Ottawa, ON - Come, be a part of the celebration, and join Ottawa Public Library (OPL) in honoring the legacy and impactful contributions of the Black community locally and worldwide. The Library is hosting events and has a diverse collection of resources, which aims to explore the historical significance and contemporary influence of the Black community.
OPL invites all to discover Black history in person or online. All events are free of charge, embracing inclusivity and accessibility for everyone.
On February 8, at 7 pm - 8:30 pm: Join us at 101 Centrepointe Drive to hear from author Kai Thomas in conversation with Jamaal Amir Akbari- learn more about his debut award winning novel, In the Upper Country.
On February 15 at 7 pm - 8:30 pm, join us for a French event at 515 rue Côté, with author Blaise Ndala in conversation with Marie-Célie Agnant, and let yourself be transported into a literary world while discussing his novels.
Both of these one-hour events will be followed by 30 minutes of book signings and a “meet & greet” with the audience, providing a unique opportunity to connect with the author. While these take place in person, they will also be live-streamed on OPL's YouTube page. To attend the in-person portion of the author events, please register in advance via OPL’s website. These author events are made possible thanks to the generosity of the Friends of the Ottawa Public Library Association.
In addition to our hybrid events, various library branches will be screening thought-provoking Black films, offering a cinematic journey through history and culture. Showtime details will be available on OPL’s program and events listing.
Sampling books – and that means eBooks, audiobooks, eAudiobooks as well as physical books – from OPL’s collection is always a great way to discover the history of Afro-Canadians' and their contributions to our cultural life. For fresh reading suggestions, check out the booklists for adults, teens and kids alike linked on OPL’s on BiblioOttawaLibrary.ca.