I am privileged to be a member of the National Council for the Blind Dun Laoghaire branch Book Club. It is special because:

• Lots of people cooperated to get it started – DLR Library Service who suggested it, supplies the multiple copies and facilitates the meetings, NCBI who provides a cosy meeting space, transport for the participants, and those all important thirst quenching refreshments, so much appreciated after an hour of lively discussion and debate, and most crucially, the members themselves – extraordinary, exceptional men and women from diverse backgrounds, within the county who had never met before. You would be hard pressed to meet a more enthusiastic, vibrant bunch anywhere and their commitment ultimately makes it happen

• Our group of 7 participants includes an honorary member, the infinitely patient Hughie, who lies at Peggy’s feet throughout. Where else would you find a canine Book Club member? The reality is that Peggy could not attend without him, so his role in the Book Club meeting is vital.

• Our Audio versions include prizewinners, bestsellers, classics and wide-ranging genres, all democratically chosen. These CDs add a very unique dimension to our meetings i.e. the significance of the reader, as heightened listening sense dictates that the voice, indeed the relevance of accent too, of whoever is reading is decisive in enjoyment of the book.

• Our members, some avid, some new readers have embraced this opportunity, that some thought was lost forever to them, not just to enjoy books but to discuss in a meaningful way themes and characters , some challenging, and to have their opinions valued amongst new friends. I will leave you with 2 quotes:

“Having to prepare dinner is an awful interruption to my listening schedule”

“It’s something to get up for in the morning”