Community Conversations with Veterans is a partnership between California Center for the Book and Veterans Connect @ the Library. The initiative offers California libraries the opportunity to connect more closely with veterans and their families, while also helping veterans and their families connect to the community and resources.
Program Overview
In 2020, California Center for the Book will support 19 Community Conversations with Veterans initiatives at 19 library locations across California. Library staff members will create community partnerships and engage veterans, their families, and the community.
Participating libraries will receive from California Center for the Book:
- A collection of veterans-related titles to use as programming inspiration ($1,000 value)
- $500 in speaker/moderator funds paid directly to one entity (nonprofit, community partner, speaker, moderator)
- Documentary DVD (Visions of Warriors or Ground Operations: Battlefields to Farmfields) with library license, discussion guide, and press kit
Participating libraries agree to:
- Attend the in-person Orientation
- Collaborate with at least one community partner
- Plan 2 community programs that encourage conversation with veterans, their families, and the greater community (these programs may also count for programming requirements for Veterans Connect @ the Library)
- Ensure community surveys, program data, and final reporting are completed
- Actively share best practices with fellow librarians and program staff
Program Timeline 2019-2020
- July 23, 2019 – Applications available (See Planning Document)
- August 15, 2019 – Applications due
- August 23, 2019 – Program notifications made
- October 24, 2019, 9:00AM – 12:00PM – Community Conversations with Veterans Orientation CLA Pre-Conference Session (travel support available)
- UPDATE MARCH 2020: Programs, Community Surveys, Speaker Payments, and Library Reports NOW DUE August 31, 2020
Toolkit and Resources
Start with the Community Conversations with Veterans TOOLKIT which includes programming and partnership ideas, community surveys, and an updated booklist. Collaborate with your community partner every step of the way. Share your programming or title suggestions with us and we’ll add them to the toolkit!
Participating Libraries – 2020
| Library | Program Coordinator |
| Arcadia Public Library | Pat Smith |
| Azusa City Library | Leila Hassen |
| City of Commerce Public Library – Rosewood | Olivia Audoma |
| Coronado Public Library | Eileen Hauser |
| Fresno County Public Library – Betty Rodriguez Regional Library | James Tyner |
| Kern County Library – Beale Memorial Library | Ashley Clay |
| Kern County Library – Ridgecrest Library | Charissa Wagner |
| Mission Viejo Library | Patrice Rand |
| OC Public Libraries – Garden Grove Main & Tustin Branches | Cassandra Sargent |
| Oceanside Public Library – Civic Center & Mission Branch | Monica Chapa Domercq |
| Sacramento Public Library – Rancho Cordova | Katie Ball |
| San Jose Public Library – Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Library | Rosemary Van Lare |
| Santa Barbara Public Library – Central Library | Jen Lemberger |
| Santa Maria Public Library | Joanne Britton |
| Sonoma County Library – Cloverdale Regional Library | Robert Parmenter |
| Tulare Public Library | Carol Lovos |
| Ventura County Library – E.P. Foster Library | Irma Morales |
| Whittier Public Library | Rachel Fiore |
IMLS and Statewide Aligned Program Goals & Outcomes
- Outcome 2b: Californians discover and participate in learning opportunities at the library
- Outcome 3c: Californians connect and collaborate through their library
#CommunityConversationsWithVeterans