Discussion Groups

Book Discussion

The Library holds a monthly book discussion group on the third Tuesday of the month at 7:30PM. The group is led by the Head of Adult Services, Delys de Zwaan. Books may be picked up at the adult information desk in the reference room. Check our events calendar for upcoming titles. New participants are always welcome.

Philosophy Club

Professor Alex Delfini of the Philosophy Department of Iona College conducts a monthly discussion. The group is currently reading from The Great Dialogues of Plato. Call the Library at (845) 357-1237 for dates and times, or check our online events calendar. New participants are always welcome.

Religion In American Life

In a unique collaboration, the New York Council for the Humanities has joined forces with the Suffern Free Library to offer Reading Between the Lines: Religion In American Life, a monthly reading and discussion series that runs from February through May.

“Reading Between the Lines offers an unusual twist on the standard book group format with focused thematic discussions led by humanities scholars,” says Council Executive Director Sara Ogger. At Suffern Free Library, the discussion leader will be Professor Alex Delfini of Iona College. He will lead four discussion sessions each focused on a book related to the series theme:

  • Feb 9: The Democratization of American Christianity
  • Apr 5 : Understanding Fundamentalism and Evangelicalism
  • May 3 : The New Age Movement in American Culture
  • TBD: Religion and Politics in the United States

Participants in the series read works of non-fiction and works of literature that are discussed within an historical context. The program is free and open to the public, although pre-registration is required. Please register and pick up a copy of the books at the adult information desk.

Reading Between the Lines is designed to promote lively, informed conversation about humanities themes and strengthen the relationship between humanities institutions and the public. Reading Between the Lines series are currently being held in communities across New York State. The project is supported by the We The People initiative of the National Endowment for the Humanities.

Great Decisions

The Great Decisions eight-month discussion series is designed to engage citizens in learning about the world. Participants will read from the Great Decisions briefing book, which features impartial thought-provoking analyses on eight issues of concern to policymakers today. They will also watch a short video at the beginning of each session. The discussions will be led by John Collins and Stu Shpetner.

Discussions are on the first Thursday of the month at 7:15PM from February to September. Participants are required to register in advance and purchase a briefing book for $20 (non-refundable) . Books will be available at the Adult Reference Desk on January 15.

The topics include:

  • Feb 7: Iraq End-Game
  • Mar 6: European Union at 50
  • Apr 3: Talking To Our Enemies
  • May 1: Russia
  • June 5: US Defense and Security Policy
  • July 3: Latin America: Shift to the Left?
  • Aug 7: US-China Trade Policy
  • Sept 4: Private Philanthropy

For more information on this series visit the Foreign Policy Association website.

Children’s Book Discussion Groups

The Library currently has a “4-6 Grade Book Discussion Group," a “Just for Guys” discussion and a "Just for Gals" discussion group. Get more information at the children’s reference desk, or check our online events calendar.