Veterans Book Group events in 2023 will be mostly in-person. Please see below for details.
Maryland’s veterans connect through humanities discussion
After a successful launch nine years ago, Veterans Book Groups return for 2023.
At Maryland Humanities, we know that the humanities can play an important role in articulating the unique issues and concerns faced by veterans. Using literature to discuss service fosters connection, reduces feelings of isolation, and provides a safe context in which to explore issues regarding military service.
Veterans Book Groups aim to bring veterans of all eras together to talk about military experiences and returning to civilian life while providing an informal, supportive environment for discussion.
Readings range from classics to contemporaries – that means Herman Melville to Khaled Hosseini and everywhere in between! Syllabi vary, but all groups read the full gamut of literature including memoirs, novels, poetry, short stories, and essays.
Here’s a selection of titles, some of which are read by our Veterans Book Groups.
Groups gather regularly in Baltimore, Harford, Howard, Prince George’s, and St. Mary’s Counties.
Check below for details on discussions near you!
- Baltimore County - Towson Library
Fourth Mondays of the month (except March), January to May 2023
January 23, February 27, March 20, April 24, and May 22, 2023
6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.In-person at:
Baltimore County Public Library, Towson Branch
320 York Road
Towson, MD 21204Led by Dr. Karen Arnold, former visiting professor at the U.S. Naval Academy, this book group is open to current service members and veterans from all eras. Participants should plan to attend all five sessions. Dinner and materials are provided. Registration is required.
Registration begins Monday, December 12, 2022: Please email towson@bcpl.net or call 410-887-6166 to register.
- Harford County - Bel Air Library
Second Wednesdays of the Month, January to May 2023
January 11, February 8, March 8, April 12, and May 10, 2023
6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.In-person at:
Harford County Public Library, Bel Air Branch
100 E. Pennsylvania Avenue
Bel Air, MD 21014Led by Dr. Karen Arnold, former visiting professor at the U.S. Naval Academy, this book group is open to current service members and veterans from all eras. Dinner and materials are provided. Registration is required and information will be posted here as soon as it’s available.
- Howard County - Central Branch
First Sundays of the Month from February to June 2023
February 5, March 5, April 2, May 7, and June 4, 2023
1:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.The Howard County Veterans Book Group will be virtual.
Led by David Owens, United States Naval Academy, Class of 1994, this book group is open to current service members and veterans of all eras. Participants should plan to attend all five sessions. Materials are provided. Registration is required.
Register here
PREVIEW THE SYLLABUS GET DIRECTIONS
- Prince George's County - Montpelier Arts Center
Third Tuesdays of the Month, January to May 2023
January 17, February 21, March 21, April 18, and May 16, 2023
7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.The Prince George’s County Veterans Book Group will be held in person at:
Montpelier Arts Center
9652 Muirkirk Road
Laurel, MD 20708Led by Dr. Karen Arnold, former visiting professor at the U.S. Naval Academy, this book group is open to current service members and veterans from all eras. Materials are provided. Participants should plan to attend all five sessions. Registration is required.
Register by January 9, 2023: Please email Montpelierarts@pgparks.com or call 301-377-7800 to register. An Eventbrite link will be provided soon.
- St. Mary's County - Lexington Park Library
First Saturdays of the Month, February to June 2023
February 4, March 4, April 1, May 6, and June 3, 2023
2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.The St. Mary’s County Veterans Book Group will be held at:
St. Mary’s County Library, Lexington Park Library
21677 Franklin Delano Roosevelt Blvd.
Lexington Park, MD 20653It will also be held virtually via Zoom.
Led by Vietnam Veteran, Author, and College of Southern Maryland Professor, Wayne Karlin, this book group is open to current service members and veterans from all eras, as well as their spouses, children, and other family members. Participants should plan to attend all five sessions. Materials are provided. Registration is required.
Register here.
Veterans Book Group is coordinated statewide by Maryland Humanities and presented locally in partnership with the Baltimore, Harford, Howard, and St. Mary’s County public libraries and Montpelier Arts Center. The program was created by the Maine Humanities Council to promote understanding of the military experience and to support returning veterans.
Veterans Book Group is supported in part statewide by Lockheed Martin, David Bruce Smith, and The Wawa Foundation, with additional support for Baltimore County from the Citizens of Baltimore County via the Baltimore County Commission on the Arts & Sciences.
