Library Newsletter - February 2026

Black History Month

The 8th Annual African American Read-in will be on February 18th from noon to 1:00 pm in the library. Come join the celebration by reading an excerpt from your favorite Black author or just listen to others share. RSVP for the read-in. For inspiration, visit the library display, browse the Black History Month research guide, or peruse the Black Heritage Collection online.

Illustration of hands in red, green, and black forming a heart shape against a yellow background, symbolizing unity and love.

The 2026 Black History Month theme is A Century of Black History Commemorations.
”For our 100th theme, the founders of Black History Month urge us to explore the impact and meaning of Black history and life commemorations in transforming the status of Black peoples in the modern world.” - asalh.org

No Covers. No Titles. Just Vibes.

Our “Blind Date with a Book” display is full of wrapped-up surprises! Read the teaser on the front, pick your book date, and check it out. Unwrap your match and fall into a great read. Guaranteed low pressure with high literary potential! Will it be love at first page?

An illustration of a woman standing before a large book with a heart-shaped cutout, from which glowing hearts are emerging.

Collage of diverse individuals representing Black life in America, featuring a range of expressions and experiences.

Black Life in America

The library database Black Life in America offers the experience and impact of African Americans as recorded by the news media, 1704 to today. It provides an expansive window into centuries of African American history, culture, and daily life—as well as the ways the dominant culture has portrayed and perceived people of African descent. This collection is sourced from more than 19,000 global media outlets, including over 400 current and historical Black publications.

New Books

Cover art for the novel "Cursed Daughters" by Oyinkan Braithwaite, featuring vibrant illustrations of two women with colorful backgrounds.

Cursed Daughters: A Novel

by Oyinkan Braithwaite

A young woman must shake off a family curse and the widely held belief that she is the reincarnation of her dead cousin in this wickedly funny, brilliantly perceptive novel about love, female rivalry, and superstition.

Cover illustration of the children's book "Saving the Day," featuring a portrait of Garrett Morgan and a scene depicting a traffic signal, with people and vehicles in an urban setting.

Saving the Day: Garrett Morgan's Life-Changing Invention of the Traffic Signal

by Karyn Parsons
illustrated by R. Gregory Christie

A color-filled, rhyming account of Black inventor Garrett Morgan's early life and his invention of the traffic signal.

Black and white illustration of Stephen Curry in a shooting pose, with the text "SHOT READY" above and his name below.

Shot Ready

by Stephen Curry

Curry shares the importance of going back to fundamentals, building consistency through repetition, and staying locked in on the things you can control. He delivers wisdom and inspiration that will stick with you.

Cover illustration for "The New Negro: A History in Documents, 1887-1937," edited by Martha H. Patterson and Henry Louis Gates, Jr. The design features a silhouette against a starry sky and abstract landscape.

The New Negro: A History in Documents, 1887-1937

edited by Martha H. Patterson and Henry Louis Gates, Jr.

Spanning fifty years of diverse writers, Patterson and Gates depict the New Negro as a fluid, contested figure shaped by cycles of loss and renewal. A richly annotated, compelling collection for readers interested in Black self-representation and struggle.

Cover illustration of "I Have a Dream" by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., featuring a close-up portrait of King with a background of blue skies.

I Have a Dream

by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
illustrated by Kadir Nelson

On August 28, 1963, Dr. Martin Luther King's iconic speech defined the American civil rights movement. His words, paired with Nelson's magnificent paintings, make for a picture book certain to be treasured by all.

Book cover of "The First Eight" by Jim Clyburn, featuring a portrait of the author against a backdrop of a historical illustration.

The First Eight: A Personal History of the Pioneering Black Congressmen Who Shaped a Nation

by James E. Clyburn

Clyburn has crafted a timely and fascinating account of Reconstruction that skillfully weaves his political career into the successes and struggles of the often overlooked eight Black congressmen who preceded him by more than a century.

Book cover illustration for "For the Sun After Long Nights," depicting themes of women's empowerment in Iran's uprising.

For the Sun After Long Nights: The Story of Iran's Women-Led Uprising

by Fatemeh Jamalpour and Nilo Tabrizy

A powerful, beautifully written account of the "Women, Life, Freedom" movement and the brave women—including the authors—who risk exile to expose Iran’s oppression and abuses.

Illustration for the book "Flying Free," featuring Bessie Coleman, a biplane, and a bird, highlighting her aspirations for flight.

Flying Free: How Bessie Coleman's Dreams Took Flight

by Karyn Parsons
illustrated by R. Gregory Christie

A succinct biography of Native and African American Bessie Coleman, who overcame the obstacles faced by women of color in aviation. Featuring stylized illustrations that bring life to her trailblazing achievements.

Book cover for "Black Capitalists: A Blueprint for What Is Possible" by Rachel Laryea, PhD. The design features bold typography with a striking contrast.

Black Capitalists: A Blueprint for What Is Possible

by Rachel Laryea

This study critically examines capitalism and race, advancing Black entrepreneurship as a framework for shared prosperity, sustainability, and collective Black advancement.