ReadMHK Read-In & Discussion: Black Authors

This event will be a different format than our regular book discussions. At a Read-In, participants can bring an excerpt to read aloud or perform for the group from a favorite book, poem, song, speech, etc. This program is a celebration of literature and other works by Black authors and creators.

Each person may have up to 5 minutes to read or perform, and we ask that material be appropriate for an audience including ages 12 and up. Afterwards, we will discuss what we've heard and share more about our experiences. Everyone is welcome! This is an informal group, and participants can choose to not read or present anything, but just listen and join in the conversation in whatever way is comfortable.

ReadMHK is a 9 month, all ages reading program aimed at building connections through books, shared experiences and conversations within our community. Each month has a different topic with reading suggestions for all age groups. The topics for ReadMHK can be found at mhklibrary.org/readmhk.

More information about the Read-In format:

Participate as a Presenter

If you would like to read, perform or share literature, poetry, speeches, and other works created by Black authors and artists, bring the piece you want to share with you. Please limit your piece to 5 minutes or less. If you need the use of media equipment, please arrive 15 minutes early so we can test it. We ask that material be appropriate for an audience including ages 12 and up.

Participate as a Listener

Listeners can just attend as part of the audience. 

What works should you share?

You can share picture books, excerpts from non-fiction or fiction books, poems, music, speeches or something else (let us know if you have a creative idea). The main requirement for this Read-In is to share works by Black authors and artists.

What is a Read-In?

This program is modeled after the event made popular by the Black Caucus of the National Council of Teachers of English in 1990. Their goal with the National African American Read-In (AARI) is to make literacy a significant part of Black History Month by encouraging communities to read together, centering African American books and authors.