This fall, the Brookings Public Library received a national grant from Libraries Transforming Communities: Focus on Small and Rural Libraries, an American Library Association (ALA) initiative that helps library workers better serve their small and rural communities. This competitive award includes staff education and support, as well as $3000 that the Library will use to host various educational events throughout Black History Month, as well as a “More Than a Month” Community Conversation about the topics addressed throughout the events and how residents can use what they have learned to make Brookings a more inclusive place to live.
The Black History Month events kick off with a virtual screening of Ava DuVernay’s documentary, 13th, on February 3rdat 5:30pm. The Library will then offer a Bystander To Upstander Intervention Training, led by presenters from South Dakota Voices for Peace, on February 8th at 6:00pm. Author and scholar Lawrence Diggs will present a talk entitled, “Connecting Communities,” on February 9th at 6:30pm. Historical reenactor Joyce Jefferson will give a performance entitled, “Betty Blair, Homesteader Extraordinaire,” on February 15th at 6:30pm. Author and African American baseball historian Phil Dixon will discuss Negro Leagues baseball in the Midwest on February 22nd at 6:00pm. The Library will host a Black History Month Celebration highlighting Black culture and history on February 24th at 6:00pm. The month’s events will close out with the “More Than a Month” Community Conversation on March 1st at 6:00pm.
All programs will be in person and live streamed on Zoom, though details are subject to change depending on COVID conditions. For the most updated information about the events, visit the Library’s website at www.brookingslibrary.org and be sure to follow the Brookings Public Library on Facebook @bkglib. Zoom links to all events can be found on the Library’s website calendar or Facebook page.