Benning/Dorothy I. Height Neighborhood Library

First Meeting: Tuesday, April 27, at 6:30 p.m.

Do you love urban fiction? Do you enjoy reading authors like:Teri Woods, Nikki Turner, Shannon Holmes, K'wan and Deja King?Benning Library is forming an urban fiction book group that will meet once a month. The first book group discussion will meet Tuesday, April 27, at 6:30 p.m. For further information, call 202-442-7740.Recent releases:Damaged by Kia DuPree10 Crack Commandments by Erica HiltonAlibi by Terri WoodsNotorious by Kiki Swinson

February Is Black History Month!

A Little History...

In 1926 Dr. Carter G. Woodson founded Negro History Week. Woodson believed that national attention needed to be brought to the contribution of black people throughout American history. The month of February was chosen because it included the birthdays of Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln. In 1976 the weeklong holiday was extended to the month of February and renamed Black History Month. The 2010 theme for Black History Month is "The History of Black Economic Empowerment."

Benning Monthly Adult Book Club

Discuss The Turnaround by George Pelecanos on February 9, 2010, at 4:00 p.m.From Kirkus Book Review:

Alex Haley's Roots: Now Showing for a Limited Engagement

Saturdays at 2 p.m., February 6-27

Watch the Film Roots (NR):2/6 Roots2/13 Roots: Legacy, Parts 1 & 22/20 Roots: The Next Generation, Parts 1 & 22/27 Roots: The Next Generation, Parts 3 & 4

Teens: Come to Benning to Celebrate Mardi Gras!

Tuesday, February 16, 2010, at 6:30 p.m.

Ages 12-17 are invited into the teen space at Benning library on Fat Tuesday to make Mardi Gras masks, listen to traditional Zydeco music, and taste authentic New Orleans snacks.Wear your purple, green, and gold... all materials for crafts will be provided.

Valentine's Day Craft and Story

Saturday, February 13, noon, Ages 2-6

Learn about Valentine's Day and make a gift to give away to a loved one.

Writing Contest

"My Dream Is..."

Martin Luther King Jr. had a dream; what’s yours? Participate in an essay contest, and you could win a prize. Submit entries between December 15 and January 13. A first-, second- and third-place winner will be selected. For more information, call 202-442-7740/7741. Ages 6 - 12.

Benning Construction Update

For the latest on construction progress, check out our Benning Library construction update page.

Read Slave Narratives

What was being a slave in the United States really like? This database has links to more than 4,000 interviews with former slaves in the 1930s. The stories cover both what it was like to be a slave and what it was like to be free. Here are some excerpts:“One instrument of torture is worthy of particular description. This was an oak club, a foot and a half in length and an inch and a half square. With this delicate weapon she would beat us upon the hands and upon the feet until they were blistered.” –Lewis Clarke

Listen to Music Free

Through OverDrive, the library offers free music downloads.You can listen to classical, folk, pop & rock, blues, choral or world music. You must have a library card to use this service. To get started, visit the help page.