A great starting point for students or casual readers looking for a introduction to the themes and discussions on Maya Angelou's autobiography, I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings.

Profiles contemporary and historic figures whose accomplishments will inspire students of every heritage. Covering the most prominent newsmakers as well as lesser-known individuals, each volume offers full biographical entries, portraits, addresses for living listees and recommended sources for further study.

The Main Library's Urban Readers Book Group is meeting on Tuesday, February
5th, from 6pm to 7pm to talk about The Help by Kathryn Stockett. If you've seen the movie, then you know The Help is a remarkable story about life in Mississippi during the civil rights era. Join us for an enjoyable discussion and light refreshments! Contact Crystal at 929-3400 for more information on the Urban Readers Book Group.

This book presents inspiring profiles of more than 25 African American religious leaders for young adults. This new addition to the "Black Stars" series tells the fascinating stories of African American religious leaders from different periods in history, including Peter Williams, a slave who helped establish the first black church in New York; Sojourner Truth, the abolitionist and former slave who spoke out for the rights of women and blacks; Henry McNeal Turner, the first black Chaplain in the U.S. Army; Martin Luther King, Jr., who preached for equality and nonviolence; and T. D. Jakes, whose ministries extend from Dallas, Texas, around the world; as well as many others. Jim Haskins was Professor of English at the University of Florida and wrote more than 100 nonfiction books for young readers. Kathleen Benson (New York, NY) is Director of Government and Community Relations at the Museum of the City of New York. Jim and Kathleen collaborated on more than 25 books.

Giants of history and unsung heroes shine in the books listed below.  Read how these African Americans changed America for the better. Take a glimpse into history and learn tolerance through their stories, this month and every month.

A large searchable database which provides information on such topics as history, biography, literature, music, pop culture, folklore, business, slavery, civil rights, politics, and religion. The African American Experience is the definitive electronic research tool for African American history and culture providing rock-solid information from authorities in the field and allowing African Americans to speak for themselves through a wealth of primary sources. Drawing on over 300 titles, and designed under the guidance of leading librarians, this database gives voice to the black experience from its African origins to the present day. Includes primary sources such as speeches, court case and manuscripts, interviews, audio clips, images, and more.
 

Genealogy and history researchers will find full text articles from several historical newspapers. Coverage focusses on the Southeast and African American newspapers of the 18th and 19th centuries. Good for genealogical and other historical research, Accessible Archives includes the Civil War database, with the full text of major articles from The New York Herald, The Charleston Mercury and The Richmond Enquirer covering November 1, 1860–April 15, 1865; The African American Newspapers database contains seven of the major African American newspapers of the 19th century and other major historical newspapers from the 18th and 19th century.

Based on the artist-in-residence concept, RCPL’s Literary Residency includes actors, scholars and musicians who develop creative presentations, lectures and workshops for the library. These programs stimulate reading and creative thinking while showcasing the library’s outstanding collections and services.