The November 14th meeting of the Riverton Area Book Club will be the last one for 2020. The group meets now in the community room where there is ample space for social distancing and masks are worn. All are welcome to attend the meetings from 10-11 am on the third Saturday of the month (except December). Even if you are not discussing the books in person the club hopes that readers will find its selections to be educational, inspiring, and enjoyable.  Watch for announcements about book picks for 2021!

The November book, The Giver of Stars by JoJo Moyes, a British novelist, is a fictionalized account of real events. In this case it is the Pack Horse Library initiative created during the Depression by President Roosevelt's WPA program. Over 50,000 families, and 155 public schools, benefited by the books that were brought to those living in eastern Kentucky. Books were acquired through donations and young women carriers rode their horses 100 miles a week, twice a month, to cover the 10,000 square mile mountainous area. It was a critical service to a population with few chances to read and many not knowing how. The title "Giver of Stars" refers to a love poem by Amy Lowell. Five women are the main characters, each struggling to make a difference in their own personal lives and those of others despite harsh weather, unfriendly individuals, and rough conditions.For further information on obtaining books, audio, or film please contact the librarians at 217-629-6353. Assistance is available for obtaining items through interlibrary loan.