When senior global studies major Milla Heikkinen talks about the Kawasaki Reading Room Book Club, the enthusiasm and passion in her voice proves that the club is more special than your average reading group.
The Kawasaki Reading Room Book Club provides a place for students and members of the community to be in fellowship with people who share an interest Japanese culture.
“Everyone who comes to the book club has an interest in manga or anime or Japanese literature in general,” said Heikkinen. “It’s a way for them to talk to others about an interest that not a lot of people in Nebraska have.”
The book club also helps Japanese students and members of the community practice English.
“Through our [Japanese] conversation table, we help students with their Japanese skills, but with this, we help Japanese students with their English,” said Heikkinen.
Heikkinen helps plan the monthly book club, which started this past May when the sponsors of the Kawasaki Reading Room, The Kawasaki Foundation, suggested the reading room host activities with the books from the Kawasaki Reading Room library.
Because most college students do not have the resources to buy a new book each month, the Kawasaki Reading Room Book Club asks students to bring in any kind of book, article, idea or thought (what Heikkinen refers to as “metaphorical books”) relating to Japanese culture. During the meeting, food and tea are enjoyed while each member introduces themselves and talks about their piece.
The final meeting of the fall semester is Nov. 18 at 2 p.m., but the book club will continue in the spring with a meeting each month.
All are welcome to join. A background in Japanese or a previous interest in Japanese culture and literature is not required. The Kawasaki Reading Room is located on the third floor of the Jackie Gaughan Multicultural Center.