African American Read-In Begins Feb. 1 with Reception and Traveling Exhibit
December 21, 2018 — The National African American Read-In is the nation’s first and oldest event dedicated to diversity in literature. It was established in 1990 by the Black Caucus of the National Council of Teachers of English to make literacy a significant part of Black History Month.
Learn about the rich diversity of authors and illustrators at these programs during Springfield’s African American Read-In.
Traveling Exhibit
Telling a People’s Story: African American Children’s Illustrated Literature
This is the first major museum exhibition devoted to the art found within the pages of African-American children’s picture books. While it covers aspects of social justice, it also celebrates the complex and diverse African-American experience through a lens intended for children and young readers.
• Library Center, February 1 – March 31. Opening reception February 1, 7-8:30 p.m. in the Library Center auditorium.
• The Duane G. Meyer Library, Missouri State University, April 3 – May 22
The exhibit Telling A People's Story: African-American Children's Illustrated Literature is organized by the Miami University Art Museum through a grant from the Martha Holden Jennings Foundation.
Meet New York Times Best-selling Illustrator AG Ford
This illustrator of best-selling children’s literature will discuss his work, the process of making picture book art, and becoming an illustrator. The art of AG Ford has appeared in over 30 books published for children, including “My Daddy, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.” and “Malcolm Little: The Boy Who Would Grow Up To Become Malcolm X,” both featured titles in the traveling exhibit Telling A People's Story: African-American Children's Illustrated Literature.
Thursday March 28:
• 2-3 p.m. in the Missouri State University Meyer Library auditorium 101. Books will be available for purchase and signing from 3-4 p.m. in Meyer Library Room 107. For information call 836-4547.
• 7 p.m. in the Library Center auditorium. Books will be available for purchase and signing after the event. For information call 882-0714.
Mock Coretta Scott King Award Book Discussion
Saturday, March 23, 2 p.m. for grade 2-adult in the Library Center meeting room B. The year 2019 celebrates the 50th anniversary of the Coretta Scott King Book Awards. The American Library Association annual recognizes outstanding books for young adults and children by African-American authors and illustrators that reflect the African-American experience. Join former committee members April Roy and Kim Patton in a discussion about eligible titles and what makes each book and their illustrations unique. Ask a librarian for the picture book reading list so you can come prepared to discuss your favorites. Books will also be available at the event. Call 882-0714.
Panel and Public Discussion
“Mirrors, Windows, and Sliding Glass Doors” – African-American Children’s Literature Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow
Thursday, April 25, 7:30-9 p.m. in the Missouri State University Meyer Library Auditorium 101.
Panelists include community activist/author/university professor Sabrina Brinson; minister/community organizer Christine Peoples; and Library Station youth services manager Phyllis Davis. The panelists will discuss their experiences sharing African-American literature with children and youth. They will reflect on African-American children’s book publishing from the past, in the present and into the future. Time will be reserved for an audience Q&A.
The exhibit and programs are sponsored by the Springfield African American Read-In, a collaborative partnership of Missouri State University Libraries, Drury University, Springfield-Greene County Library District, Springfield Public Schools and the Springfield NAACP Chapter; with additional support from Community Partnership of the Ozarks, the Springfield Regional Arts Council, and Friends of the Library.