Celebrate African American History
Browse reading recommendations handpicked by library staff, history-related blogs, and more.
📕 Reading Recommendations for Adults
🔍 Research
African American Fiction
Fiction, from a wide array of genres, all written by and about African American people.
New African American Nonfiction
New nonfiction by and about African Americans.
African American Success Stories
These books chronicle the stories of people rising from poverty to success against a backdrop of segregation and discrimination.
African American Romance
Engaging romance novels by and about African Americans.
African American Fiction
Fiction, from a wide array of genres, all written by and about African American people.
New African American Nonfiction
New nonfiction by and about African Americans.
African American Success Stories
These books chronicle the stories of people rising from poverty to success against a backdrop of segregation and discrimination.
African American Romance
Engaging romance novels by and about African Americans.
Local African American Historical Sites
Our surrounding counties have houses, churches, and museums of great importance to African American history and heritage.
Westmoreland's African American History
Learn more about Westmoreland County’s African American history, which dates back to the 17th century.
Local African American History
Books, websites, and DVDS on African American history in our community and elsewhere in Virginia.
Local African American Historical Sites
Our surrounding counties have houses, churches, and museums of great importance to African American history and heritage.
Westmoreland's African American History
Learn more about Westmoreland County’s African American history, which dates back to the 17th century.
Local African American History
Books, websites, and DVDS on African American history in our community and elsewhere in Virginia.
Ancestry for Virginians
The Library of Virginia provides access to select collections and content through an agreement with Ancestry.com.
Genealogy Research Tips for Finding Enslaved Ancestors
Here are some research tips and resources that you can use to break through into the past and find your family.
Black Freedom Struggle in the United States
Find historical newspaper articles, diaries, and more marked by the opposition African Americans have faced on the road to freedom.
Ancestry for Virginians
The Library of Virginia provides access to select collections and content through an agreement with Ancestry.com.
Genealogy Research Tips for Finding Enslaved Ancestors
Here are some research tips and resources that you can use to break through into the past and find your family.
Black Freedom Struggle in the United States
Find historical newspaper articles, diaries, and more marked by the opposition African Americans have faced on the road to freedom.
African American Innovators Interactive Activity Series 2025
Featured Innovators (photo left to right):
- Mae Jemison,engineer and astronaut
- Jerry Lawson, video game engineer
- Wallace Amos, founder of Famous Amos Cookies
- Bass Reeves, cowboy and explorer
- Alma Thomas, artist
Join us again next year for a brand new series!
African American Inventors Video Series
Our Stories: The African American Experience for Children
Experience the brave and inspiring voices through these African American books for children up to grade 6.
Our Stories: The African American Experience for Teens
Experience the brave and inspiring voices of African Americans through these African American books for young adults.
African American Inventors
Check out these titles for children and teens featuring the life and works of African American inventors, scientists, and innovators.
Our Stories: The African American Experience for Children
Experience the brave and inspiring voices through these African American books for children up to grade 6.
Our Stories: The African American Experience for Teens
Experience the brave and inspiring voices of African Americans through these African American books for young adults.
African American Inventors
Check out these titles for children and teens featuring the life and works of African American inventors, scientists, and innovators.