Library book club hosts anti-racism discussion

On June 26, on the steps of the old Davidson County Courthouse, the West Davidson Public Library Evening Book club is taking on a regional anti-racism Books With Purpose series.

Branch Manager Sedley Abercrombie said this series will be challenging for the Tyro-based group but believes it’s important for the Davidson County community in general. “This program hopes to help unite our community over the summer with a one-read initiative for all ages. In 2021, the focus is anti-racism and the program will be using books for preschool to adult readers by Dr. Ibram X. Kendi, Jason Reynolds and Sonja Cherry-Paul,” Abercrombie explained. “The WDPL Evening Book Club hopes to connect people from all walks of life in a meaningful discussion about racism and anti-racism after reading one of the selected books.”

The book club will meet on the steps of the Davidson County Historical Museum at 10 a.m. on Saturday, June 26. This is part of a larger initiative from Bookmarks, a Winston-Salem based bookstore and festival host.

According to its website, “The object of the program is to use the books as a starting point for discussion. Programming will occur throughout the summer and in all sections of the community as we aim to meet people in their comfort zones and in ways that invite listening, learning, reflecting and responding on the theme of anti-racism.”

Abercrombie noted that is one of the bold initiatives hosted by the West Davidson Public Library. The group’s desire is to recruit more Black, Indigenous and People of Color to participate in library activities. The group is working to expand diversity beyond the walls of the library, including with a display at a Juneteenth event on Saturday, June 19.

For more information visit, the West Davidson Public Library.