Reading and Discussion Programs

Guidelines

The NHC offers three book discussion series and two additional titles, "Exodusters: Black Migration to Kansas After Reconstruction" by Nell Irvin Painter and "Lewis and Clark Among the Indians" by James Ronda. They are available to non-profit organizations at no cost, except shipping.

"The American Plains," "Multicultural American Writing" and "Lives Worth Knowing" are series that can be borrowed by libraries, schools, book clubs or any other non-profit group (if you are a for-profit group, contact the NHC for special instructions). 

"Exodusters" and "Lewis and Clark Among the Indians" can be borrowed individually or as part of a reading-and-discussion program you create yourself.

Q. How many copies of these books are available?
Multiple copies are available so a group can distribute one to each of its members. In most cases, there are at least 15 copies, and in some cases there are more than 20 copies. Tell us which book you want, and we will tell you how many are available. 

Q. How long can we keep the books?
There is no specific deadline. Request them at least two weeks before the date you plan to use them so we have time to ship them to you. If another organization requests a book that your group is using, we will contact you to arrange a due date.

Q. Can we borrow individual books or mix and match them?
Yes. Organizations can borrow an entire series or part of a series. You can also mix and match books from various series to create your own reading-and-discussion package.

Q. How do I request books?
Complete the reading-and-discussion request form, indicating each title that your group wants to borrow, how many copies you want and the date you want to use them. To view the reading-and-discussion request form click here

Q. Are discussion guides available?
Discussion questions are available for all of these books. You can request a copy of discussion questions on the reading-and-discussion request form.

Q. Can the NHC provide a discussion leader for a series?
We can recommend a trained discussion leader. If you have a discussion leader in mind, check with us to ensure that he/she is eligible to receive an honorarium from the NHC. We provide an honorarium when at least three titles with a unifying theme are used for a reading-and-discussion series. The honorarium is $100 plus mileage for each session. NOTE: You are not required to have a trained discussion leader to use books from the NHC collection.

Q. How is the discussion leader paid?
Consult the NHC to ensure that your discussion leader is eligible to receive an honorarium. After you receive approval, the NHC will process a payment request.

Note: The request deadline is TWO WEEKS before the program.

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