Could I handle this better?

[sweetonsno]

If you want to keep a civil relationship, you could go up to her, talk to her for a couple of minutes, and then tell her "you have to go run an errand". So you control the length of time.

Another idea is "Oh, I am sorry, I can't chat today. I have to catch up on my reading for my Book Club (a club of one...you!)"

This is exactly what I was going to suggest. I would probably just say that I was working on Book Club.

[BeagleMommy]

One of the catalogs I receive sells a shirt that says "Go Away, I'm Reading" picturing a girl surrounded by books.  Too obvious?

I like the idea of responding with a startled "huh?" followed by "oh, sorry, I didn't hear you because I've been engrossed in this book".

You did fine.

[Giggity]

One of the catalogs I receive sells a shirt that says "Go Away, I'm Reading" picturing a girl surrounded by books.  Too obvious?

I don't think that would work. If you're reading, your book will be in front of the t-shirt so it kinda doesn't matter what's on it.

[jane7166]

If you want to keep a civil relationship, you could go up to her, talk to her for a couple of minutes, and then tell her "you have to go run an errand". So you control the length of time.

Another idea is "Oh, I am sorry, I can't chat today. I have to catch up on my reading for my Book Club (a club of one...you!)"

This is exactly what I was going to suggest. I would probably just say that I was working on Book Club.

OP here.  Good idea for Chatty.  Some people might want to join my "Book Club" and then I would be stuck but I don't think this woman reads much.  Thanks!

[Giggity]

OP here.  Good idea for Chatty.  Some people might want to join my "Book Club" and then I would be stuck but I don't think this woman reads much.  Thanks!

Why would you be stuck?

[jane7166]

OP here.  Good idea for Chatty.  Some people might want to join my "Book Club" and then I would be stuck but I don't think this woman reads much.  Thanks!

Why would you be stuck?

Because there is no Book Club.  Or, there is, but I am the only member. 

[Giggity]

You don't have to grant every request made of you. "Sorry, I don't think the club is taking new members now."

[sweetonsno]

OP here.  Good idea for Chatty.  Some people might want to join my "Book Club" and then I would be stuck but I don't think this woman reads much.  Thanks!

Why would you be stuck?

Because there is no Book Club.  Or, there is, but I am the only member.

Just say that there isn't room for more members, but thank them for their interest.