NEWS RELEASE
LONGMONT PUBLIC LIBRARY
*************************
Black artists and voices are the focus of two Longmont Public Library programs this month, one for children and one for teens. Beginning on Saturday, February 20 and continuing through Saturday, February 27, or while supplies last, local teens can pick up free Take & Make craft kits and create art projects based on three Black artists. The kits are for those in sixth through 12th grades, contain supplies and instructions in English and Spanish and they are available on a first come, first served basis during the Library’s Curbside Delivery hours.
Those interested can phone the Library’s Teen Information Desk at 303-651-8477 when they arrive at the library’s East Entrance on Emery St., and the kit will be delivered outside by library staff.
On Friday, February 26, from 11 to 11:30 am, Librarians Claire and Stephanie will host a special storytime highlighting Black authors and illustrators in children’s literature via Webex. “Celebrating Black Voices” is the latest installment of the Library’s “Diversity Storytime” series. The librarians will read books and share an additional reading list of books by Black creators to read with kids all year long. This storytime is best for preschoolers to first graders, but all are welcome. Registration is required and participants will receive information on joining the Webex meeting in their registration confirmation email. To register, visit http://bit.ly/LibStories.
The “Diversity Storytime” series features stories with characters, authors, and/or illustrators who are members of traditionally under-represented or marginalized groups, with the goals of promoting visible representation, advancing children’s understanding of people different from them in some way, and prompting conversations around inclusion. Longmont’s children’s librarians strive to regularly include diverse stories, authors, and illustrators in all storytimes, but the Diversity Storytime series allows for a deeper, age-appropriate dive into what diversity looks and feels like.
*************************
