Programs & Events

Reading Group Toolkits

The South Dakota Humanities Council has many reading programs available for book clubs, non-profits, libraries, museums and other organizations. Groups that participate in a reading program will receive up to 30 copies of any title and can have a scholar lead their book discussion free of charge. Over thirty titles are available for loan.

New for 2010!  Immigration Reading and Film Series are now available for application.  Please call the our office in advance as these are limited and will be in high demand.

Program Requirements

• SDHC expects a minimum audience of 20 people for book discussions and expects the presentation to be held at a facility that has comfortable accommodations for the audience.
• SDHC expects that the program will be scheduled for 45 minutes with time for questions and answers.
• SDHC expects a good faith effort in advertising the program and that the applicant organization goes beyond their members to publicize the event.
• Any non-profit organization may apply, but the program must take place in South Dakota.
• Based on availability, organizations may apply for an unlimited amount of packaged reading programs.

How to Apply

Applications must be sent 4-6 weeks in advance of your reading program. There is a $35 fee for each program.

Step 1: Get a group together
Any non-profit organization is eligible to apply for a reading program. If your book club would like to apply, find a sponsoring organization (this can be any non-profit organization, such as a library or museum).

Step 2: Select a book to discuss and set a date for your event
Choose from these available titles. We invite you to choose this year’s One Book South Dakota.

Step 3: Gain permission from an approved scholar to lead your discussion
Contact scholars directly to see if they will lead your group discussion. Choose from these available scholars.

Step 4: Submit an application
Download an application. Mail your completed application and a $35 application fee to South Dakota Humanities Council, 1215 Trail Ridge Rd., Suite A, Brookings, SD, 57006.

Step 5: Promote, Publicize, and Conduct Your Event
At you event, be sure to thank the South Dakota Humanities Council and the National Endowment for the Humanities for support.

Step 6: Complete the evaluation form and return the books
It’s that easy!

1215 Trail Ridge Road, Suite A • Brookings, SD 57006 • Tel: 605-688-6113 • Fax: 605-688-4531 • info@sdhumanities.org