Markham Public Library launches revitalized Black heritage collection

Collection housed at Milliken Mills Library showcases 1,200 items

Yorkregion.com
May 8, 2023
Yoyo Yan

Twenty-three years after it was first launched, Markham Public Library (MPL) will celebrate the revitalized Black Heritage Collection at Milliken Mills Library on Saturday, May 6, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

With more than 1,200 items, including fiction and non-fiction titles, graphic novels, children’s books and audiobooks, the collection contains a range of topics and stories that tell the contributions of the Black community to society.

“Markham Public Library is the only York Region library system to have a dedicated Black Heritage Collection and as Canada’s most diverse municipality, we are continually looking for impactful ways to elevate the voices of our community,” Markham Mayor Frank Scarpitti said.

First developed in 1990 and housed at Milliken Mills Library, the original Black Heritage Collection (BHC) focused on the Black Canadian experience. In 2022, with community consultation and input from focus groups, the library began the work of revitalizing the collection to reflect the changing interest and needs of the Black community in Markham. The updated collection now includes more items written by Black authors and is more reflective of Black perspectives and voices.

“The Black Heritage Collection, developed in consultation with the local Black community, provides identity-affirming books with stories and information told through the experiences of Black people,” said MPL CEO Catherine Biss.

While titles in the Black Heritage Collection will be highlighted and part of a permanent Black Heritage display at Milliken Mills Library, titles from the collection can be found at all Markham branches.

MPL has developed a webpage for the BHC, which includes community information, programs and events and recommended reading lists. The web page will be updated regularly with fresh content and feature new titles.