Rec center, library and MacIntosh to present One Community One Book
A new locally-focused book club aims to connect the island community’s residents and visitors.
In partnership with the Sanibel Public Library and MacIntosh Books + Paper, the Sanibel Recreation Center will present One Community One Book. Open to the public, the club will meet monthly to explore books for all ages by local authors or featuring themes tied to Sanibel, the region and Florida.
Recreation Department Marketing & Events Coordinator Denise Dillon explained that one of the rec center’s goals is to provide activities and enrichment for residents and guests. She approached MacIntosh owner Rebecca Binkowski about the idea for the club, and both felt that it was a great fit.
“She also had this idea in her head for quite some time,” Dillon added.
For Binkowski and library Executive Director Amber Cox, the partnership was a no-brainer.
Binkowski explained that a newly-imagined Sanibel has been emerging after Hurricane Ian as new residents and people arrive on the island. Collaborations have become key in the business community.
“We can come together and use books as a conversation tool — to introduce our community to each other’s communities,” she said of the store, library and rec center visitors. “So it’s the connection.”
“I think it’s going to be a wonderful and joyful thing for the community,” Binkowski added.
Cox explained that while the library is more than just books, it is entrenched in the book business. She noted that anything book-related in the community is a clear fit, and that they offer their own clubs.
“It’s a natural partnership for us to pursue,” she said.
“We love books, we love book clubs and we love Sanibel,” Cox added.
The first One Community One Book meeting will take place on Sept. 18 at noon at the rec center. The club will then meet on the third Thursday of each month — again at noon at the rec center — with light refreshments served and baked goods generously provided by resident and former caterer Lisabet Girr.
“At the kickoff, we’re going to present to everyone the seven books chosen for the first seven months,” Dillon said, adding that the selections include fiction, nonfiction, history and more. “All of the books will encompass something to do with Sanibel, Southwest Florida or Florida — it’s a unique book club.”
October’s meeting will focus on “Sanybel Light: An Historical Autobiography” by Charles LeBuff.
The list includes books for all ages, including adults and youths.
“We’re excited that our November and December choices are family-friendly. It is encouraging families to read them together,” she said, adding that the meeting times for those monthly discussions will change, so that youths taking part can attend. “We’re adjusting so children can participate.”
Also at the kickoff, MacIntosh will have books to buy, while the library will have copies available to check out. September is Library Card Sign-up Month, so the library will also sign up cardholders.
“It’s a great time to dust off your card and make sure it’s still working,” Cox said.
For the meetings, there will be no registration required. Participants can attend all of the discussions or pick and choose based on which books interest them. The library will have a certain number of copies available to check out, including audio and digital options, and MacIntosh will have them for purchase.
“We want this book club to be available to everyone,” Binkowski said. “We don’t want cost to be a barrier to it.”
Some of the meetings will include an author visit for an in-person conversation. Betty Anholt will be in attendance in January to discuss “Sanibel’s Story: Voices and Images from Calusa to Incorporation.”
“It’s going to be a very exciting event,” Dillon said.
She noted that registration may be required for the author visit ones.
Residents and visitors are encouraged to participate.
“I’m excited for the fact that these books are going to bring maybe something new for everyone to learn. No matter if you’re a resident, seasonal resident, visitor or guest of Sanibel,” Dillon said. “It’s a great way to share our history, our culture — with that wider demographic of people.”
“You’re going to gain a level of knowledge through these books about the island, about the greater area — some of the books are a little farther reaching,” Binkowski added. “But it’s also a great time to met new friends and neighbors. This is all about community.”
“It’s such a wonderful way to join your neighbors and community,” Cox said. “It’s just a collective gathering of folks who like to read. It’s called One Community One Book because it’s a unifier.”
For more information, contact the rec center at 239-472-0345.
The Sanibel Recreation Center is at 3880 Sanibel-Captiva Road, Sanibel.
MacIntosh Books + Paper is at 1620 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel.
The Sanibel Public Library is at 770 Dunlop Road, Sanibel.
To reach TIFFANY REPECKI / trepecki@breezenewspapers.com, please email