Aura Libraries: Essential reading for Black History Month

Black History Month is a celebration of the heritage, culture, and achievements of Black people in the UK, past and present. This year’s theme - Time for Change: Action Not Words - focuses on the importance of amplifying Black voices as well as togetherness and allyship. Literature, poetry and stories of all kinds are the perfect place to start and to honour this year’s theme, we have put together the following booklist of essential reading recommendations. We hope these titles inspire, inform and captivate our library members:

• Fiction:

The Fortune Men by Nadifa Mohamed

Rainbow Milk by Paul Mendez

Girl, Woman, Other by Bernadine Evaristo

Open Water by Caleb Azumah Nelson

This Lovely City by Louise Hare

Honey and Spice by Bolu Babalola

Girl, Woman, Other by Bernadine Evaristo

• Non-Fiction:

Black British Lives Matter by Lenny Henry and Marcus Ryder

Sista Sister by Candice Brathwaite

Black and British by David Olusoga

The Uncomfortable Truth about Racism by John Barnes

The Mixed Race Experience by Natalie Evans

Legacy of Violence by Caroline Elkins

• Poetry:

Somebody Give This Heart A Pen by Sophia Thakur

The Perseverance by Raymond Antrobus

Kumukanda by Kayo Chingonyi

Bless the Daughter Raised by a Voice in her Head by Warsan Shire

That Reminds Me by Derek Owusu

Pepper Seed by Malika Booker

Let us know what you think of our list and which books you would have included yourself. Find us on social media - @LlyfrgelloeddAuraLibraries on Facebook and Instagram and @LibFlintshire on Twitter.

These titles, and many more, are available to borrow from Aura libraries as either books, e-books or audiobooks. Remember: you can browse these titles and hundreds more on our online library catalogue! Our catalogue can be found on the Aura Wales website, here: www.aura.wales/libraries/search-reserve-or-renew

Aura Library members can download e-books and audiobooks free of charge from Borrowbox and Libby to a PC, laptop or Mac. Alternatively, you can download the Borrowbox and Libby apps directly to a smartphone or tablet.

To access most online library resources you will need to enter your library membership number and pin. If you do not have this then you can join up as a member online via the Aura website for instant access. All links and further details about our digital library resources can be found on our website: www.aura.wales/libraries

Celf Cymru session with Natalie J Griffiths

We are so excited to be hosting an extra special craft session at Mold Library with illustrator Natalie J Griffiths next month. This event is aimed at children aged three to six-years-old and organised by Menter Iaith Fflint a Wrecsam. Children will be able to create banners and have fun, all in support of Tîm Cymru/Team Wales on November 3 from 10.30am-noon. Booking is essential, please email maiwenn@menterfflintwrecsam.cymru to book or for further information. C’mon Cymru!

Beatles exhibition at Flint Library

This month, we’ve got a fantastic Beatles exhibition at Flint Library which showcases collectables and memorabilia collected by local resident Colin Davies. We will also be hosting a Beatles quiz on Thursday, October 27 at 2pm. The exhibition will run until Monday, October 31 - come along and take a look, very warm welcome to all!

Join us for Ffrindiau Darllen/Reading Friends

Stay connected with one of our Reading Friends/Ffrindiau Darllen shared reading groups: not only are they a great way to share stories and discuss the wonderful world of books, they also offer a space for people to stay connected and socialise. These sessions are suitable for adults of all ages. Contact your local library for more information. All contact details can be found on the Aura Wales website: www.aura.wales

Visit us on social media to view handy information about our services, events, and lots of book and audiobook recommendations.

From everyone here at Aura Libraries, thank you for reading, stay safe and we hope to hear from you or see you soon!

• Aura is a charitable, not-for-profit, organisation responsible for managing the majority of leisure, libraries and heritage services in Flintshire. Aura is owned by its employees and operates for the benefit of local communities.