Shelf Care Book Club

We love reading, and we love talking about the books we’ve read! We’re calling this book club “Shelf Care,” because we hope this experience feels like an opportunity to care for your mind and spirit. Our hope is that readers can deepen their knowledge of sexual and reproductive health topics, while connecting to like-minded folks from across Nebraska. 

You are welcome to join if you have read part of or finished the book. If you have not finished the book, we ask that you make space during the discussion for those who have and anticipate that there will likely be spoilers in the discussion. 

No! Readers are welcome to participate in one, some, or all our planned meetings. Our hope is that readers will find community with one another and will want to return for multiple meetings, but this is a no–commitment book club. You are welcome to attend as you’re able.

Books were carefully curated by our facilitators and RHCN staff with an eye toward diverse perspectives that explore varied aspects of sexual and reproductive health. We also wanted to strike a balance between books that might feel heavy or difficult to digest and those that offer moments of lightness and joy.

First, check your local library. Even if they don’t have a copy, they may be able to get one through an inter-library loan. Some libraries will also purchase new titles when patrons request them. If you prefer e-books, most libraries use apps like Libby and OverDrive to make them available to patrons free of charge.   

To buy a copy, check out one of these fine independent bookstores across the state. You can also purchase through bookshop.org. Every purchase financially supports independent local bookstores.  

For audiobooks, check out the Audible and Libro.fm apps. 

We’ll start each meeting by reiterating some ground rules to help us have constructive conversations. We’ve laid out some that we think are important here.  

Respect. Readers will bring varying perspectives, experiences, and identities. We ask that each reader commits to treating one another with respect, even when disagreements arise.  

Assume good intent, and name impacts of harm. Trust that each reader comes to the meetings with good intentions. At the same time, don’t hesitate to name harmful ideas and speech. Consider whether it will be most constructive to call someone in or call them out. Participants who intentionally or repeatedly use harmful language or violate the spirit of these group norms will be asked to leave or ejected from the meeting.

Take space, make space. We want each reader to be able to engage in the conversation with us and to be heard. At the same time, be conscious of how much time and space you are taking and ensure you’re leaving room for others to speak as well. Try your best not to talk over others or interrupt. This can happen, especially in virtual spaces. If needed, use the “hand raised” function to indicate you’d like to be next.  

Cameras on. We won’t require that your camera be on at all times (we know life happens). However, we will ask that readers keep their cameras on most of the time and plan to actively engage with the conversation. It’s hard to build connections when we can’t see one another! 

No recording/AI Notetaking. Please refrain from recording book club meetings. We want participants to feel comfortable and able to participate in candid conversations.  

Come with an open mind. Be prepared to lean into moments of discomfort and learn through them. There may be times when a reader’s judgements and assumptions are challenged. Bring an attitude of humility and empathetic listening. 

Have fun and build community. We hope this is a fun experience that helps connect people with an interest in sexual and reproductive health in our state while we learn together.