It was reported earlier this month that Bell County Libraries had held 647 programs in the last year attended by 14,782 people — an average of 12 people at programs each week.

This was part of a larger report present by Bell County Libraries District Representative Jeanna Cornett to the Bell County Fiscal Court. The purpose of this report was to show how local libraries still provide much needed and viable services to the community.

The trend of providing programs for the community will continue this and on through the next with a Mystery Book Club hosted by the Middlesboro-Bell County Library.

Beginning Oct. 15, those who wish to attend are invited to join, no requirements necessary.

The first book scheduled is the classic thriller “Rebecca” by famed author Daphne Du Maurier. “Rebecca” was made into a feature film by renowned film director Alfred Hitchcock; who also adapted another of Du Maurier’s stories to the screen with “The Birds.”

The next meeting will take place on Nov. 5 with a novel by contemporary author Jennifer Kincheloe titled “The Secret Life of Anna Blanc.” This novel was nominated for a handful of awards upon its publication in 2015 and received positive marks from prominent literary critics.

Last up for the year is “The Christmas Cantata” by humorous mystery writer Mark Schweizer.

The program has already announced titles into 2019 that include “The Picture of Dorian Gray” by Oscar Wilde and “Elizabeth is Missing” by Emma Healey. Next year is booked up through May with June currently in the works.

The book club will begin on Oct. 15 at 10 a.m. at the Middlesboro Library.