As leaves burst into their glorious autumn colors and as pumpkins begin adorning doorsteps, it is a sure sign that Halloween is just around the corner. The last week of October, many people will perform the ritual carving of pumpkins giving them eerie, flickering faces, an iconic symbol of the holiday. But where did this…
Continue reading "The History of the Jack-o’-Lantern" Adults
Learn about a local myth or legend Rather than immerse myself in mythic, far-off lands, I preferred to keep my Summer Reading challenge close to home. Activities from this year’s program motivated me to explore the rich Black history in mid-Missouri. First embarking on the African-American Heritage Trail, I learned about local legends like Annie…
Continue reading "Imagine Your Story: Legends of Local Black History" Adults
Editor’s note: This review was submitted by a library patron during the 2017 Adult Summer Reading program. We will continue to periodically share some of these reviews throughout the year. What a wonderfully written book! I’ll admit that I didn’t really know what I was getting into when I first cracked “History of Wolves,” and…
Continue reading "Reader Review: History of Wolves" Adults
In honor of Black History Month, here are some newer titles that explore the varied experience of being black in America, some from historical perspectives and others from a contemporary point of view. “Brown Girl Dreaming” by Jacqueline Woodson In vivid poems that reflect the joy of finding her voice through writing stories, an award-winning author…
Continue reading "Books for Black History Month" Adults
Each February in the U.S. we celebrate Black History Month, honoring and reflecting on the powerful and resilient histories and cultural legacies of Black Americans and their diaspora. This month-long tradition began with the founding of the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History by Carter G. Woodson in 1915 and continues on…
Continue reading "Folklore and Fairy Tales From the Black Diaspora" Kids
In addition to its designation as Black History Month, February is also the birth-month of Rosa Parks (February 4th) and Nina Simone (February 21st)—two luminaries of the Civil Rights Movement of the 1950s and ’60s. As a celebration of these remarkable women and their long-lasting contributions, here are some of the many books for kids…
Continue reading "Women of the Civil Rights Movement" Kids
There’s nothing better for a relaxed gathering of friends than kicking back and enjoying a game, whether it be with cards, a board or any other kind. In recent history, the ways that we play games have changed in significant and fascinating ways. While some classic games are still enjoyed, contemporary options like video games…
Continue reading "Literary Links: All Work, No Play" Adults
As a 60th anniversary project, we've been adding more historical images of library services, staff and patrons into the online
Community History Archive.
We have also created
new galleries of photos related to specific subjects, like
the construction of the first 100 W. Broadway building or the
"La Colomba" sculpture that sits outside the Columbia Public Library. Take a look!
News
Join us for our monthly virtual book discussion on Thursday, February 3 from 12-1 p.m. This month we’ll depart from our usual format to discuss some picture books with Black history themes. Adults can find value in reading picture books, which provide an introduction to a subject and are often illustrated with beautiful artwork. Here…
Continue reading "First Thursday Book Discussion – Black History-Themed Picture Books" Adults
Change is inevitable. But change does not have to be random; it can be strongly influenced by people who speak up and take action. Activists are a key component of change, shining a light on the issues at hand, ensuring they are not forgotten until they are resolved. During this Women’s History Month, let us…
Continue reading "Literary Links: Activism in Women’s History" Adults