Meeting the girls of our American Girl Book Club

Lynn tries to fly her kite indoors during our most recent American Girl Book Club.

There aren't a lot of book clubs out there for elementary school-aged girls.

But considering how popular our American Girl Book Club is, maybe there should be more.

Since we started the book club last year, anywhere between a dozen and 30 girls have come to each meeting. A lot of them bring their dolls with them, but a doll isn't mandatory.

Lindsay designs her paper kite during our American Girl Book Club meeting.

The girls are always eager to talk about the American Girl book they've read over the last month.

They also make a craft. They've made everything from dream catchers to jewelry to guacamole to God's eyes.

This month, we met Kit. Then we made paper kites, just like they used to do when Kit was a kid.

Kim Sidorick, our children's services manager, had the idea for the book club after we held an American Girl-themed tea party two years ago. She thought the book club would help bring together girls with like interests who want to have fun.

After all, the books are classics and still circulate well at the library.

Giselle and Abby play a game, trying to drop clothespins into a bottle.

Our last meeting of the year is Dec. 3. (The meetings are always 4 to 5 p.m. at our Main Branch on the first Wednesday of the month.) The girls will meet Samantha.

If you have a girl who is between eight and 12 years, then they can join the fun. They don't need a doll or anything like that. However, they should read Meet Samantha beforehand so they can participate in the discussion.

You can register your child for the book club on our web site or by calling (440) 255-8811 ext. 221. Registration isn't mandatory, but it makes it a lot easier for us to prepare if we have a good idea how many kids are going to be there.

All of the girls at our American Girl Book Club, like Layla here, are super girls.