As all host sites are currently closed to the public due to COVID-19, Veterans Book Group events in 2021 will be held virtually until further notice.
Maryland’s veterans connect through humanities discussion
After a successful launch seven years ago, Veterans Book Groups return for 2021.
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, January to May 2021
January 25, February 22, March 22, April 26, and May 24, 2021
6:30 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. Participants should plan to attend all five sessions. Materials are provided. Registration is required.
Register: Check here for when registration goes live.
- Harford County - Bel Air Library
Select Wednesdays, February to May 2021
February 10, March 10, April 14, May 5, and May 26, 2021
6:30 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. Materials are provided. Registration is required.
Register: Register here.
- Howard County - Central Branch
First Tuesdays of the Month from February to June 2021
February 2, March 2, April 6, May 4, and June 1, 2021
7:00 p.m. – 8:30 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. Materials are provided. Registration is required.
Register here
PREVIEW THE SYLLABUS GET DIRECTIONS
- Prince George's County - Montpelier Arts Center
Select Tuesdays, January to May 2021
January 26, February 16, March 16, April 20, and May 18, 2021
7:00 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. Materials are provided. Participants should plan to attend all five sessions. Registration is required.
Register: Check here for when registration goes live.
- St. Mary's County - Lexington Park Library
First Saturdays of the Month, February to June 2021
February 6, March 6, April 3, May 1, and June 5, 2021
10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.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. Materials are provided. Registration is required.
Register: Check here for when registration goes live.
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.
