War Comes Home is an initiative sponsored by Cal Humanities focused on the veteran experience, aiming to increase public understanding and empathy for those who have served, as well as to spark a public conversation on how best we can support the process of reincorporating our veterans into the fabric of civilian life.

To anchor the read, on the recommendation of an advisory group of librarians, scholars, book professionals, journalists, and veterans advocates, we have selected Karl Marlantes' What It Is Like to Go to War. Marlantes is a Vietnam veteran, a Rhodes Scholar, and the author of the New York Times best-selling novel Matterhorn. His newest book has received much reader and critical acclaim since publication in 2011, and has frequently been cited by veterans as the work that best expresses their experience. According to the San Francisco Chronicle, it “ought to be mandatory reading by potential infantry recruits and by residents of any nation that sends its kids—Marlantes’s word—into combat.”

The Tulare County Library will have several events in conjunction with this program. The events include collecting of oral histories from local veterans, book discussions of Marlantes’ book and a talk by the Author, an expert panel about veterans’ issues, a fun day for military personnel and veterans and their families, a film series and job searching computer classes for veterans.

Computer Classes

This fall the Tulare County Library in Visalia will be offering three classes in job searching and resume writing specifically for veterans of the U.S. Armed Services. In these classes veterans can expect to review online job searching techniques, resume writing tips, and employment services available to veterans through other government agencies or outside organizations. Classes are scheduled for about an hour, and staff requests that participants come to the class with an email address and a USB flash drive. Space is limited so call Amanda to reserve your spot, 559-713-2710.

Classes are scheduled for 10:30 a.m. at the Visalia branch library on: September 3, October 1, & November 5.