Read any good books lately? Biba Book Club seeks to bring reading back to the center of community life on Guam

By Ron Rocky Coloma

At a time when reading often competes with screens, scrolling and short attention spans, the owners of Biba are bringing people together over books again through the revival of the Biba Book Club.

That effort, led by Dot and Ranger Miller, grew out of a shared love of reading and a desire to create in-person connections.

Ranger and Dot are both avid readers. They first tested the idea by hosting a book swap at Biba, their bar and community space, and the response surprised them.

“While the people were there, we realized there would be quite a bit of interest in a book club,” Miller said. “So we thought, how perfect, we can combine our passion with some community building and have a fun little get together each month right here at our place.”

From there, the revival took shape at a moment when many people say reading has slipped out of daily life. Books were once a primary source of entertainment and reflection. Today, attention is often fragmented by phones, streaming platforms and constant digital noise. The Biba Book Club does not frame itself as a rejection of technology, but as a return to a slower, more intentional habit.

“At Biba, in general, we are trying to create a space where everyone feels welcome,” Miller said. “We want to offer many different ways to make connections. Through dancing, music, art, reading, whatever opens doors and makes people feel at home.”

She said the first book club gathering brought together people who were new to Guam and others who had lived on the island for years.

The group’s first selection was “Count My Lies” by Sophia Stava. Members then chose the next book together, “Lost Lambs” by Madeline Cash. The club plans to rotate genres each month.

“Being a part of a book club pushes me outside of my normal reading tendencies,” said Jamey Shelden, who hosts the book club. “For me, that’s the goal of a book club. I want people to read things they would not necessarily choose on their own.”

The Millers describe themselves as participants rather than leaders. Ranger favors classic literature, while Dot gravitates toward historical fiction and mystery novels. “We love reading things others bring to the table that may be way outside my normal fare,” Dot Miller said. “That’s the beauty of the group dynamic.”

Guam’s diversity also shapes the club’s direction. “Our goal is to explore books that speak to each of us so we can understand each other more,” Miller said.

Although the book club is still in its early stages, Miller said its value was immediately clear.

“Watching how easily everyone connected over a book they’d read was really special,” she said. “The conversation flowed, people opened up and you could feel new friendships forming.”

Sustaining that sense of community takes work. “The biggest challenge is consistency. People are busy, life gets hectic and sometimes it’s easier to stay home,” Miller said.

In an era when much of life happens online, the Biba Book Club offers something deliberately in person.

“Creating a space where people talk face to face, share ideas and build real friendships is one of the most meaningful things we can do right now,” Miller said.

The Millers hope the book club becomes a monthly tradition and a lasting part of the community. Their vision is to keep people reading, talking and finding connection, one book at a time.

Subscribe to

our monthly

digital edition