Black History Month

Library Up Date

Feb 1-5, 2021

Black History Month

“Black Family: Representation, Identity and Diversity”

Each week of February the library will post information and stories related to Black History Month.

President Gerald Ford officially recognized Black History Month in 1976, calling upon the public to “seize the opportunity to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history.”

Click on the website below and learn more about contributions from African Americans.

Netflix has a new offering of stories by African American authors, read by those authors. Choose an age group to pick a story. The site also has many other resources for families and children.

Last Stop on Market Street, by Matt de la Pena

Every Sunday after church, CJ and his grandma ride the bus across town. But today, CJ wonders why they don’t own a car like his friend Colby. Why doesn’t he have an iPod like the boys on the bus? How come they always have to get off in the dirty part of town? Each question is met with an encouraging answer from grandma, who helps him see the beauty—and fun—in their routine and the world around them.

Marisol McDonald Doesn’t Match, by

Marisol McDonald has flaming red hair and nut-brown skin. Polka dots and stripes are her favorite combination. She prefers peanut butter and jelly burritos in her lunch box. And don’t even think of asking her to choose one or the other activity at recess—she’ll just be a soccer playing pirate princess, thank you very much. To Marisol McDonald, these seemingly mismatched things make perfect sense together.

Unfortunately, they don’t always make sense to everyone else. Other people wrinkle their nose in confusion at Marisol—can’t she just be one or the other? Try as she might, in a world where everyone tries to put this biracial, Peruvian-Scottish-American girl into a box, Marisol McDonald doesn’t match. And that’s just fine with her.

Layla’s Happiness, Mariahadessa Tallie

Seven-year-old Layla loves life! So she keeps a happiness book. What is happiness for her? For you? Listen to the story and make your own happiness book! Write about what makes you happy. Add pictures by drawing, cutting out pictures or photos to add.