Off the Shelf is your destination for all things BOOKS. If you’re interested in reading recommendations, author interviews or the literary world's secrets, Brooklyn Public Library's bibliophile staff is at your service.
Department Spotlight: Info Commons
Melissa; KarenDo you miss having access to amazing software resources here at the library? We’ve got you covered! Prior to the pandemic, software at BPL branches helped Brooklynites be productive and supported their creativity. At the Central Library’s Info Commons, additional software was available, including Adobe Creative Cloud design applications, as well as other audio and video production software–not to mention a recording studio. Since the start of the pandemic, how the Info Commons provides service has been altered dramatically. Reference services and programs have moved entirely online. These…
Interview with Author Silvia Moreno-Garcia
LizaI think most people imagine a writer’s trajectory is a straight line but I’ve gone up and down...writing is a game of endurance. Like many of you this past summer, I read Mexican Gothic by the award-winning Silvia Moreno-Garcia and absolutely loved it. You clearly agree. At the time of this interview, 929 Brooklynites await their turn to read Mexican Gothic. It has all the bells and whistles of a classic gothic thriller: a once-grand estate, a misty cemetery, ghostly occurrences, a wealthy and peculiar family (complete with eligible bachelors), a beautiful young woman in…
Cold Enough For Ya? Reads from the Frozen Continent
MarkWhen a healthy winter snowfall blankets our city with its chill, some of us long for warmer landscapes: sunny beaches, tropical islands. Some of us, however, loop on another of Granny's knitted mufflers and say to winter: Bring it on! This post is for those readers who still love to tromp around in snowdrifts (at least for an hour or two) and who can't help but think: what if it were really cold? Antarctica, aka The Frozen Continent, where temperatures this time of year average 36 below, is a fine setting for books meant to inspire a pleasant chill in your bones. So if your vision of a…
You, Too, Can Be a Revolutionary: A Black Panther Party Booklist
Off the Shelf Editorial StaffWe’re coming up on the end of Black History Month, and this is usually the time when all the performative allyship starts to wane: people post one last Martin Luther King, Jr. quote or recycle a few facts about Harriet Tubman or Frederick Douglas. It’s the perfect time to remind our audience that Black history is American History, and as such, something that should be studied/brought up/shared throughout the year, not just in the shortest month. So, as we tiptoe into March, let’s keep our momentum going and read up on a prominent revolutionary organization (and one of its more known leaders…
Romance Novels to Read If You Love Bridgerton
While February is the month of love, it was the love we were feeling in December that was keeping us warm when we watched Netflix’s wildly popular, Bridgerton. The TV show is based on Julia Quinn’s series of the same name and while it was published 20 years ago, it’s getting some new love with the popularity of the show. If you’re looking to continue the fun you’ll find something to love on this list if you loved Bridgerton. Plus, the warm fuzzy feelings you get from reading a romance novel are just the thing to get you through the rest of winter. The Duke Who Didn’t by Courtney…
That Guy Was President? Five Books on Forgotten Commanders-in-Chief
Off the Shelf Editorial StaffThere are some presidents that—for better or worse—dominate the headlines decades after they’ve been in office, and others that fall into obscurity with every generation that passes. And it’s hard to pinpoint who our descendants will choose to still talk about (although I have a pretty good idea on a couple). But whatever the outcome, it’s good to know that for every random, “oh yeah, that guy was a president,” we encounter, there’s a historian willing to write about him. Here are five books about the men history likes to forget. Happy President’s Day! The Forgotten Presidents: Their Untold…
Cozy Up with These Wintry Tales
JessiIt's early February and we finally got hit with our first snowstorm. It's the perfect time to wrap yourself up in a cozy blanket, sip a hot drink and crack open a book that will transport you to magical land, or scenic wintry destinations. Here are five picks to get you started! Beartown: A Novel by Fredrik Backman A tiny community nestled deep in the forest, the junior ice hockey team of Beartown is about to compete in the national semi-finals, and they actually have a shot at winning. All the hopes and dreams of this place now rest on the shoulders of a handful of teenage boys, and…
Interview with Author Micah Nemerever
LizaWhen I was a lonely teenager the local library was a sanctuary for me—there was one librarian in particular who linked me with public creative writing programs and offered to read stories I’d written...now that I’ve worked in libraries and know how busy librarians are, I’m especially grateful that she took the time to read my writing—it was above and beyond. I was thrilled by Micah Nemerever’s debut novel These Violent Delights and am so pleased to introduce him to Off the Shelf readers! This fresh thriller is hailed as The Secret History (Donna Tartt) meets Call Me by Your Name (Andre…
What You Read in 2020
