Veterans Invited to Reading and Discussion Series at Bel Air Library

From the Harford County Public Library:

The Harford County Public Library, in a special collaboration with the Maryland Humanities Council, will offer the Veterans Reading and Discussion Series, a unique program giving veterans an opportunity to read thought-provoking writings and share their ideas and service experiences with a group of like-minded people.

Participants in the Veterans Reading and Discussion Series will come together over the course of five sessions to discuss a variety of thematically linked texts with moderator Karen Arnold, former visiting English professor at the U.S. Naval Academy. “With readings representing a variety of eras and types of service, this program offers a mix of perspectives and the chance to really reflect on one’s personal service and the larger military experience,” said Arnold.

The group will begin on Thursday, February 26th and will meet at the Bel Air Library every three weeks after that, from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. Books will be handed out at the meeting prior to the scheduled discussion. Should one miss a discussion, readings also will be available at the circulation desk of the Library three weeks before the book’s discussion. Participants should plan to attend all sessions. Lunch is included as part of the program.

Session Dates and Readings:

February 26
• “Shiloh” by Bobbie Ann Mason (Short story)
• “What I Saw of Shiloh” by Ambrose Bierce (Essay)
• “How to Tell a True War Story” by Tim O’Brien (Short story)
• “After War, a Failure of the Imagination” by Phil Klay (Essay)
• “The Worst Day of My Life Is Now New York’s Hottest Tourist Attraction” by Steve Kendall (Blog post)

March 19
• My Life as a Foreign Country by Brian Turner (Memoir)

April 9
• The Yellow Birds by Kevin Powers (Novel)
• “Falling In” by Christy L. Clothier (Essay)

April 30
• I’m Still Standing: From Captive U.S. Soldier to Free Citizen – My Journey Home by Shoshana Johnson (Memoir)

May 21
• Nostalgia by Dennis McFarland (Novel)

“It is a privilege to be one of the three Maryland library systems involved with this program,” commented Mary Hastler, CEO of the Harford County Public Library. “Providing opportunities for veterans and other residents to enrich their lives through the reading and discussion of literature is an important part of what Harford County Public Library does for the community.”

Registration for this program is limited and ends on March 5th. To register or for more information about the series, contact the Bel Air Library at 410-638-3151 or Community Relations Specialist Bethany Hacker at 410-273-5600, ext. 2243 or hacker@hcplonline.org.