Gather to read a passage from any text about veterans or the military, or just to listen.
What this project looks like at our university library: We developed a collection of books and ebooks related to veterans and the military and we promote the collection for use during this event, but participants can also choose to bring their own text. We recommend reading anywhere from a paragraph to a few pages. We ask participants to introduce the text (title, author, short description) and tell us why they chose it before they read. Sometimes there will be comments afterward.
A sample promotional image and event description are linked below under "Images" and "Files."
$0 - for the event itself
When we were in person, the event was promoted for anyone our university to attend. When we moved to zoom and partnered with a local community college, anyone from either campus or the outside community could attend, no restrictions.
Veterans month
1 hour
A space to meet (either a room for in-person, or meeting software for a virtual event) and a mechanism for registration. While a microphone, an amplifier, or a lit stage may be more reminiscent of peoples imagined "karaoke nights," this event can be done without additional audio equipment. Our events in Stony Brook were small, we haven't needed any extra equipment to date.
Provide resources for those considering attendance to select the text they would like to read (list, link to catalog, LibGuide, etc.). Typically, we had time for one reading per person. Though there's no rule that someone couldn't read more.
We have not tried this, but you could include discussion between readings. If you do so, consider providing brief discussion guidelines.
Optional, limit the available seats; 1) as a way to drive interest, i.e. "Space is limited, reserve your spot today!" and 2) small venues tend to feel fuller and more intimate. You could have a better opportunity to build community among the student veterans if the space invites networking.
Informal feedback
Office of Veterans Affairs, Suffolk County Community College Libraries
Laurel Scheinfeld, Stony Brook University Libraries
This project was made possible in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (LG-12-19-0114).
The Institute of Museum and Library Services is the primary source of federal support for the nation's libraries and museums. We advance, support, and empower America’s museums, libraries, and related organizations through grantmaking, research, and policy development. Our vision is a nation where museums and libraries work together to transform the lives of individuals and communities. To learn more, visit www.imls.gov and follow us on Facebook and Twitter.