Time to get out a bookmark and save your spot for the African American Read-In at the Cincinnati & Hamilton County Public Library. This national event 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.
CHPL is hosting authors throughout the month of February to celebrate Black authors and their books. The events also include different hands-on activities. The Ohio Governor’s Imagination Library is co-sponsoring the events and have made educational resources available for children and their families.
“It is important for all of us to see ourselves in books,” said Dr. Jerrie Cobb Scott, founder of the African American Read-In.
All events are at 1 p.m. Saturdays at select branches:
- Feb. 5 at the Price Hill Branch—Alek Teague, author of The Magic Inside.
- Feb. 12 at the Corryville Branch—Lauren White, author of Cries from the Dark Side of the Moon.
- Feb. 19 at the Groesbeck Branch—Debbie Rigaud, author of Simone Breaks All the Rules.
- Feb. 26 at the Deer Park Branch—Chad and Charles Richardson, authors of Family Reunion.
- Feb. 26 at the Deer Park Branch—Mario Jackson, author of Nya the Great.
"I’m very excited to bring the African American Read-In to our libraries across the county. Diverse literature is so important for readers, both to see themselves represented along with having the opportunity to learn about the lived experiences of others,” said Corrie Schuster, Youth Librarian and Black Events and Exhibits Committee Co-Chair at CHPL. “The authors for this year’s Read-In represent the diverse experiences of the Black community, while also offering a reflection on our shared experiences.”
For more details, go to cinlib.org/AARI2022, opens a new window. For other Black History month events at the Library, visit CincinnatiLibrary.org/events.
