Learn about Black History Month, culture at BCS public libraries

BRYAN, Texas (KBTX) – Black History Month is alive in several ways throughout the Bryan-College Station Public Library System.

From books, displays and events, the team is bringing the community closer to Black history and culture.

“It’s so significant to recognize African American History Month and so Black History Month is instrumental in that,” Bea Saba said. “It is a month that we get to explore and learn all of the, not just the culture but the experiences of black people in American history.”

Saba is the library system director and said they’ve put a variety of books written by Black authors on display throughout the three BCS libraries, the Clara B. Mounce Public Library, the Larry J. Ringer Library and the Carnegie History Center.

“When you walk into our buildings, you can see some of the things that you may not necessarily see because they’re hidden in the stacks and so the displays can be topics that are happening, whether it’s a celebration of a month or an interest or something that we want to, sort of, showcase to our community members,” Saba said.

For kids, Saba recommends books like “An American Story” by Kwame Alexander. The book is about American slavery and the resilience of the African American community.

Alexander’s book is a 2023 New York Times Best Children’s Book, a 2023 Publisher’s Weekly Best Picture Book, an NPR Best Book of the Year and a Coretta Scott King Illustrator Award book.

For teens and young adults, Saba recommends “Black Boy Joy,” which is a collaborative book with 17 authors who wrote about the joys of Black boyhood.

Another book is “Children of Blood and Bone” by Tomi Adeyemi. It’s a West African fantasy book.

“Growing up, I know a lot of people didn’t see themselves in books, especially black people didn’t see themselves in books so having these books written for and about them really makes a big difference,” Saba said.

Adult readers can also enjoy a variety of books by Black authors including “Becoming” by Michelle Obama, “Black Girl Baking: Wholesome Recipes Inspired by a Soulful Upbringing” by Jerrelle Guy, and “Langston Hughes : The Man, His Art, and His Continuing Influence,” which is a collaborative book written by a group of scholars.

“If you’re not a reader, it’s okay,” Saba said. “We have comics here as well, so those who want to look at more pictures than read, we have that as well. We have books for everyone. It’s amazing, the depth of the collection that we have.”

In addition, the library system is offering events for kids and adults. One is an African American genealogy event that will allow the community to navigate pre-emancipation records. It’s being hosted at the Carnegie History Center in downtown Bryan on Feb. 26 at 6 p.m.

To register, click here.