About Us
"It's about bringing your whole self to the table."
Ann Kowal Smith
Founder & Executive Director, Books@Work
Our Mission: Human Connection
Books@Work builds communities of openness, respect and belonging by creating the conditions for genuine human connection at every level of the workplace. Human connection is the bedrock of healthy organizations, permitting us to fully recognize each other and to build the bridges to explore the ideas that unite as well as divide us.
Books@Work invites everyone – from the shop floor to the c-suite – to develop these connections and co-create these communities. Through facilitated conversation rooted in carefully chosen narrative literature, Books@Work encourages participants to challenge assumptions, reflect on life’s essential questions and deepen interpersonal relationships.
Why literature? Because stories invite us to connect to characters and reflect upon our diverse perspectives. In discussing them, we consider other views and step into each other’s shoes. Narrative unlocks the conversations we don’t often have at work, helping us to make sense of the world we share – individually and together.
Facilitated by That Can be Me, Inc., a 501(c)(3) public charity, Books@Work tailors and prices programs to reach individuals across the entire organization, from hourly to management. We also partner with generous donors to bring Books@Work into community settings. Interested in learning more? Start here.
One Books@Work participant reminded us so eloquently, “Steinbeck says it best. ‘You can’t hate a man once you know him.’ Getting closer to the people you work with makes working easier.”
By creating the conditions for colleagues – at every level of the organization – to share and explore each other’s stories, Books@Work celebrates difference but eradicates division.
Our History
In 2009, we piloted Books@Work with food service employees at AVI Foodsystems and professors from Hiram College. Participants found a common language and set of experiences through the books, and professors learned from the perspectives of non-traditional learners. Supervisors found that participants “asked better questions” and were more engaged – with each other and their customers.
Today: We partner with companies in healthcare, manufacturing, distribution, technology, professional services and non-profit. In several companies we have expanded the program to natural teams and cross-functional groups across the organization. Our evidence overwhelmingly indicates that participants enjoy new ideas and gain a deeper appreciation for their colleagues. Companies appreciate increased contribution and collaboration from participants.
Tomorrow: Books@Work aspires to make a measurable contribution to building lifelong learning and critical thinking in society by supporting a more creative and productive workforce in our partner companies. With philanthropic support, we continue to extend our reach through programs with veterans, urban parents, police-community groups and others to cultivate a sense of connection and collaboration within neighborhoods, schools and families. Our goal: 100,000 participants a year across the nation.
Our Reach
Books@Work continues to expand in breadth and depth. As of December 31, 2018, we have engaged with:
6,265
participants
700
titles
705
professors
111
colleges
60
organizations
360
programs
22
states
9
foreign countries
Our Community Work
Public School District
Auxiliary staff across an urban school district (including custodial, transportation, clerical, administrative and other employees) gather to participate in Books@Work.
Parents
Parents from an urban school meet once a week to read and discuss literature, building a stronger, more connected and resilient community.
Veterans
Veterans in a residential treatment program read short stories to connect to each other and compare their personal journeys, with creativity and confidence.
Auxiliary staff across an urban school district (including custodial, transportation, clerical, administrative and other employees) gather to participate in Books@Work.
Parents from an urban school meet once a week to read and discuss literature, building a stronger, more connected and resilient community.
Veterans in a residential treatment program read short stories to connect to each other and compare their personal journeys, with creativity and confidence.
Why support Books@Work in the community?
Books@Work strives to build community well beyond the walls of the workplace. In our work with nonprofits and other service organizations, we reach into local spaces, cultivating a sense of connection and collaboration within neighborhoods, schools and families.
Our community work focuses primarily on school staffs, parents and veterans, though we work in other areas of the community on a case-by-case basis. We partner with donors – individual, companies and foundations – to enable our programs and expand our community reach.
Watch the video to hear Sergeant Kim Watkins share her experience participating in a Books@Work veterans’ program.
Case Studies
Selected Partners & Professors
Philanthropic Support
We are deeply grateful for the support and enthusiasm of many individual donors and of several foundations and institutions.
Our Impact & The Science
Find out more about our impact in workplaces and the community and the science behind our work.