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In honor of Black History Month, the Rolling Hills Library held the 6th annual African American Read-In Sunday afternoon to recognize and celebrate Black literature.

Public figures, pastors, reading enthusiasts and community members read poetry, children’s books, historical and contemporary pieces. It’s all part of the National African American Read-In’s efforts to encourage communities to read together and make literacy a significant part of Black History Month.

Tammy Linningham, pastor at Zion United Church of Christ in Kansas City, read an original poem inspired by American theologian James Cone.

“James cone has a book that, well, he has many, but that particular one … it struck me really strong at first,” Linningham said. “When I was asked to do the read, it’s like, ‘well, I’ll try, you know, form writing’ … this is the first time I’ve been here so it’s been very informative and just educational. So I love it.”

Rolling Hills Library has been hosting the event consistently for six years, even through the Covid-19 pandemic when the readings were virtual. Public Services Librarian Anali Mathies said the event is a way to highlight Black literature during Black History Month.

“It’s something that’s very important to us both as part of Black History Month and as a chance to participate in telling some stories as well,” she said.

The library plans to host the event again next year because, according to Mathies, “The library makes a place for everybody’s stories.”

“It’s so important for libraries to be places of access, of information, of inclusion, of being truly able to offer a variety of stories, whether we all agree with them or not,” she said. “It’s an important event for me because I think that our country is rich because of its diversity…if we can embrace that, celebrate that, be together in that pursuit, I think that can only make us better as a nation and individuals.”

To learn more about upcoming events at the rolling hills library, visit rhcl.org.