Library employee Steph Salazar reads the book ‘I Got Rhythm’ by Connie Schofield-Morrison. Courtesy/MPLMPL News:
February is Black History month and the Los Alamos County Libraries are joining in the celebration by hosting three African-American Read-Ins, during the week of Feb. 16-20.
Readers of all ages are welcome to attend. The Read-Ins will be held downstairs in the Youth Services Rotunda of Mesa Public Library.
American writing has been made much richer with the addition of African-American authors. African-Americans are poet laureates, Pulitzer and Nobel Prize winners, and Newbery Award winners. The concept of African-American Read-Ins was developed by the Black Caucus of the National Council of Teachers of English more than 25 years ago. Read-Ins are held across the country during the month of February, in libraries, schools, churches and community centers.
Library staff has been mining the shelves for the best books by African-American authors, and they’ve come up with some great recommendations. In the Read-In programs, they will introduce you to some books that are destined to become your new favorites, and remind you of some old favorites with reading lists and displays. Your librarians will help you get started by introducing you to some great authors, but we also welcome your suggestions.
There will be three Read-In sessions- the first is 3-4 p.m. President’s Day, Monday, Feb. 16. The Library is open noon to 5 p.m. on President’s Day. The second and third Read-Ins are 4-5 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 17 and Friday, Feb. 20. All of the dates and times are listed on the Library website, www.lacnm.us/library, by clicking Library Events and Classes button.
The White Rock Branch Library will also have book lists and displays with relevant books for adults and children. All of the youth programs during the week at both libraries will incorporate special songs, rhymes and stories from African-American culture. For more information, call 505.662.8258.
