The Brantford Public Library is celebrating Black History Month in February with special events, displays and resources.
An Art and Wine Evening with self-taught visual artist Nicole Alexander will be held Feb. 16 at 6:30 pm at the main branch.
Alexander, whose work reflects an Afro-Caribbean vive, will give an art lesson to program attendees, who can also sip wine and enjoy music. Attendees will get a free canvas and paint.
The program is free (other tan a charge for the wine for those who choose to drink) but advance registration is required.
Visit the Event Calendar on the Library’s website to register online or call or visit either library branch to register with staff.
Among the library’s great selection of books, eBooks, and audiobooks by Black Canadian authors are several by writers who have visited the library in person and virtually in the past.
In November 2021, author Jael Richardson gave an online talk about her books and writing process. Richardson’s books available at the library include Because You Are and The Stone Thrower for children and the novel Gutter Child for adults. Tune into the library’s YouTube channel to watch her talk.
Last July, author Nadia L. Hohn visited the library’s Marvelous Mondays children’s series. Hohn is an award-winning author and illustrator whose books for children explore the rich diversity of Caribbean-Canadian culture. Her popular series of picture books featuring the young girl Malaika includes Malaika’s Costume, Malaika’s Winter Carnival, Malaika’s Surprise and the forthcoming Malaika Carnival Queen.
Author and historian Karolyn Smardz Frost has visited the library twice. Her books include I’ve Got a Home in Glory Land: A Lost Tale of the Underground Railroad, Steal Away Home: One Woman’s Epic Flight to Freedom—And Her Long Road Back to the South.
Other notable Canadian-centric books for adults that you might want to check out include Afua Cooper’s book, The Hanging of Angelique: The Untold Story of Canadian Slavery and the Burning of Old Montreal, and Ingrid Waldron’s 2018 book, There’s Something in the Water: Environmental Racism in Indigenous and Black Communities.
Ask library staff for more recommendations for both adult and children’s books that celebrate Black history and key events.
At Your Library is a weekly column provided by the staff of the Brantford Public Library. Readers requiring more information can visit www.brantfordlibrary.ca.