LizaThis tumultuous start to 2021 notwithstanding, we can all agree that 2020 was a year unlike any other. Brooklynites masked up and quarantined for months on end; we showed our support for frontline workers at 7pm; we took to the streets in support of Black Lives Matter; we voted in a controversial presidential election. We also read—even when the libraries and bookstores were closed. With our doors mostly shut, it’s no surprise you started checking out eBooks and eAudiobooks more than ever before—forty-nine percent up from 2019 and still climbing! But to what books does the County of Kings…
5 Winter Holiday Books to Cozy Up with this Season
DjazRomance, Cookbooks, and More! December is chock full of holidays like Hanukkah, Christmas, Solstice, and Kwanzaa. Although 2020 has been A LOT and the holidays are looking a lot different than we’re used to, these cozy romances and fun nonfiction titles are ideal for making you smile as you sip a nice nog or chocolatey cocoa. Dolly Dingle, Lesbian Landlady by Monica Nolan is a light and saucy homage to classic mid-century pulp novels. Dorian (aka Dolly) lives at the Magdalena Arms, a building full of swell Sapphic gals of all ages. When her landlady’s hip hits the floor with a bang, it…
Understanding Our Divided American House
MarkTo many, the patchwork of red and blue states building up on the electoral map in early November—and especially the televised rancor that followed, revealed afresh the badly frayed state of our politics and led to worry what it might spell for our country. With each party facing existential choices over what they will stand for going forward, the mixed election results have prompted soul-searching among Republicans and Democrats alike. Yet, according to a slate of recently published books, our political divisions are deep and have been widening for some time. And while it'…
Interview with Farzana Doctor
Off the Shelf Editorial Staff; LizaGrowing up, my favourite places were my town’s public library and my school libraries. I still love these spaces for the sense of possibility they offer.... Brooklyn Public Library is delighted to welcome award-winning author Farzana Doctor to Off the Shelf as our latest guest. A true Candian triple threat, she’s a psychotherapist and activist as well as the author of a new book Seven hailed by Ms. Magazine as “fully feminist and ambitiously bold.” I couldn’t agree more. Seven follows Sharifa, a middle-aged wife and mother, on her trip to India where she begins an ancestral research…
#TDOR: Transgender Day of Remembrance & Why Trans Lives Matter
DjazTransgender Day of Remembrance was set aside to memorialize those who were killed due to anti-transgender hatred or prejudice. The event is held in November to honor Rita Hester, whose murder in 1998 kicked off the “Remembering Our Dead” web project and a candlelight vigil in 1999. Rita Hester’s murder—like most anti-transgender murder cases—has yet to be solved. (TDOR.info) These deaths are the ones that have been reported and recorded. Due to data not being systematically collected in most countries, added to the constant misgendering by families, authorities and media, it is not…
Overheard: Deliberations of the 2020 BPL Literary Prize Committee
Off the Shelf Editorial StaffEach fall, the Brooklyn Public Library Literary Prize recognizes an outstanding work of both nonfiction and fiction with an award and a $5,000 prize. The 2020 awardees will finally be announced on Friday, November 20th at the Brooklyn Classic–the signature fundraising event of the Brooklyn Eagles. To pick the winners, a volunteer team of two dozen librarians spend the better part of a year evaluating titles submitted by staff from across the borough. The committee looks for books published after June 1, 2019 that push boundaries, bring light to unheralded stories, or give voice to…
Celebrate Indigenous Peoples Day
ElizabethBy Leah Golubchick, Hasina Islam, and Elizabeth Willse Indigenous Peoples Day is a celebration of the original inhabitants of America, and of New York. It is a day to acknowledge their history, to celebrate their customs and contributions to culture. And it is a day to learn more about indigenous people, and to carry that process of learning forward into a more ongoing project of discovering and honoring their contributions. Indigenous People in New York The original inhabitants of New York and its surrounding areas were the Lenape. Lenape territory extended from what is now…
You've Been Accepted: Queer and Trans-Inclusive Magic Schools
JessicaI have a complicated relationship with Harry Potter. I read the first three books back-to-back-to-back at the very beginning of the Harry Potter craze, then proceeded to fall in love with Harry, Hermione, and Ron over the next decade. As I was about to enter my senior year of high school, Harry was battling Voldemort for the last time. I quite literally grew up with Harry. Harry Potter taught me that girls could be smart and capable (even more so than the boys), that friendship and love and determination can defeat evil, and that evil isn’t always obvious (remember Dolores Umbridge?) and to…
Women’s Equality, Today
Powe-Maynard, ImanWomen’s Equality Day deserves your attention, especially now. In the midst of a major social awakening in America, it’s become clear that so much more can be done in our nation’s fight for true equality. The Women’s Suffrage Movement began in the 1800s, as women organized and rallied for civil rights. In the face of well-financed political opposition, women began to push back, state by state, for what they deserved. In August of 1920, the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution was signed, 42 years after it was introduced to Congress, granting American women the right to vote and hold…
When Did You Fall in Love with Reading?
