By Lisa Herttua, guest contributor to Everyday Akron
Hey, Akron! As a transplant from Youngstown, I found myself searching for local activities involving reading and all things books. I found a group in Cleveland that’s fun but knew there had to be something closer. Scrolling through social media one day, I saw a blurb about Shelf Aware Babes (sorry guys, this one is just for the ladies) and loving a good play on words, I had to check it out.
Cofounders Bethany Munyan and Ashley Gaebelein met in the Cleveland group I mentioned (more on that below) and decided to bring it home to Akron. Describing Shelf Aware Babes as a safe space for women to share their passion for reading, Ashley goes on to say, “We’re here to have fun and support one another on our individual reading journeys regardless of genre(s).”
Bethany added, “When Ashley and I first started talking to each other, we not only bonded over books, but over our personal struggles with mental health. We wanted to create a space for women to feel welcome in what they read but also in their own struggles. I have tried to be very open about my own struggles within the group in order to facilitate an understanding community and received a lot of positive feedback.”
At a recent meetup, I spoke with members to see how they describe Shelf Aware Babes.
“I love Shelf Aware meetings and parties because not only have they fostered my love of books, but I have met women from different ages and backgrounds and feel like my friend circle is growing. I look forward to our monthly meetings as I grow to create a life I love, it includes this group of women.” ~Michele S.
“It’s so difficult to make friends as an adult, especially if you don’t have school-aged children, so I jumped at the chance to make some friends. Since joining, I’ve gotten some great book recommendations…and I feel like I have a new little community, even if it is virtual most of the time. This is the first meetup I was able to come to and it forced me to step outside of my comfort zone. Guess what? Nothing scary happened! So I guess that’s why I like the group – community and book recommendations” ~Julie K
”I joined Shelf Aware Babes not knowing exactly what I was getting into. I used to be an avid reader yet prior to joining I had only read a handful of books over as many years. Since joining I’ve read at least 50, no exaggeration! This group makes recommendations of books they have read as well as challenges. It has reignited my love for reading!
“In addition to the wonderful books, I’ve met an amazing group of ladies! I’m a bit of a loner with high anxiety, so at times I still need to force myself to go to events; however, each time I’ve left with having met a new interesting person and several books added to my TBR. Several of these people I talk to on a regular basis and am forming friendships. It’s an incredible feeling and was definitely not anticipated when I joined! There are many features about our group but some of my favorites are the monthly coffee meet-ups, Bingo card challenges, wishlist days, and the people.
“This group has changed my life in a very positive way and it has rekindled a part of myself I’d forgotten. I’m so grateful to be a part of it! ” ~Nanette T.
Did I mention Elenore? That’s Bethany’s service dog in training and official mascot of the group! She’s a calming presence at events and activities and loves all the attention she gets.
Reading all this, I know you think it’s too good to be true. I assure you it is not. Don’t believe it? Check for yourself:
- Start by joining the Facebook Group, aptly named Shelf Aware Babes. Please make sure to answer the questions and agree to the rules so it will remain a safe space! Mean girls need not apply. 😉 This Facebook group is where you’ll find optional gifting days, book recommendations, fun games, and maybe meet a new friend or neighbor.
- Join us at the next monthly meetup on Saturday, April 5th from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at King’s Street Cafe in Wadsworth. It is totally free, but snacks and beverages are at your own cost.
- Sign up for the Tea Party on Saturday, April 24th from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. There is a cost associated with this event but having attended the Valentines Book Party, it’s worth it.
- If you work or play in the Cleveland area, check out the sister group CLE Bookish Babes. Yes, we play nice and even attend one another’s events.
For further information or questions, please reach out to Bethany or Ashley on Facebook.
This blog post was written by Everyday Akron volunteer and Shelf Aware Babe Lisa Herttua. Lisa and her husband Blake live in Ellet with a dog named Sawyer and four cats named Bazzinga, Luna, Baxter, and Tilly. She can be found on Instagram at @lisa_herttua.
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