As all host sites are currently closed to the public due to COVID-19, Veterans Book Group events are cancelled until further notice.
Maryland’s veterans connect through humanities discussion
After a successful launch six years ago, Veterans Book Groups return for 2020.
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
Select Mondays, January to May 2020
January 27, February 24, March 23, April 27, and May 18, 2020
6:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.Led 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.
Register: Call (410) 887- 6166
- Harford County - Bel Air Library
Select Dates, January to April 2020
January 15, February 12, March 11, April 9, and April 29, 2020
6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.Led 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.
Register: Call (410) 638-3151
- Howard County - Central Branch
Select Sundays from January to May 2020
January 5, February 2, March 1, April 5, and May 3, 2020
1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.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. Food and materials are provided. Registration is required.
Register: Call (410) 313-7800
PREVIEW THE SYLLABUS GET DIRECTIONS
- Prince George's County - Montpelier Arts Center
Select Tuesdays, January to May 2020
January 21, February 18, March 24, April 21, and May 19, 2020
7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.Led 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. Participants should plan to attend all five sessions. Registration is required.
Registration deadline is Sunday, January 12, 2020.
Register: Call (301) 377- 7800
- St. Mary's County - Lexington Park Library
Select Fridays, February to June 2020
February 7, March 6, April 3, May 1, and June 5, 2020
11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.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. Lunch and materials are provided. Registration is required.
Register: Call (301) 863-8188
Register by January 24, 2020.
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.
