Book-lovers at Ashland University have reason to rejoice; a new reading group has been established and anyone with an interest in literature is welcome to join.

The group was started by sophomore Paul Dyczkowski, a triple major in English, creative writing and philosophy. He also co-edits the student publication Passages.

The goal of the group, which is not an official club and is not affiliated with the university, is to discuss literature with others who love it. It’s not English-major exclusive; the group is open to anyone who wants to read.

While no official schedule has been made as of yet, the group meets on Tuesdays in the Bixler student lounge (also known as room 106) to talk about literature with others who are interested. They are currently reading the Pulitzer Prize-winning graphic novel “Maus: A Survivor’s Tale” by Art Spiegelman, a biographical comic that deals with the Holocaust. The group is focusing on smaller pieces of literature rather than epic novels, understanding that students have schoolwork to deal with.

When asked about what the group might read in the future, Dyczkowski stressed the importance of making that decision with others.

“It’s a journey of reading together and experiencing literature,” Dyczkowski said.

However, Dyczkowski does have plans for the group to read the short story “All the Way in Flagstaff, Arizona” by Richard Bausch. He also hopes to get the group to read a novel over winter break and to discuss it at the beginning of the spring semester.

Why should students take on extra reading, considering all the work they have to do for class? According to Dyczkowski, reading is “good for the soul.”

“We want to tap into everything literature can offer,” Dyczkowski said. “It’s not a big commitment in any sense. It’s about figuring things out, loving reading – what it can do, where it can take you.”

The next meeting is at 8 p.m., Tuesday, May 27 and will take place in the Bixler student lounge. All students looking for a place to discuss their love of literature may feel free to attend.