Author emilyhcls

The DVD cover depicts the two main characters from the television series Gilmore Girls, teenage daughter Rory and her mother Lorelai.

The Autumnal Magic of Gilmore Girls at our 25th Anniversary Celebration

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The DVD cover depicts the two main characters from the television series Gilmore Girls, teenage daughter Rory and her mother Lorelai.

By Emily B.

Ah, the season of autumn. Leaves change color as the days grow shorter and cooler weather offers respite from a humid summer. For some, these occurrences indicate something more than just the simple change of the season… for some, that first chill in the air is the sign to start another Gilmore Girls rewatch.   The beloved show premiered on The WB on October 5, 2000 and was a staple of the lineup until 2007. Sadly, the show couldn’t withstand the ousting of creator and writer Amy Sherman-Palladino and the merger of The WB and UPN into The CW. Despite the uneven final season and divisive miniseries, the show has maintained a devoted following in the nearly 25 years since its premiere.  

There’s something so comforting about the show – whether it be the small town filled with quirky townsfolk, the complex multi-generational mother-daughter relationships, the fast talking, or the pop culture references. Gilmore Girls manages to evoke such coziness and warmth no matter when you watch it, but there is something so quintessentially autumnal about this show – which is why so many decide to start their annual rewatch at the first sign of the leaves changing. If you’d like to kick off your annual rewatch in the company of other fans, we have just the event for you!  

On Saturday October 4, HCLS Central Branch is hosting a Gilmore Girls 25th Anniversary Celebration.  

In addition to screening the pilot episode with fellow fans, you can: 

  • Play a round of Gilmore Girls-themed Guess Who? on our custom-made edition of the game 
  • Compete in Gilmore Girls trivia (Did you know Kirk was called ‘Mick’ in the pilot episode? That Alexis Bledel drank Coca Cola rather than coffee while filming scenes?) 
  • Take selfies with photobooth props 
  • Snack on coffee and treats generously donated by Qaffee House! 

And maybe together we can settle the age-old debate of Team Dean vs. Team Jess vs. Team Logan. We hope to see you there! 

Emily is an Instructor & Research Specialist at HCLS Central Branch. When she’s not reading, she enjoys puzzling, listening to music, and re-watching old seasons of Survivor.

The photograph depicts an open book with a heart in pink and white made of stiffened string, spread across the open pages.

Celebrating Book Clubs

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A group of folks from the Noontime Book Club stand on the steps at Central holding books in front of their faces, with one person holding a clock set to twelve o'clock.

by Emily B.

One of the best parts of working at the library is getting to talk about books. So, naturally, I was excited to be asked to co-facilitate the virtual book club Eclectic Evenings a few years ago. I quickly discovered how much we learn, not only from the books, but from each other. Piyali, facilitator of the Global Reads and Light but Not Fluffy book groups at our Miller Branch, sums up the magic of book clubs well: “It always amazes me to see how book clubs become a safe space for sharing life’s experiences… Although we meet once a month, it always seems like a reunion of friends. It is a beautiful feeling.”
In our modern world where thousands of books are immediately available (thanks to apps like Libby), perhaps it feels a little radical to join a book club. Sure, it can seem like a time commitment — but think of it more as a commitment to lifelong learning, broadening literary horizons, and connecting with fellow readers. One book club member comments, “books are great learning opportunities for me. They open up my world.”

The opportunity to read outside your comfort zone is often fruitful. Shana says, “One of my favorite things about this book club [Books on Tap] is that it has introduced me to books and authors I probably would not have found on my own.” Even if every book isn’t your cup of tea, it can lead to compelling discussions or a new perspective. Sahana, who facilitates Between the Lines: An Intersectional Book Club, comments that one of their favorite aspects of book groups is hearing the refrain “I wouldn’t have read this if not for book club, and I really liked it!”

At HCLS, book clubs come in all shapes and sizes. Some meet in-person at the library or in the community, others virtually. Many feature a wide array of genres and topics while others carve out their own niche, focusing on graphic novels, music, or sci-fi and fantasy. There’s something for every reader.
For those who want to connect with other readers without the worry of assigned reading, consider Miller’s What’s on your Shelf?. Julie, one of the facilitators, says, “even though we’re not all reading the same book each month, we always learn so much and have a fabulous time.”

