Hamilton Public Library goes virtual for Black History Month events

Thestar.com
Feb. 8, 2022

To mark Black History Month, the Hamilton Public Library is hosting a number of opportunities for residents to learn and celebrate.

Throughout February and beyond, residents can visit their local branch in person or online to discover a world of stories, music, films and much more.

Virtual panel discussions with authors and special events are also scheduled. They include:

• Feb. 12: A discussion with Asha Bromfield, Sarah Raughley and Liselle Sambury for young adults;
• Feb. 16: An evening with Lawrence Hill, who will speak about his new book, "Beatrice and Croc Harry";
• Feb. 18: A tribute to Hamilton blues artist Jackie Washington.

 

The Hamilton Public Library's director of collections and program development, Lisa Radha Weaver, invites residents "to log on and just celebrate."

“One of the benefits, though, of all of our virtual programming though is anyone, anywhere in the city can attend any of those programs," she said. "You don’t have to drive anywhere."

Additional educational activities are available for youth.

“We also have activity books and Discovered Home activity sheets for younger folks, learning with the adults in their lives about Black history as well," said Radha Weaver.

As the Hamilton Public Library developed its Black History Month lineup, Radha Weaver explained it was important for the organization to work with the Black community and ensure its collections are respectful.

"Locally, in the past, we've had the privilege of working with the African-Caribbean Canadian Association and the Hamilton Black History Council, who are also putting out their own Black history database this year," she said, adding the library's digital collection is provided through vendors with Black history and Black voices advisory committees, who provide pre-curated lists through the Override and Kanopy collections.

In Flamborough, there are displays set up at branches in Carlisle, Freelton and Waterdown. All virtual events and programming are available online at hlp.ca/black-history-month.