sent an evaluation to parents and 4 completed the survey. Out of the four, three said that their youth definitely enjoyed the book club by indicated the option "definitely yes" for the question, and one indicated the "probably yes" option.

In January I advertised another round of the 4-H Book Club, this time reading the book 'Pax' By Sarah Pennypacker. This time there were 7 youth registered and we met once a week for 4 weeks to discuss the book. All seven participants picked up their copy of the book and most attended regularly. The discussion was great and each youth participated and seemed to enjoy the conversation as well as the reading. I had two separate parents email and say:

"We have really enjoyed book club. Colson loved the book. Thanks for all your hard work on this! "

"Hi Madalyn,

I just wanted to let you know that Izzy is really really enjoying the book club.  She is hoping that you all will do another one after this.  I have enjoyed hearing her on the Zoom calls.  Thanks for putting this together."

I am conducting another round of Book Club for May reading the book 'Frindle' By Andrew Clements. I am excited to see how many youth will participate in this next round.