In our busy, stressful lives a book club can be a respite from the chaos, and a chance to reflect and grow in a supportive environment. A member of a handful of HCLS book discussion groups, Ellen remarks, “It’s amazing how deep a conversation you can have with people you only see once a month and with whom your primary shared interest is reading.”

The book cover photo shows a rural two-lane road extending past corn fields and a fence, with blue mountains in the distance.

Members of HCLS staff-led book clubs recommend some of their favorite reads:

American Ramble: A Walk of Memory and Renewal by Neil King: Because it made me look at trees differently. It brought me peace and joy in the ordinary.

A Long Way to a Small Angry Planet by Becky Chambers: For a book mostly about aliens, it had such introspective tidbits about humanity.

Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel: The book club opened my eyes to the fun of reading dystopian novels, fantasy, and other genres that I would never have selected myself.

This Tender Land by William Kent Krueger: It’s a heartbreaking yet heartwarming story of four runaway orphans.

The Mountains Sing by Nguyen Phan Que Mai: This is an historical fiction set in Vietnam. I learned about the history and culture of Vietnam as it follows the Tran family.

Trust by Hernan Diaz: I’ve never read a book like it before. It features four distinct books within a book, lots of twists and reveals that build on each other.

The Wager: A Tale of Shipwreck, Mutiny and Murder by David Grann: It was well researched and well written. Everyone in our group loved it.

Visit the HCLS classes and events calendar to learn more about book club discussion opportunities at any branch and out in the community!

Emily is an Instructor & Research Specialist at HCLS Central Branch. When she’s not reading, she enjoys puzzling, listening to music, and re-watching old seasons of Survivor.

How the Word is Passed book cover is strictly typography of the cover and the author's name. The subtitle reads "A reckoning with the history of slavery across America."

How the Word is Passed by Clint Smith

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How the Word is Passed book cover is strictly typography of the cover and the author's name. The subtitle reads "A reckoning with the history of slavery across America."

by Emily B.

Two years, five months, and seventeen days. That’s how long it took for President Lincoln’s Executive Order 95 to reach the last group of enslaved people in Galveston, Texas. Lincoln’s executive order, better known as the Emancipation Proclamation, declared freedom for all enslaved people in confederate states. Most slave owners chose not to inform their slaves of their freedom. But on June 19, 1865, Major General Gordon Granger finally brought the message of freedom to Galveston. Juneteenth celebrations spread quickly throughout the South and persisted through hardships like the Great Depression and Jim Crow laws, finally being recognized as federal holiday in 2021.

Clint Smith visited Galveston to examine the history and celebration of Juneteenth in his book How the Word is Passed. Each chapter sees Smith explore different historic sites with significant slavery ties like Angola Prison, Whitney Plantation, and Gorée Island in Senegal. Do these sites distort the past in an effort to diminish the pain of enslaved people? Or do they educate and atone?

Throughout his journey, Smith ponders how differently the US might look if all Americans could reckon with the atrocities of slavery and the legacy left in its wake. It might be difficult and uncomfortable for some to read about the violence and suffering that enslaved people were forced to endure, but it’s a component of American history that cannot be ignored.

Part of what makes How the Word is Passed so wonderful is Smith’s approach to the project. During his travels, he interacts with tour guides, locals, and tourists to learn their perspectives and reflections. During his Monticello visit he meets two older women who were shocked to learn that Thomas Jefferson was a slaveowner. “It just took his shine off,” one woman remarked. “He might’ve done great things, but boy did he have a big flaw.”

Smith, a poet and a former high school English teacher in Prince George’s County, wrote this book with his students in mind and it shows. Smith’s prose is incredibly informative and impactful as he interrogates American history. I hope that one day soon this will be required reading.

The Word is Passed by Clint Smith is available in print, e-book, e-audiobook, and audiobook on CD.

TONIGHT: Songs of Freedom: Journey Along the Underground Railroad
For everyone.
Wed, Jun 18 | 7 – 8:30 pm
Carroll Baldwin Hall | 9035 Baltimore St, Savage
Harriet Tubman’s story comes alive through traditional code songs, modern melodies, and authentic narration. Journey along the Underground Railroad with historian Linda Harris as she chronicles her annual charity walks through the lens of local African American history.
Linda Harris is the Director of Events and Programming at the Harriet Tubman Museum and Educational Center in Cambridge, MD. Learn more about Linda Harris and the Harriet Tubman Museum and Educational Center at harriettubmanmuseumcenter.org
Registration is optional. Register to receive email reminders and updates about this class. Seating is first-come, first-served.
In partnership with Carroll Baldwin Hall

National Library Week Poster shows four different, common scenarios at the library: reading, talking at the desk, using a sewing machine from the library of things, and someone drawing.

