Join us online for a community celebration of African American authors!

This interactive, multigenerational program will celebrate black authors, literacy, reading, and diversity in literature.  Join us to listen or let us know you're interested in being a reader when you register. 

Readings may include short essays, passages from novels, poetry, children's books, or other types of writing. If you're interested in reading, please choose a family-friendly selection that resonates on a personal level and practice reading your piece out loud ahead of time.  To accommodate as many readers as possible, selections should be no more than 2-4 minutes when read aloud. 

When you register you will have the option to request a Book Bundle containing a selection of titles that highlight African American authors and illustrators.  Bundles are prepared by library staff and can be created for children or adults. If you request a Book Bundle, you will also receive a FREE tote bag from the library full of goodies for all book lovers.  Book Bundles can be picked up at all three KCPL locations.  The library will contact you when your Book Bundle is ready and you will be able to pick up through our Library To Go service.

Looking for more ways to celebrate?  Check out the Black History Month Challenge on the library's Beanstack page. 

This event is co-sponsored by Sumner Hall, Washington College Department of Education & Black Studies Program, and Kent County Public Library.

The National African-American Read-In is the nation’s oldest event dedicated to diversity in literature. It was established in 1990 by the Black Caucus of the National Council of Teachers of English in order to make literacy a significant part of Black History Month.