Anythink Wright Farms in Thornton, Colo., has been designated as the first Colorado affiliate of the Next Chapter Book Club, a community-based literacy program for adults with disabilities. Next Chapter Book Club is an open and inclusive opportunity for adults of all reading abilities to practice literacy and social skills in a participatory environment. Affiliation with the Next Chapter Book Club comes after the successful implementation of AnyAbility, Anythink’s series of interactive programs designed specifically for adults with disabilities. Anythink Wright Farms staff member Hannah Martinez, who has spearheaded the AnyAbility program, was recently awarded the 2015 Lucy Schweers Award for Excellence in Paralibrarianship for her work with AnyAbility.

“Because AnyAbility has been so successful, we’re excited to expand our offerings to include a Next Chapter Book Club,” says Suzanne McGowan, Anythink Wright Farms manager. “This book club will provide both a social connection for its members, as well as meetings that can include people of all reading levels.”

Next Chapter Book Club uses high-interest, low-reading level (hi-lo) stories to engage attendees of all abilities with opportunities for increased literacy engagement. The book club meets twice monthly; its next meeting will be held on Tuesday, Oct. 13, from 11 am to 12:30 pm.