National Library Week: Graphic Novels for Adults

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National Library Week Poster shows four different, common scenarios at the library: reading, talking at the desk, using a sewing machine from the library of things, and someone drawing.

by Emily B.

There seems to be a common misconception that graphic novels don’t count as “real reading.” This could not be much further from the truth! Reading takes on many forms beyond the printed word, each format with its own appeal. Everyone connects with stories and information in unique ways. No matter the format, reading counts, as long as you’re engaged with the material.

I find that nay-sayers tend to focus on how graphic novels differ from traditional books, rather than considering the unique elements that make graphic novels so engaging. The combination of text and illustrations might make reading more approachable to hesitant readers. Not only can the illustrations help bring the story to life, but they also can aid readers in interpreting and understanding the narrative. Literary devices like symbolism, flashbacks, and foreshadowing are enhanced with the added visual component.

Legendary comic artist Will Eisner introduced the term “sequential art” to describe comics in his 1985 book Comics and Sequential Art, giving a name to an art form that has existed for many thousands of years. Though graphic novels have experienced a recent surge in popularity, they are rooted in ancient tradition. Some early examples of sequential art include Egyptian hieroglyphs, the Trajan Column in Rome, and Maya script.

Graphic novels really offer something for everyone, from fictional stories to memoirs and depictions of real-life experiences. Interested in giving graphic novels a try? Here are just a few classics to start you on your journey:

The cover of Maus shows a black swastika with a cat behind two mice wearing trench coats.

Art Spiegelman’s The Complete Maus – This book is the first and, so far, only graphic novel to win the Pulitzer Prize. Spiegelman tells the story of his father, a Holocaust survivor, in his years leading up to World War II, his survival and liberation from a Nazi concentration camp, and his life in the years that follow. Maus is heralded as a unique blend of memoir, history, and biography in a sleek graphic novel package.

Marjane Satrapi’s Persepolis and Persepolis II – In two volumes, Satrapi recounts her childhood in Iran amidst the Islamic Revolution and her adult years in Austria. Her graphic novel memoirs were adapted into an Oscar-nominated animated film of the same title.

John Lewis’ March I-III – Late civil rights activist and politician John Lewis, at the suggestion of his aide Andrew Aydin, tells the story of the Civil Rights Movement from his perspective. The two compiled Lewis’ anecdotes, experiences, and stories, and artist Nate Powell helped bring the important story to life on page.

Emily is an Instructor & Research Specialist at HCLS Central Branch. When she’s not reading, she enjoys puzzling, listening to music, and re-watching old seasons of Survivor.

A woman in green sits reading a book with a a green toned street-scape behind her. Otherwise, the cover is orange with Harlem Rhapsody in deep red.

Victoria Christopher Murray & Harlem Rhapsody

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A woman in green sits reading a book with a a green toned street-scape behind her. Otherwise, the cover is orange with Harlem Rhapsody in deep red.

For adults.
Tue, Feb 18 | 7 – 8 pm
HCLS Elkridge Branch
Register at bit.ly/Author_Murray
Victoria Christopher Murray discusses her historical fiction novel Harlem Rhapsody, which transports readers into glittering 1920’s Harlem. Readers follow Jessie Redmon Fauset, the heartbeat of its literary revolution, as she discovers and nurtures icons like Langston Hughes, Countee Cullen, Nella Larsen, and Zora Neale Hurston.

In the 1920s, Harlem flourished as a place of Black pride. As the novel follows Fauset’s career, the reader is privy to both the brilliant creativity happening at this time while simultaneously understanding the experience of a Black woman who had to combat incredible sexism and racism to succeed.
With almost three million books in print, NAACP Image Award-winning author Victoria Christopher Murray is one of the country’s top Black contemporary writers. As the co-author with Marie Benedict of the breakout hits and New York Times bestsellers The Personal Librarian and The First Ladies, she traced the lives of Belle de Costa Greene, J.P. Morgan’s personal librarian, and the Black civil rights activist Mary McLeod Bethune.

