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Severn News
Big Turnout for Zimmerman Library’s First Annual African American Read-In!
Following in the 20 year tradition of the National Council of Teachers of English, the Zimmerman Library hosted Severn’s first ever African American Read-In on February 17. All day the library buzzed with students browsing the extensive display of books by African American authors. Librarians Ms. Whitney Etchison, Ms. Diana Michel and Ms. Mary Coutts transformed the library with displays of artwork and quotes from African American artists with the soothing sounds early American jazz playing in the background. Middle and Upper School students came out in droves to grab a book, cozy up and read-in.
What is the African American Read-In?
From the NCTE website,"During the month of February, schools, churches, libraries, bookstores, community and professional organizations, and interested citizens are urged to make literacy a significant part of Black History Month by hosting an African American Read-In. Hosting an event can be as simple as bringing together friends to share a book, or as elaborate as arranging public readings and media presentations that feature professional African American writers."
It is part of the Zimmerman Library’s mission to maintain a collection that caters to diverse backgrounds, perspectives, interests and opinions. The Read-In was an opportunity to draw attention to one particular lens in that vision, our vast collection of literature written by African American authors. For Severn, the Read-In was a day of collective reading, immersed in the art and culture of African Americans throughout history.
"The Read-In was our chance to highlight African American authors, to showcase the talent, history, and culture of African Americans. This is just one way of participating in the ongoing conversation at Severn about diversity and inclusion. — Assistant Librarian Ms. Whitney Etchison"
"We want to celebrate ALL of us — not just the traditional canon of white male authors. So observing Black History Month by pulling all the books we own by African American writers is a way to celebrate a really large body of books we have collected in our library. It’s an impressive array, and the kids are having a great time digging in. It warms my heart to see kids cuddling up with a new book they have chosen and relaxing to the tunes of John Coltrane." —Head Librarian Ms. Mary Coutts
"While the library is always open to all students, we don’t always get the opportunity to have Middle and Upper school students mixed together. It’s nice for the younger kids to see older students and teachers reading — particularly African American authors. The community atmosphere gives them a chance to read something new without judgment and show their support of the library." — Library Associate Ms. Diana Michel
