Book Yak on a Kayak garners international recognition

Organizer: Discussion on water, surrounded by nature, helps boost endorphins

MIDDLETOWN — The only in-person library programming possible during the pandemic was one that offered an opportunity for literature lovers to explore new titles with fellow bookworms while paddling their watercraft on a local lake.

Book Yak on a Kayak, the brainchild of Russell Library program coordinator Christy

Billings held monthly this summer, was honored by the American Library Association for its unique way of connecting patrons with reading — and the great outdoors.

It was the single face-to-face event the library could hold during the coronavirus pandemic because it allowed for adequate social distancing, Billings said.

The article, “For a one-of- a-kind book club experience, hop on a kayak,” was written by Lindsay Simon and published Oct. 16 on the ALA’s I Love Libraries blog. Billings was thrilled to report the story had national as well as international exposure as far away as Spain.

“The response for all the events has been great,” Billings said. “When people hear about the event, they are dumbfounded, and then very excited. We have been extraordinarily fortunate that the weather gods smiled on us with good weather for all the events, so almost all of the people who signed up ahead of time attended. We had repeat participants who brought friends and great word of mouth that brought in new people.”

Boaters were required to bring their own vessels and personal flotation devices.

Even after Gov. Ned Lamont in June approved outdoor gatherings of 25 or more people, Billings decided to still hold the three outings. Participants met on Friday mornings in July, August and September. They were required to wear masks while loading and unloading their equipment, and had ample access to hand sanitizer.

The beach at Crystal Lake, on Livingston Road, was among refurbishments and upgrades recently made at McCutcheon Park.

“The setting — having it on the water — really enhanced the conversation, and people were so much more in tune with the weather. The natural flora and fauna became part of our discussion with the birds and creatures we saw,” Billings said. Some who already were paddling around the lake saw the activity and joined in.

About 10 to 12 people took part each time, although, in August, that number had dwindled, Billings said, due to the pandemic.

The recreation department had planned to supply a limited number of kayaks for “rent” only on Crystal Lake, which would have been treated like museum passes. “With COVID, we put a hold on that,” Billings said.

This year’s books were “This Tender Land” by William Kent Krueger, “No barriers: a Blind Man’s Journey to Kayak the Grand Canyon” by Erik Weihenmayer, and “Paddling with Spirits: A Solo Kayak Journey” by Irene Skyriver.

“Participants paddled across the lake, where we stopped a few times to hear a little bit about some natural geology, and some local history, before forming a semicircle off to the side of one of the islands,” Billings said.

This isn’t the first novel collaboration masterminded by Billings. She holds Brews and Books, temporarily transformed into a Zoom partnership with Stubborn Beauty on Johnson Street; and, in 2018, Book Talk on a Walk.

Another ongoing event is the First Fridays Book Club, a hybrid Zoom and in-person event at RaMa LuNa Center for Yoga and Well Being at 282 Main St. Ext. Registration is required at russelllibrary or by calling Rachel Payne at 860-800-5862. The next meeting is Dec. 10 at 6 p.m. They will be talking about “The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry” by Rachel Joyce.

Billings is hopeful the kayak series will continue in 2021 so people of all abilities can take part. “You don’t have to have a high level of fitness to join these community conversations. Having a discussion in the outdoors, on the water, surrounded by nature, is a great way to relax and boost endorphins,” she said.

“Crystal Lake is just beautiful. More people should be aware of this wonderful area right in our backyard,” she said.

For information, visit russelllibrary.org.

Contributed photo / Christy Billings The Book Yak on a Kayak program at Middletown’s Russell Library was recently honored by the American Library Association for its unique way of connecting patrons with the outdoors, one another, and interesting titles. This was the only in-person event the library held during the pandemic, because it allowed for adequate social distancing, according to program coordinator Christie Billings. Here, one of the participants takes a selfie at Crystal Lake.

Contributed photo / Christy Billings “No Barriers” by Erik Weihenmayer

Hearst Connecticut Media file photo Russell Library program coordinator and host of the Book Yak on a Kayak discussion group Christy Billings is seen at the front desk of the 123 Broad St., Middletown, facility.