Cal Humanities

"The understanding of a culture comes from hearing the language, tasting the food, seeing personal interactions, experiencing the traditions, and so much more in context."

— Elizabeth Laval & Candice Pendergrass, Sikh Youth Public History Project

"The understanding of a culture comes from hearing the language, tasting the food, seeing personal interactions, experiencing the traditions, and so much more when it is in context."

— Elizabeth Laval & Candice Pendergrass, Sikh Youth Public History Project

War Comes Home: Author Karl Marlantes

As part of our War Comes Home initiative, a statewide read of best-selling novelist Karl Marlantes’ book, What It Is Like to Go to War took place in 2014.

Many joined our statewide read of best-selling novelist Karl Marlantes’ book, What It Is Like to Go to War (Grove/Atlantic 2011). In fall of 2014, hundreds of events promoting thoughtful reflection and lively discussion at libraries, campuses, schools, and community organizations were held throughout California.

As part of our War Comes Home initiative, 43 library systems across the state presented reading and discussion programs, oral history collection, story-sharing projects, art-making activities, community forums and dialogues, presentations and panel discussions, film screenings, and civic engagement and community service projects to support veterans and their families. Over 240 branch libraries were involved, along with hundreds of community partners, including local veteran- and active military-serving organizations, schools, colleges, museums, cultural organizations, social service organizations, government agencies, and booksellers.