MORE ABOUT THE HARLEM RENAISSANCE
by Emily B.
Every February we celebrate Black History Month, but did you know that January is International Creativity Month? This intersection of Black history and creativity makes this time of year perfect to celebrate Black artists. One of the most important Black artists of the 20th century is Jacob Lawrence, best known for chronicling contemporary and historical African American life in the United States.
Born in Atlantic City, New Jersey in 1917, Lawrence was a self-proclaimed, “child of the great migration.” His parents were two of six million Black Americans who fled the racist, Jim Crow south in search of freedom and opportunities in Northern cities.

Lawrence’s family relocated to Harlem when he was 13. Though young, he was able to experience firsthand the Harlem Renaissance, a period of great cultural revival for African Americans that lasted from the 1910s through the mid-1930s. Lawrence described his art style as “dynamic cubism.” His work stood out from more traditional cubist works through his use of angular forms and bold colors, which represented the strong and resilient spirit of the African American community. His use of vibrant colors continued in his later works, like 1977’s The Swearing In.*

His most notable work, The Migration Series, encompasses sixty panel paintings depicting The Great Migration. Influenced by his parents’ plight and the art scene in Harlem, Lawrence began the ambitious
project at only 23 years old. He worked simultaneously on each panel to ensure the colors and style remained harmonious throughout the entire project. Thanks to funding from the Works Project Administration, a New Deal government agency, Lawrence was able to fully realize his artistic vision.
Soon after completing the Migration Series panels, the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York and The Phillips Gallery in Washington, DC purchased the panels, making Lawrence the first Black artist to have his work purchased by MoMA. Today, the two museums continue their shared custody of The Migration Series.

To view each panel from The Migration Series and learn more about Jacob Lawrence’s life and his works, visit: lawrencemigration.phillipscollection.org or borrow Jacob Lawrence: The Migration Series by Leah Dickerman. Young readers may enjoy Jake Makes a World: Jacob Lawrence, a Young Artist in Harlem by Sharifa Rhodes-Pitts.

*A framed art print of The Swearing In is available to borrow from the Art Education Collection at Central and Glenwood Branches.

National Gallery of Art: Black Art & Artists in the Collection
For adults.
Wed, Feb 12 | 3 – 4 pm
Online
Find more information at bit.ly/NGA-BlackArt
Witness the enduring mark Black artists have made on American art — from 19th century painters Joshua Johnson and Robert Seldon Duncanson to modern and contemporary artists Faith Ringgold, Alma Thomas, and more. Presented by The National Gallery of Art. This class is a part of the Museum@TheLibrary series.

Children exiting a school bus.

Back to School at the Library

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Children exiting a school bus.
8/6/24 Kids attend a Kindergarten Here We Come class at Howard County Library System Elkridge Branch.

by Emily B.

Did you know that every Howard County Public School System student has their own library account? Well, it’s true! Not sure what your barcode and PIN are? Head to hcpss.me and click on the HC Library button to find your account information. When visiting the library in person, you can also use your name and address to borrow library materials.

Howard County Library System and Howard County Public School System go way back – we’ve been A+ Partners in Education for more than 20 years! HCLS and HCPSS share common goals of furthering students’ academic success and enhancing students’ love of reading and learning. The A+ Partnership ensures that all HCPSS students have access to books and e-books, research tools, live online tutoring, and more. Here are some of our favorite resources for students:

Live tutoring with Brainfuse: From 2 pm to midnight, Brainfuse offers live tutoring assistance to learners of all ages on a variety of subjects. Just log on to Brainfuse with your library barcode and pin, select your grade and the subject you need assistance with, and Brainfuse will connect you with an instructor. Working on a tough writing assignment? Use Brainfuse’s writing lab to get feedback on your work.

Language Learning: Little Pim is the perfect way for young learners to begin their language learning journey with fun video vocabulary lessons. Students ages six and up can use Muzzy Online to learn a new language through interactive games and lessons. Mango is perfect for teens and adults looking for fun, conversational language lessons.

Practice Exams: High schoolers can visit Peterson’s Test Prep and LearningExpress Library to take practice tests for the SAT, ACT, AP exams, and beyond.

Research Tools: Need to do some research for homework or a project? Gale In Context provides reference materials, including primary sources, newspaper articles, and videos, about a wide variety of topics. Gale curates these resources for each school level, offering Gale In Context sites specifically designed for elementary, middle school, and high school research. Each site has a built-in citation generator, making it easier than ever to credit your sources.

