When “…and Ladies of the Club” was published in 1982, it sold only a few hundred copies. In 1984, however, the novel written by Helen Hooven Santmyer was chosen as a Book of the Month Club selection, made best-seller lists and was a popular book among book groups.

The novel chronicles the lives of two women between 1868 and 1932 and the generations that follow them as they marry and live in a small town in Ohio. Originally begun as a “study club,” the group later dedicated itself to community service. The book took Santmyer more than 50 years to complete, and she was 88 years old when it was first published.

Book or study groups probably have existed as long as books have. All of our local libraries have book discussion groups, each with their style.

Brookfield Public Library, 3609 Grand Ave., has a monthly book discussion night for adults. With about 20 people regularly attending, the discussions  range between fiction and nonfiction. Christy Eyre of Adult Services encourages library patrons to come into the library and talk with her about what books they would like  featured in a discussion groups. They can even start a book group of their own.

“Right now, we do not have individual books groups, but would definitely welcome the opportunity to help start one,” she said.

Recent selections of the Adult Book Discussion group included “Love in the Time of Cholera” by Gabriel Garcia Marquez and “The Sweetheart Season” by Karen Joy Fowler. Look for the fall reading program in the library bulletin or at www.brookfieldpubliclibrary.info.

People who love to read also seem to love writing, and the Brookfield Public Library’s writing group that meets the first and third Monday of each month. Poetry or prose, share or just listen — new members are always welcome.

La Grange Public Library, 10 W. Cossitt Ave., has a book-discussion group for adults that meets from 7 to 8:30 p.m. the third Thursday of every month. Upcoming selections include “So Long, See You Tomorrow” by William Maxwell on July 24. On Aug. 21, Louise Erdrich’s  “The Master Butchers Singing Club” is the feature. Since groups are limited to 15, reservations are encouraged by calling (708) 352-0576.

In the fall, something new and different will be at La Grange Public Library.  The Friends of the Library: the “Book Club in a Bag” program will feature a large tote bag containing 10 to 15 copies of a book and a binder filled with discussion questions and author information. Representatives from local book groups can check out the material for six weeks. If you have any donations of popular titles, please drop them off at the at the library. The group has a wish list: “The Time Traveler’s Wife,” “Me Talk Pretty One Day,” “The Memory Keeper’s Daughter,” “Truth and Beauty,” “Snow Flower and the Secret Fan,” “Three Cups of Tea” and “Loving Frank.” For questions, call FOL president Heather Cavanaugh at (708) 354-1293.

With an entirely different way to organize book clubs, La Grange Park has  more than 30 active book groups. Each group has an assigned library card number, and a representative from the group calls the library to put a title of the group’s choice on hold — however many copies are required for the group. Then each group member checks out the book with his or her library card — this way, the leader is not responsible for the entire group’s borrowing habits.

As part of its renovation, the La Grange Park Public Library required a special shelf designated for the book-club selections. That space is too small now. The library has installed small plastic sleeves on each of the shelf’s spaces so that the group names can be changed around as books are checked out, new groups are formed and additional space is needed. You do not have to be a La Grange Park library patron to participate in a book group.

“The system works very well,” said Ursula Stanek, Head of Circulation. “As long as you have a valid library card in any library, we are happy to check out the book to you.”

The La Grange Park Library’s discussion group “Books Alive” meets in the conference room at 2 p.m. the third Tuesday of the month. The Aug. 19 will feature “Here if You Need Me” by Kate Braestrup. For titles for the rest of the year and next spring, pick up a flier at the library.

In a book group already? It’s always fun to see what other groups are reading. Interested in starting a group? Explore your local library for the many options available right in our own neighborhood.