Off the Shelf Editorial StaffA little birdie told us that, when our collective quarantine happened, many avid readers just couldn't focus on books anymore. We're sure it's quite scary to suddenly find the thing that felt like home, now feels as if it's 'too much'. If this sounds like you, fear no more! In an effort to help you jumpstart a new love affair with the written word, Off the Shelf editors asked our book-obsessed colleagues: What books made you fall in love with reading? Below are some selections for anyone looking to revisit some childhood classics, or if you're in need, possible inspiration. Happy…
We Are Not OK: Mental Health Resources for BIPOC Communities
Among the myriad of issues and system breakdowns exposed by our national COVID-19 problem, the mental health of our citizens hovers near the top of the list. Add in the current social and political unrest and a daily struggle with generational trauma, and you’ll uncover that our Black, Indigenous, and PoC communities have had an extra helping of stress and strife on their collective plates. Before the pandemic, I often struggled with leaving the house. Now? Fuggedabouit. I have to literally only have crumbs and memories in the fridge before I step out to buy groceries, and I know I'm not…
A Mood Ring for Beach Reads
LaurenFor book lovers in search of a silver lining, here’s one: even in these unprecedented times, it’s still safe to read on the beach! Find your outdoor oasis, practice social distancing and take a dip into these recently published books. The offerings below, handpicked to provide a much-needed escape, range from steamy rom-coms and domestic dramas to literary thrillers and personal histories. And always remember: if it's a book and you’re reading it on a beach, it’s a beach read. And they lived happily ever after… Beach Read written by Emily Henry The title says it all,…
Climate Wednesdays Are Back!
Shea BettsWe are pleased to announcethe return of Climate Wednesdays at Brooklyn Public Library! This series, presented by 350 Brooklyn, examines how Brooklynites can face the climate crisis and features experts and activists sharing their ideas and practical solutions to combat climate change. Launched in the fall of 2019, past events have explored how energy use, parenting, food, and our health are impacted by rising temperatures, pollution and natural disasters. The next event on fossil fuel-free transportation (Wednesday, July 22, 7 pm) looks at sustainable transportation…
Department Spotlight: Justice Initiatives
Michael
Quarantine with the DeKalb Library Staff
ElizabethThese past few months have been very strange, indeed, as we’ve adapted to staying apart but working together on library projects virtually. One of the ways the staff of DeKalb Library has been able to feel connected is through having virtual meetings with our colleagues on Zoom and nurturing the friendships that are very strong in the branch. In between talking about important library matters, we’ve found ways to talk about what we’re reading, watching and listening to, and the other ways we’ve been trying to take care of ourselves and feel "normal". Some of us find that we’re reading…
Author Spotlight: June Jordan, Poet of the People
Rachel McGuire
Will Black Lives Matter on the Fourth of July? (The COVID-19 Remix)
DonaldIndependence Day is approaching quickly in the US on Saturday, and it will be an interesting one in the Age of Donald Trump, COVID-19, Social Distancing, Asian American discrimination and harassment and a resurgence of protests demanding that Black Lives Matter. But many of us don’t think about the Fourth of July’s legacy and how freedom did not come to everyone in 1776, the repercussions of which are still being felt today. My vision for 2020 was to have it be the year of my holistic healing, until the pandemic interrupted me. And then the social and racial unrests began. The police…
Don't Stop Celebrating Black Music Month
MatthewThe history of Black music in America is essentially the history of American music. From blues, ragtime and gospel, through jazz, soul, rock and roll, funk and reggae, to hip hop, house, techno—not to mention the significant contributions of African-Americans to traditional genres such as musical theater, opera, classical symphony, and choral music—the African diaspora originated and shaped the development of all of the wonderful and diverse music enjoyed here and across the world today. This incredible heritage developed, moreover, despite facing legal and societal injustice and a scandalous…
Must Reads on the Black Experience: A Juneteenth Booklist
From General Order Number 3: "The people of Texas are informed that in accordance with a Proclamation from the Executive of the United States, all slaves are free. This involves an absolute equality of rights and rights of property between former masters and slaves, and the connection heretofore existing between them becomes that between employer and hired laborer." And thus Juneteenth was born (in 1865) when Union soldiers, led by Major General Gordon Granger, arrived in Galveston, Texas with news that the war had ended and that the enslaved Africans were now free. Yes,…
Celebrate Pride with These Poetry Collections!
