Students from Catherine Puranananda’s class at Los Alamos High School participating in an African American Read In earlier this month. Photo by Melissa Mackey

LIBRARY News:

Mesa Public Library is hosting an African American Read-In 1-2 p.m., Saturday.

“Families are invited to join us at the library on Saturday afternoon as we celebrate the National African American Read-In,” library staff member Melissa Mackey said.

There will be games and rhymes in addition to books and book recommendations for everyone. All ages are welcome to attend.

“It’s the perfect way to spend a Saturday afternoon,” Mackey said.

And when the games and readings are over at two, everyone is invited to find a cozy spot to just sit and read.

The National African American Read-In is the nation’s first and oldest event dedicated to diversity in literature. It was established in 1990 by the Black Caucus of the National Council of Teachers of English to make literacy a significant part of Black History Month. This initiative has reached more than 6 million participants around the world.

“It is important for all of us to see ourselves in books.” – Dr. Jerrie Cobb Scott, founder of the African American Read-In.

The Read-In was originally scheduled for Thursday, but postponed to Saturday so that more people could attend.

Mesa Public Library is at 2400 Central Ave., Los Alamos. For more information about the Read-In, call 505.662.8250 or 505.662.8257.