If you’re not an HCPSS student, you can access these resources and more online by visiting hclibrary.org. In the “research” section, select the resource you’d like to use, and sign in with your barcode and pin when prompted.

De-stress for Success!
Tue, Sep 10 | 7 – 8 pm
HCLS Glenwood Branch
For ages 11 –17. Register today.
With the start of the new school year, it can be easy to get stressed! From breathing exercises to fidgets, there are many tools out there to help you manage stress. Learn about some of the tools you can add to your de-stressing toolkit.

Tutoring Tuesdays: Math Made Easy
Tuesdays 4 – 5 pm
Sep 3, 10, 17, 24 & Oct 1, 15, 22, 29
HCLS Central Branch
For ages 11 – 18. Drop-in.
Do you struggle with math homework or tests? Do you want to improve your math skills and confidence? If you are a middle or high school student, extra help and dedicated time to work practice problems is available for middle school math, Pre-Algebra, Algebra 1, and Algebra 2.

Maximize Your National History Day Research
For ages 11+.
Assigned a National History Day project? Our research experts have tips and tools for you. Meet History Day judges and recent winners, and learn strategies to locate sources. Parents and teachers welcome.
See the HCLS National History Day webpage for a complete list of events.

Emily is an Instructor & Research Specialist at the Central Branch. When she’s not reading, she enjoys puzzling, listening to music, and re-watching old seasons of Survivor. 

Students at a library painting class sharing smiles.

Get Crafty at the Library

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Students at a library painting class sharing smiles.
Students practice painting from observation during a class at HCLS Savage Branch.

by Emily B.

Searching for a cool and creative way to beat the heat this summer? Look no further than your local library, because summer fun at the library isn’t limited to kids and teens! At most of our branches, we offer art- and craft-related series classes. These classes are an opportunity to practice different crafty techniques and create something that you can take home, all in a supportive and welcoming environment. Each branch offers a unique spin.

At HCLS Miller Branch, Mindful Making emphasizes the meditative aspects of creativity. Adult Instructor Holly creates a relaxing and low-pressure class environment with cozy lighting and relaxing instrumental music. She purposefully selects activities that incorporate simple steps and repetition, to allow you to de-compress while engaging in creative practice.

At HCLS Glenwood Branch, Adult Instructor Kimberly makes use of the branch’s makerspace and its tools. Her classes offer a hands-on opportunity to learn about and use different DIY and crafting tools, like the laser cutter/engraver or the Cricut, and are a great introduction to the makerspace’s offerings. Kimberly remarks that attendees often return to the makerspace after her classes, ready to put their newfound knowledge to work.

At HCLS Central Branch, my colleagues, Roslyn and Mikki, and I offer Craft Works twice a month. Each month, we feature a different project. Our strive to create a welcoming environment for adults to express their creativity. One of my favorite features is how supportive and encouraging everyone is. Oftentimes, as the class winds down, our attendees take time to admire each other’s projects made during the class.

Visit howardcounty.librarycalendar.com for more details and to register for the classes on this page and the next, as well as many others.

RANDOM CRAFTS OF KINDNESS
For adults. Register at bit.ly/rcok
Learn to create something new, spend some relaxing time making art and crafting with your neighbors, and share your creations with other community members in random acts of kindness. All supplies provided.
Water Color Bookmarks: Create watercolor bookmarks for National Watercolor Month.
Sat, Jul 13 at 3 – 4 pm | Savage Branch
Cyanotypes: Take advantage of the harsh sun of August by making Cyanotype art and applying them to office supplies.
Sat, Aug 10 at 3 – 4 pm | Savage Branch

CRAFT WORKS
For adults. Register at bit.ly/craftworks_central
Let your creativity shine in a relaxed and welcoming environment. Each month, learn about different art media and explore new techniques.
July: Pressed Flower Sun-catcher
Tue, Jul 23 at 7 – 8:30 pm | Central Branch
Thu, Jul 25 at 2 – 3:30 pm | Central Branch
August: Resin Bookmarks
Tue, Aug 20 at 7 – 8:30 pm | Central Branch
Thu, Aug 22 at 2 – 3:30 pm | Central Branch