Leigh, Collections ManagerHere is a brief list of books from the last year-ish that transcend Pride Month, and presents a more nuanced, representative and resonant experience of queerness than what is often front and center this time of year. Homie by Danez Smith (Graywolf) These are poems for and about queer black community, friendship, and queer black poet elders. Crossfire: A Litany for Survival by Staceyann Chin (Haymarket) The first full-length collection of Chin’s poems spanning 21 years of work, with a subtitle that references Audre Lorde. NDN Coping Mechanisms: Notes From the Field by Billy-Ray…
A Quick World Goth Day Tutorial
LeilaI discovered goth music about the same time I discovered Anne Rice. I was in the sixth grade and spent much of my time listening to Siouxsie & the Banshees on my portable record player and summoning ghosts with my Ouija board, then I found the paperback of Interview with the Vampire on my parents bookshelf and never gave it back. I still have it. I still have the Ouija board too but now it’s mostly for decorative purposes. Mostly. That’s the interesting thing about goth. For a music-based subculture it has a remarkable longevity that spans generations from Elder Goths to Baby Bats…
Enemies-to-Lovers: Swoon Over these Romance Novels
JessiReading romance novels has helped bring me joy during this pandemic. I especially seek out those that fall under the popular trope, enemies-to-lovers. The six titles listed below are witty, fun, and sexy—and will hopefully give you a good laugh, too! Enjoy and stay safe! The Right Swipe: A Novel by Alisha Rai Rhiannon Hunter was ghosted by Samson Lima after letting herself fall for his charms after one amazing date. When he resurfaces, aligned with her biggest business rival and asking for a secomd chance, Rhiannon has to decide if her walls stay up, or if she should risk merging hearts!…
What We're Reading: BPL Staff Edition
JessicaAs librarians, we’re used to turning to books for comfort and escape. One of the topics of discussion that has come up for us has been how our reading habits have changed as our world has changed. Many of us are turning to new genres (hello fantasy and romance!). Some of us are finding that it’s harder to focus and we’re reading less, while some of us are finding that we’re reading a lot more as we just want a way to escape 2020. Either way, here’s a roundup of some of the books that BPL librarians and staff have been reading recently. Imaginary Friend by Stephen Chbosky The story got a…
Websites to Lose Yourself In
MatthewEveryone who uses the Internet knows that one of its perils is the website that can suck you in for hours, or even days at a time. In normal times, such sites can often be a problem. Now, though, with everyone sheltering in place in their homes, these sorts of websites may in fact be the ideal distraction. Presented here are some excellent websites to get lost in, along with a book pairing to complement the sites. TV Tropes This “all devouring pop-culture wiki” is a compendium of “tropes [storytelling device or convention] used to tell stories.” This is like calling the…
How to Grow Lemons at Home
CarrieThis post is part of our Inclusive Gardening series. Spring is here! But we all need to stay inside. I miss being outside this time of year and seeing things grow. So, to cheer myself up, I decided to grow some things in my kitchen. I remembered that early spring is a good time to get seeds ready to plant. I had some lemon seeds left over when I after I made lemonade. I saved them so I could grow a lemon tree. Harvesting Lemon Seeds You will need: Lemon, medium sized Knife Cutting board Juice strainer Spoon or lemon…
Interview with Author Bonnie Tsui
Off the Shelf Editorial Staff; Erik Bobilin"Water is the great equalizer—no matter your age or size or color or physical ability, it buoys us all. Libraries are the same. They are portals to magical worlds beyond the ones we currently inhabit. And we all could use that right about now." For an unexpectedly rewarding thought experiment, ask yourself: why do we swim? If a flood of fond memories of water and sun return for you, it probably makes little sense at first to ask why we, humans, swim, but as author Bonnie Tsui reminds us, primates are among the only mammals not innately possessed of swimming instincts. “Elephants, dogs,…
More Poems for the Quarantined Soul
