Chris Cage, Willie 103.5, recently presented a check for $600 to Friends of the Library president Merri Bottorff. Funds were raised for local charities during Dancing with the Stars for Charity – Kosciusko County.

WARSAW — The library has long been associated with reading, but it can also be a place for book lovers to gather for discussion. Warsaw Community Public Library offers two monthly book groups, inviting readers to come share their thoughts.

Off the Shelf

Off the Shelf Reading Group meets at 2 p.m. the first Thursday of every month, unless otherwise noted. This group focuses largely on fiction but enjoys expanding its literary horizons to include inspirational, mystery and other genres.

The high-energy, informal meetings offer a place for readers to share their honest opinions, whether they enjoyed the book or not.

“A common misconception about book groups is that you have to like the book,” WCPL Adult Programming Administrator Amanda McFarland said. “That is not the case at all. We invite a variety of opinions and viewpoints.”

Off the Shelf’s April read is ‘The Nightingale’ by Kristin Hannah.

“This is my second Kristin Hannah book,” McFarland said. “The first one I read, ‘The Winter Garden,’ was so heartrending, I almost did not pick this one up. But I am glad I did, and I cannot wait to hear what other readers have to say about it.”

For those looking to read ahead, May’s book is ‘The Martian’ by Andy Weir.

Let’s Talk About It Tuesdays

WCPL and the Parkview Center for Healthy Living have partnered to form “Let’s Talk About It Tuesdays,” which meets at 2 p.m. the last Tuesday of each month. Originally focusing on health-related topics, this group recently expanded to include fiction.

March’s book is ‘A Man Called Ove’ by Fredrik Bachman.

“I love the way this author portrays his characters,” McFarland said of Bachman. “You can’t really judge by first impressions, and his stories prove that again and again.”

April’s book will be ‘Wonder’ by R.J. Palacio.

“You will actually find this novel in our children’s section,” McFarland said. “However, it has something to say to all of us, at any age.”

“Talk About It” meetings take place at the Parkview Center for Healthy Living, inside the Parkview Warsaw YMCA. As with Off the Shelf, this group invites a variety of thoughts and opinions on the chosen title.

“Again, you do not have to like the book,” McFarland said. “We want you to come anyway.”