ART IN THE AFTERNOON & EVENING
Explore new artistic themes or media in a relaxed, welcoming environment. Create art inspired by the wildlife and scenery of the Chesapeake Bay. Choose from a variety of projects.
Chesapeake Bay Art Workshop
Tue, Aug 20 at 7 – 8:30 pm | Elkridge Branch

MINDFUL MAKING
Cyanotype Prints
Slow down with us at Mindful Making, where we focus on process over product and discover the meditative benefits of simple acts of creation. In August, we create cyanotype sun prints. All materials provided.
Thu, Aug 1 at 7 – 8 pm | Miller Branch

SEWING SKILLS
How to Repair Clothing
For adults. Register at bit.ly/diy_repair
Learn the basics of clothing repair to extend the lifetime of your clothing, including how to restitch a seam, repair hems, and patch tears. Some prior experience with using a sewing machine recommended.
Wed, Aug 14 at 7 – 8:30 pm | Elkridge Branch

Finding Community and Connection at the Library

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An older woman in a striped shirt helps a younger woman start a crochet project with yellow yarn.
Participants gather at HCLS Central Branch for an ongoing class focusing on knitting and needlepoint.

by Emily B.

These days, it seems more difficult than ever to find your community and make genuine connections. Over the past four years, the pandemic has re-shaped our lives. The way that we live, communicate, and connect has changed. These rapid changes led U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy to issue an advisory on the “epidemic of loneliness and isolation” in 2023.

Dr. Murthy remarked, “We’re seeing more forces that take us away from one another and fewer of the forces that used to bring us together.” Adjusting to this new social landscape is tough, especially for older Americans. It can be even more daunting without the built-in social opportunities found at work and school. Read the U.S. Surgeon General’s advisory on social connection at http://www.hhs.gov/surgeongeneral/priorities/connection.

Part of the framework to address the loneliness epidemic calls for a strengthening of social infrastructure, which includes public libraries and senior centers. These types of physical community spaces, known as “third places,” are any social space separate from your home (first place) or work (second place).

Howard County Library System’s classes and events are a great way to connect and find a community. Here’s a sampling of some of our ongoing offerings:

If you love to read, try The Unbook Reading Group. Meeting monthly at Backwater Books in Old Ellicott City, it offers an opportunity for readers to connect and chat without the pressure of assigned reading.

Get crafty with a range of creative classes for adults at various HCLS branches. Connect and make a new craft in a supportive, friendly environment with Craft Works. Pins and Needles meets every Thursday, alternating between HCLS Central and Miller Branches. Converse with other adults
as you work on your knitting, crochet, embroidery, or sewing project.

Give Mah Jongg a try at HCLS Miller Branch. Mah Jongg Meet Up occurs twice a month, welcoming players of all experience levels. Looking to stay active? Start your Mondays off on the right foot Walking with East Columbia Branch and 50+ Center.

You can find and register for even more classes and events for adults at hclibrary.org. Enter the class name into the search bar.

  • Craft Works @ Central Branch | Dates and times vary between one Tuesday evening and one Thursday afternoon every month.
  • Walking with East Columbia & 50+ Center | Mondays; 9:30 – 10:30 am
  • Pins & Needles | Every Thursday; 10 am – 12 pm with 1st and 3rd Thursdays @ Central and 2nd and 4th & 5th Thursdays @ Miller
  • UnBook Reading Group @ Backwater Books | Wednesdays, 6:30 – 7:30 pm May 15, Jun 12
  • Mah Jongg Meetup @ Miller | 2nd and last Tuesday evenings; 6:30 – 8 pm
  • Bingo Social | Thu May 16 2 – 4 pm at Glenwood & Thu Jun 27 2 – 4 pm East Columbia
A pale green background with a golden symbol for female, with the center post an upraised fist, surrounded by illustrated heads of famous women.

Read about Women’s History Month

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A pale green background with a golden symbol for female, with the center post an upraised fist, surrounded by illustrated heads of famous women.

by Emily B.

Women’s History was not always a month-long celebration. It started in 1980 as a week-long celebration. President Jimmy Carter offered these words as he issued his proclamation for the first Women’s History Week celebration:
“Too often the women were unsung and sometimes their contributions went unnoticed. But the achievements, leadership, courage, strength and love of the women who built America was as vital as that of the men whose names we know so well.”