In NYC, we’re going on two months of social distancing, quarantining, and existing on the fumes of what our hometown used to be. During this time, cultural organizations like BPL (and others) across the world have provided digital content to keep some semblance of normalcy in our lives: classes, readings, performances—heck, even Saturday Night Live is cobbling together fresh episodes ‘from home.' But sometimes, it can help to lean in and embrace the deeper, harsher, raw emotions bubbling up with each day we remain at home. To close out National Poetry month, here are a handful of poetry…
Earth Day Poetry Recommendations from a Former Hater
My reading appetite is insatiable, an annual sixty-course feast of literary fiction, mysteries and romantic comedies, the occasional nonfiction book tacked on like the green juice you choke down after a gluttonous vacation. I am willing to read anything, but until two years ago, I would have described myself as poetry averse. Why look to corny, rhyming couplets for the meaning of life when I could instead reflect on the emo lyrics of my teen angst? But then something happened: I got hooked on a weekly column about poetry and lipstick and caregiving written by a British cookbook author named…
Celebrate Immigrant Heritage Week!
Brian; RobertIn partnership with the Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs, Brooklyn Public Library is celebrating Immigrant Heritage Week from April 13 to 19. The week pays homage to the legacy of April 17, 1907, the day in New York City history the largest number of immigrants (11,000!) entered the U.S. through Ellis Island. To celebrate, we’ve gathered a list of e-books centered around the immigrant experience in New York, with a special focus on Brooklyn. Panic in a Suitcase by Yelena Akhtiorskaya A dazzling novel about a Russian immigrant family living in the Brighton Beach neighborhood…
So, We're All Bakers Now...
...and professional chefs, organizers, carpenters, make-up artists and even teachers. If you go by what the empty supermarket shelves or curated Instagram posts are telling us, our collective #QuarantineLife has turned us into Ma & Pa Ingalls, doing things for ourselves that many of us have been outsourcing for years. But if you’re struggling a little bit with getting your skills up, we’ve got a (digital) book for that! B A K I N G Happiness Is Baking by Maida Heatter We could all use some cheering up, and some folks believe that baking can (and probably eating all the products of…
Leafing Through History: Another Booklist About Tasty Teas
CarlEarlier this year, I shared a booklist focused on tea and sympathies in the world of cozy tea shops and murder most foul. But if your interests in the steaming brews have a historical bent, or you're curious about tea and the makings of a good cuppa, try this blend of tantalizing tea titles: Infused: Adventures in Tea by Henrietta Lovell Lovell, an evangelist for and an owner of an artisanal loose tea shop, leads readers on a journey across the globe searching for the world’s best and most extraordinary teas. Traveling to such places as Sri Lanka, Scotland, Norway, Italy, Mexico and…
[Virtual] Opening Day
Robert; ElizabethTrudging through the chilly breeze and long, dark evenings of winter, we looked forward to spring: budding of new leaves, sunnier days, and those two magic words: Play Ball! Spring training would have been the first sign of hope for warmer days, evenings spent watching a favorite team on TV, or listening on the radio. Whether you’re a die-hard baseball fan who grew up loving a favorite team, or a more recent fan, it’s clear that this season isn’t going to be what you remembered, and may not be what you hoped to find. Brooklyn has its own deep roots and history with baseball, from the…
Feel-Good Nonfiction, Anyone?
MarkEveryone has their own taste in books, and for me it's often nonfiction. In uncertain moments, it can be soothing to escape into a world of verifiable facts. My all-time favorite reads are in the motley genres of literary journalism and narrative nonfiction. I like real-life stories with a subtle tension to keep me reading, while still offering passages of quiet reflection. Such works pair well with a related genre, a book of essays. These days I'm especially seeking essayists that promise irreverence and honesty, maybe even a rueful chuckle as I read. The list below highlights authors who'…
Need a Break from Working at Home?
