Pay homage to the contributions and service of great African Americans during the month of February at Washington County Library.
African American History month is a nationally recognized observance of influential African Americans who were leaders, inventors, advocates, innovators, educators, and more. Washington County Library can help you examine African American history with many materials, tools, and resources.
Umbra Search
Umbra Search is an online collection of digitized materials from over 1,000 United States libraries and archives that hep recount the African American experience. It was developed by the Givens Collection of African American Literature at the University of Minnesota in partnership with the Penumbra Theater Company and the Digital Public Library of America.
The databases brings together hundreds of thousands of digital images, sound clips, and video and text files in an easy to search format. Users are able to find historical images, news clips, audio interviews, and books by and about African Americans. Students, historians, and anyone looking to dive deeper into the history of America will find much to admire in the collection.
Collections and Programs
Our print collection offers materials for readers of all ages looking to explore both great individuals, and delve deeper into specific periods in time, or learn more about African American Minnesotans. If movies are more your style, explore our DVD collection for films and documentaries on notable people and events.
This month, we're welcoming musicians and storytellers to the library. Experience feel-good sounds from Africa with musician Siama Matuzungidi at Oakdale Library on February 9 or explore stories that highlight African American history and culture with storyteller Danielle Daniel at R.H. Stafford Library on February 16.
You can also join us for a human rights themed storytime at Park Grove Library on February 19, or stop by the Super Storytime featuring African American authors and illustrators at R.H. Stafford Library on February 23.