North Central Washington Libraries is celebrating Black History Month in February with reading lists and a reading challenge to celebrate African-American authors, voices and experiences.

Readers of all ages can join the monthly reading challenge at the library website at ncwlibraries.org now to sign up. The reading challenge will take readers through cultural history in America from the Civil Rights Movement to current day. Lists containing highlighted books and resources from past lists can also be found on the website.

A new book list with recommendations for the month of February will be posted early next week on the library website and social media pages. Amanda Brack, adult services manager with NCW Libraries, said a committee of staff members meet each month to compile the monthly book lists and reading challenges.

“Celebrating Black History Month is just one part of our systematic effort to highlight diverse authors and voices and experiences through our programs and services,” Brack said. “And during the pandemic, we’ve really been trying to provide even more reader advisory through our website and social media pages.”

In addition to the lists and resources on the website, Brack said librarians will continue to post book recommendations throughout the month. Anyone interested in the reading challenge will need a library card to participate, but reading lists are free to anyone. Signup for a electronic library card is available on the NCW Libraries website too.

All of the books and materials recommended for the month by staff are available in as many formats as possible including print, digital and audio, if available.