At Central Baptist Village, the power of storytelling and shared conversation comes alive through a special monthly tradition: resident senior book clubs. Led by librarian Dawn Walczak from the Eisenhower Public Library, this senior book club is about more than just reading—it’s about connection, discovery, and joy.
Meet Dawn, the heart behind the club
Dawn Walczak isn’t just any librarian—she’s a passionate book lover and an advocate for senior enrichment through literature. As an outreach librarian, Dawn brings books and conversation to older adults across the area, but her monthly visits to Central Baptist Village hold a special place in her heart.
“I’ve always enjoyed book clubs, and I thought the residents would, too,” Dawn says. And they do. Each month, she curates a new selection of books – ranging from historical fiction to mystery to nonfiction—offering something for everyone. Even though the residents don’t typically request specific titles, Dawn puts care into ensuring there’s variety and inspiration in every stack she brings.
The benefits of joining a book club
The Central Baptist Village book club currently includes six engaged members who gather regularly to share ideas, explore new topics, and engage in meaningful discussions. According to Dawn, the conversations are often just as enriching as the books themselves: “You might not like every book, but you’ll learn something, and you’re interacting with other people.”
This speaks to one of the most powerful benefits of joining a book club—especially for older adults. Book clubs can reduce isolation, stimulate cognitive engagement, and create lasting friendships. Research shows that participation in book clubs can boost mental health and provide a sense of belonging. For seniors, in particular, staying socially and intellectually active has been linked to improved quality of life and even longevity.
Read more about the cognitive and emotional benefits of book clubs for seniors (National Library of Medicine), as well as why social connections and reading matter as we age (Mayo Clinic Press).
More than books: it’s about connection
For Dawn, every book club meeting is a chance to connect on a deeper level—with literature and with people. “We laugh, we have fun, and we enjoy being together,” she shares. One memorable discussion centered around a book set in Turkey, selected by a resident whose family is from there. “I may not read every book that they do, but I love talking with them about it,” Dawn says.
Her role extends beyond leading discussions. Twice a month, Dawn visits Central Baptist Village with a cart filled with 25 to 30 books for residents to browse and borrow. She also worked alongside resident Charlotte Pengully to reorganize and refresh the community’s library—making it easier and more enjoyable for everyone to use.
Even family members get involved. One resident’s daughter requested graphic novels for her father, and Dawn gladly obliged. These thoughtful touches speak volumes about the personalized care and joy Dawn brings to her work.
A growing chapter: what’s next?
Looking ahead, Dawn hopes to deepen the partnership between Central Baptist Village and the Eisenhower Public Library. One idea on the table? Making the community an official satellite library, giving residents even more direct access to reading materials and library resources.
In the meantime, the book club continues to thrive. Since its founding in May 2016, members have explored dozens of titles. Favorites include:
- “The Secret Life of Bees” by Sue Monk Kidd (August 2018)
- “The Glass Castle” by Jeanette Walls (January 2019)
- “Remarkably Bright Creatures” by Shelby Van Pelt (January 2023)
- “The Maid” by Nita Prose (March 2023)
- “Park Avenue Summer” by Renée Rosen (June 2023)
The passion within Central Baptist Village
For Dawn, it all comes down to one thing: “I love to read, and I love to talk about books.” Through the senior book club at Central Baptist Village, she’s doing both—and in the process, she’s building community, inspiring curiosity, and enriching lives one chapter at a time.
Whether you’re a lifelong bookworm or simply looking for ways to stay socially and mentally engaged, senior book clubs like this one offer a warm, welcoming place to belong. Central Baptist Village offers many opportunities for life enrichment through book club and beyond. Contact us today to learn more.