The idea for a business book club at the Lakewood Public Library was sparked in 2006 by a casual conversation. “I was standing at the Technology counter talking with Manager John Guscott,” says Tim Zaun. “I mentioned my interest in reading business books and learned that the library was seeking ways to enhance their book club offerings. It seemed like a win/win.”

Out of that conversation was born Business Book Talk with Tim Zaun and Friends, a group that meets bimonthly from September through May at the Lakewood Public Library to discuss a variety of business topics.

“Business books are often perceived as didactic and boring,” says Zaun. “I disagree.” Business books cover a variety of subjects that often provide excellent perspective on many issues, not just traditional topics such as leadership and marketing. An avid reader who enjoys learning about our radically changing world, Zaun finds that business books offer nuggets of life truths, as well as tips and techniques to improve business knowledge and practice. 

Past discussions have centered around Thomas Friedman's The World Is Flat and You Call The Shots by young entrepreneur Cameron Johnson. So far, Zaun has selected all the books for the group, but he will allow anyone who attends a meeting to choose a future discussion title. “I tend to select bestsellers and books I've read with great content that may otherwise go unnoticed,” says Zaun. On November 19, the book club will discuss What Would Google Do? by Jeff Jarvis.

There are a few regular attendees at the book club meetings, but people of all ages and from all walks of life come to contribute their thoughts and expertise. Average attendance is seven or eight. The largest discussion drew 13 people to converse about China Inc. by Ted C. Fishman. “Business books lend themselves to participating in the discussion without having read all or any of the text,” says Zaun. “Topic and book knowledge make for the best book club experience, but anyone who attends the talks is guaranteed to leave with new information or perspective on a given subject.”

A Cleveland resident, Zaun is a frequent visitor to Lakewood and thinks highly of Lakewood Public Library and the programming it offers. He encourages people to pitch programming ideas to the staff. “Everyone has expertise to share,” he says. “The staff is friendly and open to new presentations.”

Discussion of What Would Google Do? will take place at the main branch of the Lakewood Public Library on Thursday, November 19 at 7 p.m. in the meeting room. On January 21, 2010, a book by bestselling author Keith Ferazzi, Who's Got Your Back: The Breakthrough Program to Build Deep, Trusting Relationships That Create Success--and Won't Let You Fail, will be examined by Tim Zaun and friends. Visit www.lkwdpl.org/bookclubs for more information on the Business Book Talks and wwww.timzaun.com to learn more about Tim Zaun.