Library plans series of events for Black History Month

1/31/2018

Exterior of the Toledo-Lucas County Public Library

THE BLADE/JEREMY WADSWORTH
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The Toledo Lucas County Public Library will host a range of events throughout February celebrating Black History Month.

Upcoming programs include a Toledo School for the Arts concert Thursday and return of the Glass City Black Comix Fest on Feb. 10. Both will be held at the downtown Main Library branch.

A central priority for the library is openness to all, and Black History Month is a great way to plan the structured programs, said library spokesman Ben Malczewski.

“We try to have a well-rounded approach for all of our different users,” Mr. Malczewski said.

Last year's Comix Fest, the event's first, drew more than 300 attendees and six vendors. Organizers will host nine vendors this year and hope to double the visitors.

“We were really excited to have that many people, and we learned quite a bit too,” said librarian Jennifer Day, a coordinator of the festival.

Comic books can serve as an entry point for young boys or reluctant readers to the library, Ms. Day said.

The festival includes panel discussions, comic workshops, and presentations. It runs from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

It's an opportunity for black comic artists and creators to discuss their work with youth. Workshops will detail the creation of comics and how instructors can incorporate them into classrooms.

“The library is a perfect platform for something like this, because we're all about literacy, learning how to read, and drawing,” Ms. Day said.

Imani Lateef, owner of Peep Game Comix, is serving as co-coordinator.

The Toledo School for the Arts concert is 3 to 5 p.m. Guest pianist Michael Peslikis will take part in a performance of 19th and 20th century works.

A full list of events is available at toledolibrary.org/black-history-month.

Contact Ryan Dunn at rdunn@theblade.com, 419-724-6095, or on Twitter @RDunnBlade.