We have put together a collection of books and events available virtually from our library system in order to celebrate the rich history of Black Americans. Recommended ages for each suggestion is considered adult unless specified for younger ages.
Recommended Reads
Virtual Events
The Lost Cause
The Lost Cause was a movement created by the South to justify their guilt in starting the war and to establish themselves as victims of Northern aggression. It was built on dishonest and badly distorted historical claims. This program exposes the romanticized but mythical view of the old South. It shows how Southern deceptions produced a racist, frequently violent culture that lasted until modern times. It reveals how the entertainment industry and Federal government supported and gave credibility to the Lost Cause. Presented by Civil War expert Martin Mosho, a prominent Civil War society and a retired instructor of Mercer County Community College. Registration with an email is required.
Bilingual Storytime
Join MCL for a special Bilingual Story Time program celebrating Black History Month.
Miren un video espeical esta semana con cuentos bilingues sobre el Mes de La Historia Afroamericana.
Biography Shorts for Kids
Tuesdays, February 2, 9, 16, & 23, 4:30 pm
Join us for our new video series called Biography Shorts for Kids. This month we will celebrate Black History Month by taking a quick look at the lives of those who have had a significant impact on Black History. We will also look at what materials are available from the library so that you can learn more about people you have found interesting.
Black History Month: Trivia for Teens/Tweens
Thursday, February 4, 3:30 PM – 4:30 PM
Join us for a live, virtual Kahoot! trivia session. Show off your Black History knowledge and learn some interesting facts!
Suggested for ages 9 -14. Registration with an email is required.
Saturday Night @ the Movies
Saturday, February 6, 8:00 PM – Mr. Civil Rights: Thurgood Marshall and the NAACP (2015)
Saturday, February 20, 8:00 PM – Nina (2015)
Saturday, February 27, 8:00 PM – Anita (2013)
Experience the thrill of watching a movie on a Saturday night at home, but not alone! Borrow the featured title from our Hoopla catalog with your Mercer County Library card and watch it together in the virtual company of your community. Feel free to share your thoughts and impressions in the comments section under the Facebook posting. We would love to hear from you!
MCL Tuesday Book Club: Between the World and Me by Ta-Nehisi Coates
Tuesday, February 9, 7:00 – 8:00 PM
Join us on Facebook for our monthly virtual book group.
Black History Month: Famous Inventors
Wednesday, February 17, 6:00 PM – 6:45 PM
Miss Susan will tell you about famous people and their patents/contributions. Learn who discovered the traffic light, who was responsible for changing blood to blood plasma, who created safety gates at the approaches of bridges, plus many other inventors! Recommended for ages 6-12. Registration with an email is required.
Black Women’s Role in the Suffrage Movement
Monday, February 22, 7:00 – 8:00 PM
In honor of Black History Month and the recent commemoration of the 100th anniversary of the passage of the 19th Amendment that gave predominantly white women the right vote, Dr. Chanelle Nyree Rose, Associate Professor of History and Director of the Africana Studies Program at Rowan University will examine the long struggle for suffrage, with a particular focus on race and African American women. Sponsored by the Friends of the Ewing Library, Friends of the Hickory Corner Library, Hightstown Library Association, Friends of the Hopewell Branch Library, and Friends of the Lawrence Library. Registration with an email is required.
Black History Month “Who Is / Who Was” Trivia
Wednesday, February 24, 4:00 PM
Test your knowledge about famous African-Americans featured in the “Who Is…” biography series in this trivia video. Play for fun or give yourself a point for each correct question! Then share your new knowledge with friends and family.
Slavery and African-American History in Lawrence Township
Wednesday, February 24, 7:00 PM
Dr. Brooke Hunter, Associate Dean of The College Liberal Arts and Sciences at Rider University and Lawrence Township Historian, will present a lecture on slavery and African-American history in Lawrence Township. Although the historic record to be presented will focus on Lawrence, the lecture places the township in the general context of slavery, African-American history, and race relations in New Jersey and the United States. This informative lecture examines the social and political context of slavery and how the institution has influenced race relations since Colonial times.
Co-sponsored by Lawrence Historical Society.