Great Stories Club

The American Library Association’s Great Stories Club (ALA GSC) offers underserved youth a unique chance to delve into carefully curated theme-related books, engage in thoughtful discussions, and share ideas on topics that resonate with them.

Public books reading with friends

If you’re selected as a host site, your organization will receive copies of theme-related books hand-picked by humanities scholars for reading and discussion groups of 8 to 10 teens, in-person and online training on humanities content, dialogue facilitation training, and a variety of programming and promotional support materials.

The goals of the Great Stories Club are to:

-Engage youth facing difficult circumstances with powerful works of young adult literature

-Facilitate personal exploration of universal humanities themes

-Inspire teens to consider “big questions” about the world around them and their place in it, affecting how they view themselves as thinkers and creators

-Offer emotional benefits by reducing feelings of depression and isolation, and encouraging empathy through peer-based discussion groups

-Facilitate reflection and discussion of past actions and future opportunities for positive change inspired by the titles

-Establish important connections between underserved youth, their public library, and their local librarian, as well as local nonprofits (e.g., museums, universities, cultural centers, churches, adult education centers, community centers) that have proven to be important to success after incarceration, treatment, graduation, or during other transitions

-Contribute to improved literacy and changed, positive attitudes toward reading

-Inspire avoidance of future negative behaviors and outcomes in the lives of participating youth

The MHC can provide financial support for books, writing/journaling supplies, as well as a $1,250 stipend for facilitators of the program. If you are interested in bringing a Great Stories Club to your community, contact MHC Program Officer Molly McMillan.