ElizabethYou’ve got the hang of working from home: you’re connected, your desk setup is pretty sweet and your projects are chugging along. You’re remembering to eat regularly, stay hydrated and maybe even change out of your pajamas occasionally. You got this. It’s day-number-who-knows-what of working remotely...and you’re starting to really need a break from your own company. Here are some ways to stay connected with friends and family from far away, or get a welcome distraction. Explore some of Brooklyn Public Library’s archives and databases Visit the Digital Collection of…
Celebrating the Irish-American Experience
MargaretThe literary canon does not want for Irish and Irish-American authors—James Joyce, William Faulkner, F. Scott Fitzgerald, Flannery O’Connor, Mary McCarthy, Thomas Flanagan, Brooklyn’s own Frank McCourt, Pete Hamill, and so many more! Considering we must celebrate this St. Patrick’s Day without the rowdy crowds or green beer, there’s never been a better time to check out one of these fabulous titles about the Irish-American experience. This list includes new releases from award-winning authors as well as titles from young writers who may not yet be household names. My Father Left Me Ireland…
Going Viral with Epidemiologists
MarkWhen a new and alarming disease spreads rapidly through a population, who do you call? Epidemiologists! Joined by their colleagues in virology and immunology, epidemiologists plan ahead to respond to epidemics. They attempt to forecast the growth and spread of infectious disease, study outbreaks as they happen, and work alongside local and national governments to craft solutions. With the COVID-19 coronavirus outbreak dominating the news, it may be helpful to be reminded of the successes of epidemiologists during prior crises. Epidemiologists are among the heroes of medical science,…
Stressed? We Swear These Books Will Help!
DjazEver feel like you just want to say fork it all, flip a table, and walk into the sea? Yeah, me either, but in case you have a “friend” who feels that way, here are some books to help them cope with all the bullshirt life has to offer. On Bullsh*t is the quintessential philosophy texts that proves itself by writing bullshirt about bullshirt. It’s fast, fun, and firmly tongue-in-cheek, using the precepts of philosophical discourse to live up to its title. In The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck: A Counterintuitive Approach to Living a Good Life, Mark Mason gives a fork you to blind…
More Billions, No Problems?
MarkBillionaires are always in the news. Whether they are launching spacecraft or running for president, they draw our attention and curiosity. They also prompt questions: Who are these billionaires anyway? How did they accumulate their beaucoup bucks? What could a person possibly do with all that wealth? Who's a billionaire? Forbes Magazine follows the ins and outs of the billionaire's club, and publishes an update each spring. As of March 2019, there were over 2,000 billionaires worldwide. Over 600 were in the United States, 244 were women, and just 13 were black. How much is a billion? Just…
Meet Pluto and Our Other (Celestial) Neighbors
MarkLet's all raise a glass to celebrate a milestone in our relations with Pluto, our cosmic neighbor. Ninety years ago this month, on February 18, 1930, an aspiring astronomer named Clyde Tombaugh examined a pair of night sky photographs taken weeks earlier and noticed a faint light had changed position. For us, it was Pluto's welcoming wave. Located in the vast Kuiper Belt far beyond Neptune, and traveling in an off-kilter, ellipse-shaped orbit that sends it up to 4.5 billion miles from the sun, it's fair to say Pluto and Earth have never been particularly close. Many still feel we committed a…
What the Heart Wants: Valentine's Day from Two Perspectives
Much of the beginning of February is the leadup to Valentine's Day—if you don't have your plans ironed out much further in advance. For many the holiday is a divisive one. Today, we're joined on the blog by two Brooklyn Public Library staff members who will be making their case for and against the day—supported, of course, by some exemplary examples in literature. Please note: Spoilers may be ahead for anyone who hasn't read some of the books mentioned. I was recently reading Fleabag: The Scriptures when I came across a gem of a speech given by a character named Priest. (or, as he's become…
Graphic Novels to Read During Black History Month
JessiAs you all know, February is Black History Month. Black History Month was proposed by Black professors and the Black United Students group at Kent State University in 1969, and was first celebrated a year later from January 2nd to February 28th. Not until 1976, was it finally celebrated nationwide. One way to celebrate and honor Black history is by reading graphic novels. As many of us librarians and library workers know, graphic novels are becoming increasingly popular. Graphic novels can also be a helpful tool for struggling readers of all ages, and can improve one’s visual literacy…