Each year a new theme is chosen by the National Women’s History Alliance, a non-profit organization who lobbied and advocated for Women’s History Month to be recognized across the United States. The 2024 theme for Women’s History Month is “Women Who Advocate for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion.” Check out these books celebrating women who did just that!

For adults
Valiant Women: The Extraordinary American Servicewomen Who Helped Win World War II by Lena S. Andrews (also available as large print, e-book, audio on CD, and e-audiobook.)
350,000 American women served during WWII, working as codebreakers, chemists, pigeon trainers, translators, and more. Learn about these unsung heroes and their previously untold stories.

The Women of NOW: How Feminists Built an Organization that Transformed America by Katherine Turk (also available as e-book and e-audiobook)
Learn about the women behind the creation of the National Organization for Women, a group that has advocated for gender equality, reproductive rights, racial justice, and LGBTQIA+ rights since its formation in 1966.

For teens
Turning 15 on the Road to Freedom by Lynda Blackmon Lowery
Read the memoir of the incredible teen who marched for civil rights alongside Martin Luther King Jr.

Brazen: Rebel Ladies Who Rocked the World by Pénélope Bagieu (also available as e-book)
This graphic novel focuses on some of history’s most impressive boundary-breaking women, like Mae Jemison, Nelly Bly, and Christine Jorgensen.

For children
Planting Stories: The Life of Librarian and Storyteller Pura Belpré by Anika Denise (also available on DVD)
Learn about Pura, the first Puerto Rican librarian in New York City. She advocated for the Spanish-speaking community by offering bilingual story times and purchasing Spanish language books. (Also available in Spanish.)

Fall Down Seven Times, Stand Up Eight: Patsy Takemoto Mink and the Fight for Title IX written by Jen Bryant; illustrated by Toshiki Nakamura
Patsy Takemoto Mink was the first woman of color in Congress and was a huge proponent in passing Title IX, which prohibits discrimination based on sex in education programs.

Emily is an Instructor & Research Specialist at the Central Branch. She enjoys puzzling, reading, listening to music, and re-watching old seasons of Survivor. 

The Equity Resource Center at the Miller Branch, with a sign and podium for the ribbon cutting ceremony and bookshelves and the "Undesign the Red Line" exhibit in the background.

Black History Month: Equity Resource Center

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The Equity Resource Center at the Miller Branch, with a sign and podium for the ribbon cutting ceremony and bookshelves and the "Undesign the Red Line" exhibit in the background.
Equity Resource Center at HCLS Central Branch.

by Emily B.

Did you know that Central Branch is home to Howard County Library System’s newest special collection? The Equity Resource Center (ERC) debuted in September 2021 with more than 9,000 items, offering a diverse and inclusive collection of adult, children, and teen materials spanning many formats and topics.

The idea for the Equity Resource Center first came about during the COVID-19 pandemic and the murder of George Floyd. Community members wanted a place to come together to learn and heal, a place where they could see themselves and their stories represented and have the opportunity to learn about those different from them. Director of Collection Development Vera Davies explains that the Equity Resource Center and its collection were established “to support self-directed education and exhibits, facilitated and unfacilitated classes and conversations, and as a space for the community to identify, document, and share local issues and concerns.”

Some of the titles offered at the collection’s launch were recommended by members of HCLS’ Racial Equity Alliance. As the collection continues to grow, HCLS selectors choose materials that fall within a broad and inclusive scope that includes key themes like ableism, LGBTQIA+, the history of race and racism in the United States and Maryland, and more.

Dr. Kelly Clark, HCLS’ Chief Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging Officer, has big ideas for the future of the Equity Resource Center. In addition to continuing to host exhibits and equity programs, Dr. Clark hopes to develop and introduce bundles with self-guided curricula. These bundles would feature various ERC materials – a book, movie, and music CD – alongside a study guide with reflection questions, activities, and suggestions on how to engage your friends and family in what you learn.

Dr. Clark hopes that the ERC “will grow to be a coveted community resource as Howard County residents continue to grapple with tough contemporary issues of equity, inclusion, and belonging.” Whether you want to research, learn, or celebrate, the Equity Resource Center has something for you.
Visit HCLS Central Branch to check out the collection in person or browse the collection online.

Emily is an Instructor & Research Specialist at the Central Branch. She enjoys puzzling, reading, listening to music, and re-watching old seasons of Survivor.