February is Black History Month :
Read all about it
By Christopher Harris
Black History Month is for everyone — even for kids .
Perhaps , as those most actively learning about the world that came before them , especially kids .
The Children ’ s Department of the Pulaski County Public Library has a wealth of offerings appropriate for Black History Month in February , and learning more about parts of the past that may not always be as widely told as others .
“ Our child patrons seek books related to Black History Month and famous Black people in American history ,” said Tyler Sanchez , assistant children ’ s librarian . “ We get new books each month , and there ’ s always diverse books on historical figures within the new arrivals . I believe having these books year round help introduce children to the material — even if they aren ’ t specifically looking for books on Black history .”
Black History Month isn ’ t just a concept for Sanchez — it relates to her own ethnic identity and cultural tradition , which is richer than its often given credit for by those who focus only on certain parts .
“ It is important to showcase Black figures and topics that go beyond the struggle and strife that Black Americans faced in the past ,” she said . “ Having books that educate children on the many talented , intelligent , and brave Black Americans in history helps children learn there ’ s more to Black history than slavery .”
The Children ’ s Department typically displays books for different seasons , holidays , and special months like Black History Month . All members of the Children ’ s Department work together to display materials that will educate and inform patrons and show that they care , noted Sanchez .
“ The displays don ’ t have a set amount of books , but we try to keep it full and tidy ,” she said . “ The books on display usually circulate quickly , so we try our best to fill in empty spots !”
The Children ’ s Department usually features Black History Month by reading an age-appropriate book during Storytime , something they also do for Martin Luther King Jr . Day in January . Along with the book displays , they also offer coloring pages and activity sheets with Black History themes .
As one example of a book available on topic , Sanchez is particularly fond of “ Goin ’ Someplace Special ” by Patricia McKissack .
“ It is about a little girl who visits the only place that isn ’ t segregated in the 1950s Jim Crow-era south — the public library ,” she said . “ I owned ( and still do ) this book as a child , and I remember my mother reading it to me often .
“ It caused me to have a conversation on segregation with my Nana , who was born in the early 1930s ,” she continued . “ That was the first time I learned about the segregated history of local places like the Virgina Cinema , Dunbar school , and other unfortunate stories of the past . Books spark conversation , even if they are hard topics .”
Learn more by visiting the Pulaski County Public Library at 304 South Main Street in Somerset , or by calling there at 606-679-8401 . You can also visit them online at pulaskipubliclibrary . org , and there is also a Facebook page , “ Children ’ s Library at the Pulaski County Public Library ” full of updates and valuable information about things to do there with your own children .
40 • SEKY - Life in Southeast Kentucky february 2023