Community Book Discussions Guidelines

AHC Community Book Discussions are designed to foster discussions of great literature among diverse adult audiences throughout Arizona. AHC provides 20 copies of the book, a study guide, and a humanities scholar to lead the discussion. The skilled discussion facilitator helps participants work their way through the meaningful and sometimes challenging issues that good literature evokes. Host organizations select the books, schedule the facilitators, provide the venue, and generate an audience.

Is my organization eligible to apply for Community Book Discussions?

Eligible applicants are organizations constituted for nonprofit purposes, specifically public libraries, museums, historical sites, historical and archaeological societies, parks, tribal entities, community colleges, community centers and agencies (if open to all people all the time), and other organizations at AHC’s discretion. If your organization is not eligible for an AHC-funded book discussion, AHC can provide contact information so that you can directly book and pay for a facilitator. Closed membership organizations are not eligible for AHC-funded book discussions.

What are the program requirements?

The discussion should be scheduled for at least 60-90 minutes.
The host organization is responsible for generating publicity for the program, securing an audience of at least 12 and no more than 20 people, and acknowledging AHC in all promotional and printed materials. Publicity must be generated beyond the organization’s membership.
The discussion must be open and accessible to the public. Programs may not be for closed audiences such as classrooms, membership meetings, or docent trainings. Participants may not be required to pay a fee or buy a meal to attend.
The host organization distributes the books to participants, and collects and returns them to AHC immediately after the discussion.
The host organization should make the discussion facilitator welcome in the community, introduce him or her at the start of the discussion, and verbally acknowledge AHC at that time as well.

How often may my organization apply? Is there a fee?

There is a $40 non-refundable administrative fee for each single-title Community Book Discussion arranged through AHC. There is no limit to the number of times your organization may request a book discussion in a given year, although the $40 administrative fee applies to each title.

Can my organization choose a title not in AHC’s library?

If your organization would like to explore a title currently not in AHC’s library, a special award is available that includes funds for purchasing books and commissioning a study guide. The requested title must be approved by AHC, and the books will be added to the AHC library at the conclusion of the program. Organizations may receive one such award per year. Call 602/257-0335 x23 to participate in the Community Book Discussion Expansion Program.

How do I apply for a Community Book Discussion?

Step 1: Review the lists of Fiction and Nonfiction titles to choose which one(s) you would like to read and discuss. You can also investigate the index of Themes suggestions.

Step 2: Call AHC at 602/257-0335 x23. If your organization is eligible and funding is available, the books will be reserved and you will be given contact information for a local discussion facilitator. Call the facilitator to arrange his or her participation.

Step 3: Once you confirm with the facilitator, apply for AHC funding using the online application form. Submit the form to AHC at least six weeks before the discussion is to take place. Please be sure to complete all sections, including Your Required Contribution, and don’t hesitate to call AHC if you have questions.

Step 4: Your application will be processed, and a program packet will be mailed to you. The packet includes information to help publicize, administer, and evaluate the discussion. Call AHC if you do not receive a packet within two weeks of submitting your application.

Hints on completing Your Required Contribution:

"Staff and Volunteer Time" is the time spent organizing, publicizing, hosting, and evaluating the program. Use a staff member’s hourly rate or $15 per hour for volunteers, and multiply the hourly rate by the number of hours spent on the project.
"Services and Materials" includes the market value of the space and equipment used for the presentations, as well as supplies, postage, phone, photocopying, and refreshments.
"Fee Paid to AHC" is the $40 non-refundable fee paid for each speaker requested.

For more information, call or e-mail Erica Nunn at 602/257-0335 x23 or enunn@azhumanities.org.