Virginia libraries are grateful for the sacrifice of our soldiers and their families. We hope to return the favor in some small part by providing resources and access. Please find below resources from Military One Source, the USO, the Red Cross and the Virginia Veterans and Family Service. In addition to these resources, the Library of Virginia also provides access to VetNow, with access to  a LIVE military benefits navigator to help identify eligibility for support services, connecting with support services and identifying needs M-F from 2-11 p.m. If you can’t find what you need, please contact your local library for assistance!

Books

Service members, spouses, service providers, military kids have all written about their experiences and there are beautiful, moving stories shared. Below is a list of some tried and true books shared over the years. 

FOR CHILDREN

• Brave Like Me by Barbara Kerley (2016)
• Don't Forget, God Bless Our Troops by Dr. Jill Biden, illustrated by Raúl Colón (2012)
• H is for Honor: Military Family Alphabet by Devin Scillian and Victor Juhasz (2006)
• I'll Lend You My Daddy: A Deployment Book for Kids Ages 4-8 by Becky King (2020)
• Lily Hates Goodbyes (all military version) by Jerilyn Marler, illustrated by Nathan Stoltenberg (2012)
• Night Catch by Brenda Ehrmantraut, illustrated by Vicki Wehrman (2008)
• Parents Here and There: A Kid's Guide to Deployment by Marie-Therese Miller (2021)
• Sometimes We Were Brave by Pat Brisson, illustrated by France Brassard (2010)
• While You Are Away by Eileen Spinelli, illustrated by Renee Graef (2008)

FOR ADULTS

• Chicken Soup for the Military Wife’s Soul by Jack Canfield (2012)
• Confessions of a Military Wife by Mollie Gross (2015)
• Deployment: Strategies for Working with Kids in Military Families by Karen Petty (2009)
• Heroes at Home: Help and Hope for America’s Military Families by Ellie Kay (2012)
• Homefront Club: The Hardheaded Woman’s Guide to Raising a Military Family by Jacey Eckhart (2005)
• I’m Already Home by Elaine Gray Dumler (2003)
• I’m Already Home…Again by Elaine Gray Dumler (2006)
• Life After Deployment: Military Families Share Reunion Stories and Advice by Karen Pavlicin (2022)
• Married to the Military: A Survival Guide for Military Wives, Girlfriends, and Women in Uniform by Meredith Leyva (2009)
• Surviving Deployment: A Guide for Military Families by Karen Pavlicin (2022)
• Special Needs Families in the Military: A Resource Guide by Janelle Hill and Don Philpott (2011)
• Voices from the Front: Letters Home from America’s Military Family by Frank Schaeffer (2004)

Visit Operation We are Here for a comprehensive, categorized list of reading for the military community and those who support them.

Military OneSource Comprehensive Services Booklet -- This booklet outlines all of the medical, mental health, insurance, financial planning and educational resources provided by Military OneSource. Download the booklet.

Visit Military OneSource -- Military OneSource is your connection to information, answers and support when MilLife happens. They can help you overcome challenges, reach your goals and thrive. As a member of our military family, you are eligible to use this Department of Defense-funded program anytime, anywhere. If we can’t get you the answers you need, we’ll connect you to someone who can. Enter Military OneSource.

Blue Star Families -- Blue Star Families supports military and veteran families by "connecting them with their civilian neighbors - both people and organizations - to create strong communities of support."

Virginia Veterans and Family Services -- The Virginia Veteran & Family Support Program (VVFS) is operated statewide by the Virginia Department  of Veterans Services and provides outreach, connection and support to veterans and their families as they address the challenges of military service, transition, deployments, post traumatic stress or other behavioral health concerns as well as traumatic brain injuries and physical injuries. Connect with the VVFS.

The USO -- The United Service Organization (not related to nor endorsed by the Department of Defense) pursues the mission of strengthening America’s military service members by keeping them connected to family, home and country, throughout their service to the nation. The USO provides support, programming and entertainment to service members in their family internationally. Connect with the USO.

The Red Cross -- The Red Cross helps members of the military, veterans and their families prepare for, cope with, and respond to, the challenges of military service. From information referral sources, support programs (including mental and physical health) to global services, find more information.