February is Black History Month, an annual observance celebrating the achievements of African Americans and calling attention to their experiences throughout history. The High Point Public Library features events and displays to help support continued discovery.
The annual Black History Expo returns to the library from noon to 4 p.m. Feb. 16. It will include special presentations, entertainment, vendors and activities for children and teens. All events listed take place on Saturday.
The first thing library visitors will notice when walking into the first-floor lobby on Feb. 16 will be a lively room full of local vendors offering a variety of products and services. Vendors will include Concessions Galore, Unstoppable Fitness and Something Special.
Several presentations also will be hosted in the Morgan Community Room on the first floor.
One highlight of the Black History Expo will be a book discussion with Giselle Jones-Jones, author of the book “Through Zora’s Eyes: Modern Insight into a Timeless Vision.” Jones-Jones, department chairwoman of English and foreign languages at Bennett College in Greensboro, is launching a new book about the life, struggles, and achievements of Zora Neale Hurston.Continue Reading
Hurston is best known today as a novelist and author of the classic “Their Eyes Were Watching God,” but she was also a notable folklorist, anthropologist and a central figure in the Harlem Renaissance. The book discussion takes place at noon, and copies of the book will be available to buy.
At 2 p.m., the library will host Charles D. Rodenbough, author of “History of a Dream Deferred.” He will discuss a community of African slaves who lived on a Rockingham County plantation in the late 18th century. Their origins can be pinpointed to precise locations in Africa and the Caribbean, and their descendants are traceable.
Rodenbough’s research led him to establish the Sauratown Project in conjunction with universities, historians and scientists in North Carolina and abroad. The project uses DNA, archaeological and textual evidence to study this unique community and its inhabitants in depth. Rodenbough’s presentation will also take place in the Morgan Community Room.
The library will hold a Read-In in the Children’s Storyroom at 1 p.m.
Local Read-Ins are part of a larger national movement encouraging people to “make literacy a significant part of Black History Month by hosting and coordinating Read-Ins in their communities,” according to the National Council of Teachers of English. Families will share books written by African American authors in an inviting space.
Book clubs for adult readers are another great way to share stories and connect with the community.
One of High Point Public Library’s longest-running book clubs is Sisters Connected, which meets monthly to discuss books by African American authors or about the African American experience. This group also attends special events and hosts author discussions and signings. Sisters Connected will meet during the expo, so customers who might be interested in checking it out are welcome to come by the Morgan Community Room at 3 p.m.
Customers who want to explore and learn more on their own will find displays throughout the library this month featuring books, DVDs, and other materials that relate to Black History Month. Research Services has set up a display of non-fiction near the new books on the second floor, and Readers’ Services’ popular annual display of audiovisual items is located near the third-floor desk.
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Special events at libraries are often made possible by Friends of the Library organizations.
An easy and fun way to support Friends of the High Point Public Library is to drop by sometime before Valentine’s Day and buy a gift basket. These themed baskets are beautifully wrapped for the holiday, and each features a well-chosen book, along with a small gift or selection of candy.
Gift baskets can be found in the lobby.
Sara Addison-Kristel is a Readers’ Services library associate at High Point Public Library, where she works with fiction, audiovisual materials, and most importantly, people. Contact her at sara.addison@highpointnc.gov.