Hill District Library hosts event celebrating Black literature
The Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh Hill District branch kicked off Black History Month on Tuesday with “30 Books in 30 Minutes.”
Librarians went through a list of books by Black authors on their top must-read list, running the gamut from graphic novels to science fiction, with a little romance in between.
The recommendations also included a children’s book, poetry and a cookbook. Each librarian who spoke gave a quick oration and review of two books.
Ronald Thomas, a long-time resident of the Hill District, said his morning routine often consists of heading down to the library to grab two or three books.
“I am an avid reader. I read all the time,” Thomas said. “Tonight was special.”
Alice Conyers-Jones, customer engagement associate at CLP Sheraton branch, said that the way the program was designed it can introduce a lot of books in a quick amount of time to spark interest.
Having the varied and nuanced genres was very important, Conyers-Jones said. “Black people are human beings — we are crazy, fun, dangerous, we are ill, we are well, we are happy, we are sad and I just want to bring able to expose that to everyone.”
Courtney Taylor, also a resident of the Hill District, said she loved the event. “Hearing about the legacy books from the perspective of the librarians and getting their feedback was great,” she said.
Taylor grabbed “Jackal: A Novel” by Erin E. Adams.
Amber Jackson was happy to gain a different perspective and suggestions on books that she was familiar with — and some that were new to her.
”Black authors are not always brought to our attention. I was glad so many genres and topics were covered,” Jackson said.
The list included legacy novels like August Wilson’s “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom,” and Virginia Hamilton’s “The People Could Fly.” The librarians also introduced newer authors like “So to Speak” by poet Terrance Hayes and “The Neighbor Favor” by Kristina Forest.
Guests were also able to leave with free copies of some of the most beloved titles.
Sydni Foshee, administrative assistant in the Library Support Center at the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh, recommended “Parable of the Sower” by Octavia Butler.
“When I was talking about the influx of Black authors that draw that on their own ancestry, that only happens as successfully as it does because those books become popular,” Foshee said. “Not everyone knows that is happening, so bringing exposure will make for more growth. This intimate event allowed us to reach a good amount of people.”
Gabrielle Griffin-Maya a children’s library associate at the main library of the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh, said, “I think there are so many Black authors telling amazing stories out there and think they don’t get a lot of mainstream publicity. It is so important for us to take specific time to highlight these authors telling amazing stories that maybe you haven’t been hearing about, and get those into the hands of readers.”
The second iteration of the event will take place at 3 p.m. Saturday at the CLP Homewood library branch on Hamilton Avenue. For a full list of the book recommendations, click here.
Shaylah Brown is a TribLive reporter covering art, culture and communities of color. A New Jersey native, she joined the Trib in 2023. When she's not working, Shaylah dives into the worlds of art, wellness and the latest romance novels. She can be reached at sbrown@triblive.com.
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