“What are we doing for Valentine’s Day?”
Now, there’s a loaded question! Every year that question goes asked and unasked among couples, usually resulting in over-priced flowers, expensive meals, and even… disappointment (when the answer is “Nothing.”) It’s also a question that’s mere existence promotes loneliness among singles and rallies women to gather their girlfriends and buy fruity cocktails and wine to toast to the abundance of friendship. February is the month of love, but let’s try a different question on for size? A question I was asked this month that I’m thinking about wholeheartedly.
What are we doing for Black History Month?
Let me make a recommendation: Read. More specifically, read a book by a person of color. (If you’re able-walleted, buy a book by a person of color. If books are too expensive, consider coming to our Used Book Sale on the 28th-29th) Before I detail a few of our events this month, I want to spend time sharing what I would consider Valentine’s advice by a few women of color whose books we circulate at an amazing rate.
As this is the first Black History month since 1931 where Toni Morrison won’t be with us, it feels appropriate to start with her.
““Don’t ever think I fell for you, or fell over you. I didn’t fall in love, I rose in it.”― Toni Morrison, Jazz
I can’t think about Toni without also thinking about Gloria Jean Watkins, better known as Bell Hooks. In case you’re unfamiliar, Hooks is a wordsmith and inspiration; a Kentuckian at the forefront of writing about race education and gender equality.
“We fear that evaluating our needs and then carefully choosing partners will reveal that there is no one for us to love. Most of us prefer to have a partner who is lacking than no partner at all. What becomes apparent is that we may be more interested in finding a partner than in knowing love.” – Bell Hooks, All About Love: New Visions
Becoming by Michelle Obama was
the bestselling US book in 2018 and remains the most checked out book of 2019 at
the New York Public Library. Listen as our former first
lady speaks about love.
“Do not bring people in your life who weigh you
down. And trust your instincts… good relationships feel good. They feel
right. They don’t hurt. They’re not painful. That’s not just with somebody you
want to marry, but it’s with the friends that you choose. It’s with the people
you surround yourselves with.”
― Michelle Obama, Becoming
Finally, some of my favorite February thoughts come to us from a revolutionary young writer, Angie Thomas, whose book The Hate U Give won the Coretta Scott King Award and the William Morris Award, before being made into a large production movie. She reminds us how to be whole in our singleness before we attempt wholeness as a couple.
“I can’t change where I come from or what I’ve been through, so why should I be ashamed of what makes me, me?” ― Angie Thomas, The Hate U Give
We at the Warren County Public Library hope you will find a way to celebrate Black History Month in February and year around.
Now, for some events:
Waffles for Dinner – Nothing is better than breakfast for dinner. Waffle House is partnering with Warren County Public Library on February 4th at 6p.m. at the Bob Kirby Branch to have a wonderful, free night of family food and fun. We’ll bring the board games, you bring your family and an appetite. (One waffle per person.)
Author Event with Amy Disparte – Join local author to celebrate her debut novel, A Star in Each Flag. She’ll be speaking at our Smiths Grove Branch on February 17th from 6-7p.m.
Used Book Sale – February 28th and 29th and March 1st we will be hosting our bi-annual used book sale at the Bob Kirby Branch. The sale occurs between the hours of 9am-5pm and every dollar earned supports the SOKY BOOK FEST.
Last, (and least), Author Event with Court Stevens – I have a new book releasing on March 3rd. The June Boys is my fifth full-length novel; a contemporary suspense staring one serial kidnapper, a castle, four boys in a bunker who just ran out of water, and a group of friends dedicated to discovering the truth. Please join me on March 3rd at the Bob Kirby Branch between 6-8pm. I’ll be in conversation with fellow Kentucky author, David Arnold and books will be available for purchase at the event.
-by Courtney Stevens
About the Author: Courtney Stevens is the Community Outreach Manager for Warren County Public Libraries. She is also the author of some well-known young adult fiction books including Faking Normal and Dress Codes for Small Towns. She can be reached at courtneys@warrenpl.org or 270-781-4882 x223 or check out her website at www.courtneystevens.com.
