By Brandon Cortés
Features Editor
For students at the university, Reading Club is not just about finishing chapters.
It is about swapping ideas, sharing stories and building connections over books in a space that did not exist on campus until last year.
“There was no club on campus that read books together, and I thought that was a missed opportunity,” Vilenski said. “I spoke to many students who said they’d be interested in joining if it became a reality, so I decided to go forward with the process of creating a shared space for campus readers.”
The club, founded in 2024 by marketing major Anna Vilenski, a senior, has quickly become a welcoming community for book lovers.
Vilenski said her goal was to motivate students to read more, while also giving them a chance to “have fun with it, have engaging discussions about the books we choose and meet new friends along the way.”
The group meets once a month to discuss a chosen book, giving members time to finish it without feeling rushed.
“We sit together and talk about the book, its themes, plot and our opinions,” Vilenski said.
In addition to monthly gatherings, members often meet informally once a week for crafting or other activities.
That flexibility, Vilenski said, keeps students engaged even when the reading itself feels like a big commitment during a busy semester.
At first, the group tried meeting biweekly. But Vilenski said it quickly became clear that pace was not working.
“Many students were getting books spoiled,” Vilenski said. “Giving a month to read helps prevent that from happening.”
The club’s reading list is chosen by its members.
Students suggest titles, put them up for a vote and then select one, sometimes with a theme in mind for that month.
For this month, they started reading “Before the Coffee Gets Cold” by Toshikazu Kawaguchi.
The club has grown rapidly.
Their Instagram page has more than 400 followers, and 114 students are officially signed up on OwlConnect.
At its first meeting this semester, the turnout doubled from what they normally expect.
“We usually get about 15 students,” Vilenski said. “But this time, 40 people showed up. It was unbelievable.”
As attendance has grown, she has seen students become more comfortable and confident with each meeting.
“Some might be shy in the beginning, but as we go on and do other activities, they start to open up little by little,” Vilenski said.
Vilenski, who will graduate in December, admitted she worries about the future of the club once she leaves campus.
“One of my fears is what will happen to the club after I’m gone,” Vilenski said. “My hope is that it keeps getting stronger and lasts long after I graduate.”
Reading Club’s next meeting is scheduled for Oct. 7 at 4 p.m. in the Honors College Lounge at Buley Library.
Vilenski said she hopes more students will stop by, even if they are unsure about joining.
“I would say students should definitely come,” Vilenski said. “This is a place to be yourself and express who you are.”
