The Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture celebrates 100 years!

 One hundred years ago, Arturo Schomburg shared books from his considerable personal collection with The New York Public Library to seed its new Division of Negro Literature, History and Prints. The branch that housed the division is now the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture, which celebrates its centennial anniversary this year. As part of these celebrations, the Library is delighted to share some books with you (while supplies last!). 

Beginning May 8 at neighborhood branches across the Bronx, Manhattan, and Staten Island, the Library will be giving away 5,000 copies of Schomburg: The Man Who Built a Library on a first-come, first-served basis. (Note: For patrons visiting the Schomburg Center, copies will be available for pickup at the nearby Countee Cullen Library.) Written by Carole Boston Weatherford and illustrated by Eric Velasquez, the book tells the story of Arturo Schomburg and the institution he helped create. It was named one of the Library’s Best Books for Kids in 2017 and features on their new book list, “It Happened in Harlem: Recommended Reading,” curated by the expert librarians at the Schomburg Center to mark the start of the centennial celebration

Schomburg: The Man Who Built a Library

 

When Weatherford recorded a video of herself reading her book as part of the Library’s 2020 Juneteenth celebration, she recalled how the Schomburg Center Photographs and Prints Division’s collections has aided her own photo research and noted that “Schomburg realized, even in the early 20th century, that knowledge about African American people and African descendants throughout the diaspora was critical to raising anti-racist children.”

To coincide with the giveaway this spring, participating branches will be hosting storytimes highlighting children’s books about Harlem curated by NYPL staff, including special storytimes to take place at the Schomburg Centennial Festival on June 14. The giveaway is limited to one book per patron and will run while supplies last. Plus, while you’re picking up your copy, don’t forget to sign up for a special-edition Schomburg Centennial library card!

Join the Library all year long for a wide array of special events, exhibitions, and more as we celebrate this milestone and continue the legacy of Arturo Schomburg. Learn more about the Schomburg Centennial celebrations.