Welcome to the first Facilitator Spotlight!
We are switching gears from the Rate & Review Books with NCBC series to get to know one of our fantastic book club facilitators each month. What a treat to start with one of our newer, though no less devoted, volunteers, Savannah Meinen.
NCBC Facilitator Savannah Meinen
Please tell our readers a little about yourself.
I’m originally from the Chicagoland area and moved to Columbus a few years ago. I work full-time as a research project manager at OSU. I live with my partner and our two cats, Mittens and Muffin, and in our free time we enjoy traveling and hiking. We are trying to visit all the national parks! Personally, I enjoy reading, crafting, Pilates, walking, plants, and sweet treats!
How long have you been co-facilitating your Next Chapter Book Club?
I started in January 2025.
How did you find out about NCBC?
I saw a post on the Nisonger Center’s Facebook page.
How would you describe your book club?
I feel like there’s a lot of camaraderie and socializing in our club. We don’t come here just to read, we come here to be friends and support each other.
What part of this experience is different than you expected?
I didn’t expect that we were going to popcorn read [take turns reading]. I thought we’d read at home and come back and discuss, but I feel like this is much better for comprehension.
What do you enjoy most about facilitating an NCBC?
I keep coming back to the social piece; getting to know each other and supporting each other in our learning. So much happens in a week, we always have something to talk about!
What is the most challenging part of this role?
We give members the opportunity to find their place naturally and determine if our club is the right fit for them, and it can be challenging if it is not a good fit.
What is something you have learned from this experience?
I’ve learned about the strengths of each participant, as well as who might need help with certain vocabulary, for example. It’s important to get to know the strengths and support needs of each participant.
What would you say to someone who is thinking about volunteering in NCBC?
Other people should be a volunteer!