CHPL’s Annual African American Read-In Goes Virtual in 2021

Written by Allison Jacobs, Teen Librarian, Walnut Hills Branch Library  

Each year, CHPL participates in the nation-wide African American Read-In. Created in 1990 by the Black Caucus of the National Council of Teachers of English, this celebration serves to encourage readers to explore Black-authored books. In the past 30 years, the African American Read-In has reached more than 6 million people.  

How do you participate in a read-in? Simply pick a book written by a Black author and start reading. And, you don’t have to stick to Black history books. Consider reading a Black-authored fantasy, comedy, mystery, or romance. This month is all about exploring Black stories, both fiction and nonfiction. Whether you’re reading alone in your cozy home with snow drifting by, a cup of hot chocolate in hand, snuggled up reading to your little one, or chatting with your book club about a Black-authored book, it qualifies as participating in the African American Read-In.  

CHPL's Annual African American Read-In 

For the past three years, CHPL has hosted a day-long, in-person event with Black authors, arts and crafts activities, and the opportunity to easily find and check out Black-authored books. This year CHPL’s Read-In is going digital. On Saturday, Feb. 20, join us on Facebook as we share storybooks and poems read by Black authors (and their famous friends). Expect big names such as Inaugural Youth Poet Laureate Amanda Gorman, Jacqueline Woodson, Misty Copeland, and Christian Robinson.

Also on Saturday, hop on over to Instagram where you can find staff-curated teen, pre-teen, and kids Black joy and Black resilience book lists. Want some to check out more storytimes? Head over to our YouTube channel to watch five new storytimes we created just for the African American Read-In.  

Read For A Chance To Win 

CHPL encourages you to pick from our curated lists of books and choose a few to read yourself in the month of February, and beyond. Post the books you’re reading to the Library’s Facebook and Instagram with the hashtag #cincylibraryAARI and you’ll be in the running to win gift cards to local Black-owned businesses. 

See what else we have going on during Black History Month by visiting our blog post and events calendar.