During the month of February we observe Black History Month. You may have already seen our displays around the library of various books, movies, and music to celebrate this month, but if you are looking for a little bit more information and a few more title recommendations, please read below. A Brief History of the Month According to the official U.S. government website dedicated to this observed month, “As a Harvard-trained historian, Carter G. Woodson, like W. E. B. Du Bois before him, believed that truth could not be denied and that reason would prevail over prejudice. His hopes to raise awareness of African American’s contributions to civilization was realized when he and the organization he founded, the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History (ASNLH), conceived and announced Negro History Week in 1925. The event was first celebrated during a week in February 1926 that encompassed the birthdays of both Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass. The response was overwhelming: Black history clubs sprang up; teachers demanded materials to instruct their pupils; and progressive whites, not simply white scholars and philanthropists, stepped forward to endorse the effort. […] The celebration was expanded to a month in 1976, the nation’s bicentennial. President Gerald R. Ford urged Americans to “seize the opportunity to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history.” That year, fifty years after the first celebration, the association held the first Black History Month. By this time, the entire nation had come to recognize the importance of Black history in the drama of the American story. Since then each American president has issued Black History Month proclamations. And the association—now the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH)—continues to promote the study of Black history all year.”   Looking to learn more through a good book?   Adult Reading Suggestions: FICTION [books list=”adult-black-history-month-fiction” display=”carousel” total_items=”50″ auto=”true”] NON-FICTION/BIOGRAPHY [books list=”adult-black-history-month-nf-bio” display=”carousel” total_items=”50″ auto=”true”] Teen Reading Suggestions: FICTION [books list=”teens-black-history-month” display=”carousel” total_items=”50″ auto=”true”] NON-FICTION/BIOGRAPHY [books list=”teens-black-history-month-nf-bio” total_items=”50″ auto=”true”] Kid Reading Suggestions: FICTION [books list=”cr-black-history-month-fiction” display=”carousel” total_items=”50″ auto=”true”] NON-FICTION/BIOGRAPHY [books list=”cr-black-history-month-nf-bio” display=”carousel” total_items=”50″ auto=”true”]

Looking to help out your community this fall with a simple act of kindness? Look no further! This year the Ipswich Public Library is proud to be a donation location for The Open Door annual food drive. Please read below to learn a little bit more about The Open Door and what items they are looking for this season.   The Open Door The Open Door serves people in Gloucester, Rockport, Manchester, Essex, Ipswich, Topsfield, Rowley, Boxford, Hamilton, and Wenham, who rely on their programs to help make ends meet. The mission of The Open Door is to alleviate the impact of hunger in our community. They use practical strategies to connect people to good food, to advocate on behalf of those in need, and to engage others in the work of building food security. This holiday season, all can help The Open Door serve neighbors in need by sending a bag of food to one of their collection sites. To find out more about what they do and the many wrap-around nutrition programs they provide, visit: foodpantry.org.   Donate at the Ipswich Public Library The library is hosting a food drive with The Open Door from Thursday, October 13th until Monday, December 19th, during regular library hours. There is a basket set up underneath the round table in the main circulation room as you come through the library’s main entrance. Please see the items listed below to know what can be items can be brought in to donate. If you have any questions about the food drive and what you can donate, please don’t hesitate to call library staff at (978) 356-6648 or reach out to us through our online chat on the website. Please note that only food donations can be accepted at this site, and they cannot be glass items. Most Needed Items at The Open Door: Peanut Butter Canned Chicken & Tuna Healthy Snack Items 100% Juice/Juice Boxes Breakfast Cereal Hearty Soups Canned Vegetables & Fruits Spaghetti Sauce Macaroni & Cheese Rice, Noodles, & Pasta Cake, Muffin, & Pancake Mix