Telling A People’s Story: African-American Children’s Illustrated Literature Exhibition includes 130 pieces of art from 33 artists and 95 books, and spans 50 years of creativity. The exhibition can be viewed at the Delaware Library from January 3-31, and Orange Branch Library from February 1-28. Read on for more details!

Organized by the Miami University Art Museum through a grant from the Martha Holden Jennings Foundation, for the first time, African-American children’s illustrated literature is the focus of a museum exhibition. This presentation of this genre offers a lens into the cultural, historical, and social makeup of African-American cultural identity, while also shedding light on the long-neglected world of African-American authors and illustrators in the pantheon of children’s literature. The featured artists include Caldecott medalists and honorees like John Steptoe, Ashley Bryan, E.B. Lewis, Leo and Diane Dillon, R. Gregory Christie, and Jerry Pinkney. Make plans now to experience Telling A People’s Story at your library!

More Programs

Along with this special exhibit, we’re offering programs throughout January and February celebrating Martin Luther King Jr. Day and Black History Month. Celebrated author and illustrator R. Gregory Christie will inspire both children and adults with painting and bookbinding classes, and will offer guided tours of the exhibition. “Meet Dr. King,” performed by Bright Star Touring Theater, is an introduction to an American hero and will inspire young audiences to use peace, leadership, and conflict resolution in their own schools and communities. February’s Virtual Bookclub selection is “The Nickel Boys” by Colson Whitehead. Awarded the 2020 Pulitzer Prize, this novel chronicles the true story of The Dozier School for Boys, a now-closed juvenile reform school that operated in Florida for 111 years. Bright Star Touring Theatre will return to Delaware in February with African Folktales, a celebration of world cultures, literature, and the art of interactive African storytelling.