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C.R. Gibbs Lecture Series on African American History and Culture

In celebration of Black History Month, distinguished historian C.R. Gibbs will deliver presentations throughout February. The award-winning historian, humanities scholar and exhibitor of artifacts has appeared at DC Public Library since 1989. He has spoken at the Smithsonian's Anacostia Museum, Arena Stage, colleges/universities and other venues locally, nationally and internationally.

Ivy Aberdeen's Letter to the World by Ashley Herring Blake

Read the Rainbow: Middle Grade Edition

Every single reader deserves a book where they can see a reflection of themselves, regardless of race, sexuality, creed and many other factors.  While some take their time, many kids and tweens discover their sexuality and gender identity early on.  Although we can always use more, books about queer kids and tweens are published more frequently than in years past.  Below are eight recent novels for middle graders where the main character is queer.  The final three books on this list are about transgender individuals.  

Ronit and Jamil by Pamela L. Laskin

Diverse Contemporary Young Adult Literature

I have loved reading young adult contemporary novels for a long time and discovering characters whose life experiences, interests and stories are similar to mine. However, only ever consuming books about people like me isn’t always the most fulfilling. Reading about characters from different cultural, religious, and racial backgrounds than mine provides insight into what their lives are like.  Moreover, it’s essential to read diverse books in order to help us develop understanding and respect for other people.

When the Moon Was Ours by Anna-Marie McLemore

Magical Realism In Young Adult Literature

Magical realism, a genre of narrative fiction that is frequently associated with Latin-American literature, is something I have loved since I was a teenager. For those who are unfamiliar with the term, magical realism stories are often set in realistic places with bits of magic sprinkled throughout. I started off reading magical realism for adults, and some of my favorite authors include Jonathan Safran Foer, Sarah Addison Allen and Zadie Smith.

Image of Exit West book cover

What Should the Georgetown Book Club Read Next?

Vote here for upcoming selections

It is time again for the Georgetown Book Club to add to its reading list.  If you are a current or prospective member, please review the titles listed below and vote in the poll at the bottom of this post.  The poll will close on Monday, March 12 at 5 p.m., and the five titles with the most votes will be added to the group's reading list.  The choices are:

Android logos on skateboards

AARP Tech Ed. at the Georgetown Library

Are you an Android phone user who has the feeling that you are not being smart with your smart phone? Join AARP and DC Public Library on Thursday, March 1, for free, hands-on workshops for those who want to get the most out of their mobile devices. All participants will get hands on experience with devices, as well as a free touchscreen stylus pen.  Intro to Android Smartphones: Beginner Workshops from 10:30 a.m. to noon and 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Saga, Volume One by Brian K. Vaughan and Fiona Staples

Science Fiction Comics

I’ve always enjoyed reading science fiction. When I started becoming a regular reader of comics in 2015, I knew I had to pick up was Saga because I’d heard such great things about it from fans of all genres. As someone who regularly visits her local comic book store, I’ve found lots of other titles that interest me along the way. If you love science fiction and comics, check out these titles.  Most of these titles are aimed at adults, but two exceptional young adult titles are included at the end. When the comic is part of a series, I've provided a link to the first volume.

Marshall

29th Annual Black Film Festival

Every Tuesday in February starting at 3 p.m.

The Georgetown Neighborhood Library will be hosting the library's 29th Annual Black Film Festival. We'll be presenting a broad mix of new and popular features, classic film shorts and important documentaries, every Tuesday in February starting at 3 p.m. (features start at 6 p.m.). Feb. 6      Last Breeze of Summer   3 p.m. James Baldwin: The Price of the Ticket   4 p.m.

Image of The Party book cover

Party On

Literary Fiction that foregrounds parties

When bringing individuals together and providing them with a shared environment where they are expected to interact, parties have great potential for interpersonal connection—and conflict. Add the specifics of any given gathering—including who’s there and why -- and that potential further takes shape.  

Testosterone Rex: Myths of Sex, Science, and Society by Cordelia Fine

Sex and Sexuality from Girlhood to Womanhood

To say that sex and gender play a complex role in the lives of everyday Americans would be an understatement.  Not everyone believes that America is a patriarchy: a society where men hold the majority of power.  However, many girls and women feel that the patriarchy is not only real but also impacts their daily lives, especially the romantic and sexual aspects.  For young women, puberty marks important physical changes to their bodies, and standards of beauty and standards of behavior for both genders are often set by the patriarchy.  Everyone seems to want a say in what wo

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