Use the Books: Start a Discussion Group
The Wisconsin Humanities Councils offers these “pre-packaged” book discussion kits to any not-for-profit or ad-hoc group, including libraries, book clubs, campus and school groups, and UW–Extension programs.
IT’S SIMPLE
Your group can borrow a set of books from the WHC. A set includes 15 copies of each title.
The WHC will provide brochures to recruit participants and publicize the program, as well as a discussion guide to spark further exploration of the readings.
Groups are encouraged (but not required) to invite a humanities scholar to help lead the book discussion(s). We can help you find a scholar (click for list), or you can work with a humanities expert of your choice. One scholar may lead all four discussions, or you may choose a different, appropriate scholar for each book. If you choose to apply for grant funds (this option appears on the book discussion application) the WHC may be able to pay an honorarium and travel costs for the scholar.
To start your own discussion series, download one of the applications below, and send it to the address on the form. You may use the same application to apply to have the WHC pay for visiting scholars.
Click HERE for an application to borrow books in the “Wisconsin Reads” series.
Click HERE for an application to borrow books in the “The Common Defense” series.
Click HERE for an application to borrow books in the “To Establish Justice” series.
Click HERE for an application to borrow books in the “Domestic Tranquility” series.
The WHC also has some tips, if you would like to design a book discussion series on a theme of your choice.
To learn about WHC book discussion programs on other topics, click here.
To apply to the first series, or if you have any other questions, please contact Jessica Becker (jebecker2@wisc.edu) or 608-263-3155.