Photo by Applied Photography Ltd

By Adebe DeRango Adem

February is Black History Month, and the Toronto Public Library is proud to celebrate Black history and heritage with a series of readings, discussion groups, music and more.

Here is a guide to some literary highlights happening during the month of February at libraries across Toronto.

Christian Campbell and Adebe D.A.
Tuesday February 1, 2011
7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. at the Toronto Reference Library
Join literary critic Donna Bailey Nurse (Revival: An Anthology of Black Canadian Writers) for a series of readings and intimate conversations about living and writing the Black Canadian experience. Acclaimed poets Christian Campbell (Running the Dusk) and Adebe DeRango-Adem (Ex Nihilo) launch our Black History Month celebration.

Haiti: One Year Later
Wednesday February 2, 2011
6:45 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. at North York Central Library
This panel discussion on the aftermath of the devastating earthquake in Haiti focuses on the last year’s humanitarian, the current situation and how Canadians can help. Speakers include Marilyn McHarg, the Director General and co-founder of Doctors Without Borders, and Toronto Star columnist, Catherine Porter. Eric Doubt, Director General of Helping Hands for Haiti International, will be moderating the discussion. Seating is limited. Call 416-395-5660 to register.

Adwoa Badoe
Saturday February 5, 2011
2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. at Malvern Library
Meet vibrant storyteller and educator Adwoa Badoe, author of several children’s books and known for employing interactive songs, chants and rhythm in her telling of African stories. She will be reading from Between Sisters, an urban coming of age story set in Ghana that tells the story of sixteen year old Gloria, as she navigates her life against the hazards of poverty and exploitative relationships to find her dreams.

Rosemary Sadlier
Tuesday February 8, 2011
6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. at North York Central Library
Meet Rosemary Sadlier, President of the Ontario Black History Society and author of The Kid’s Book of Canadian Black History. Seating is limited. Call 416-395-5660 to register.

Nalo Hopkinson and Djanet Sears
Tuesday February 8, 2011
7:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. at Palmerston Library
Join literary critic Donna Bailey Nurse (Revival: An Anthology of Black Canadian Writers) for a series of readings and intimate conversations about living and writing the Black Canadian experience. Novelist Nalo Hopkinson (Midnight Robber) and playwright Djanet Sears (Harlem Duet) have produced classics of Canadian literature. The multiple prize winning artists read from works-in-progress and discuss the life, love and art of Black Canadian women.

Walter Borden
Thursday February 10, 2011
7:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. at Runnymede Library
Join literary critic Donna Bailey Nurse (Revival: An Anthology of Black Canadian Writers) for a series of readings and intimate conversations about living and writing the Black Canadian experience. Walter Borden, one of the most acclaimed and best loved actors of the Canadian stage, joins Donna Bailey Nurse in conversation about his life and times as part of the TPL’s celebration of Black Canadian theatre.

For a detailed list of all library events, and a list of recommended Canadian Black History Titles for adults, teens and children, visit the Toronto Public Library.

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• Q & A with Author Althea Prince
• Black History Month: museums in Ontario commemorate
• Black History Month: John D. Ware
• Black History Month; Lucie and Thornton Blackburn
• Black History Month: Recommended Reading