Brenner Library at Quincy University is a welcoming and tranquil setting for learning, it also serves as an educational unit in terms of February every year. Brenner Library provides resources to teach students about African American culture and history, as well as showcase their excellence. Brenner Library created the Black History Month Book Display as part of the educational initiative to support this and numerous other programs. 

Haley Martin, a freshman at Quincy University states what she thinks about Black History and how she think it is celebrated and what resources help her on campus.

“I feel it is amazing that we celebrate Black History Month and that it is very important month to many different people. This month is a chance to be able to engage and learn more about the stories, achievements, and struggles of black people throughout history. Being able to recognize this history helps us to be able to understand where we are today and be able to build more inclusive future. I find resources for Black History Month at QU campus on the library catalog on the Brenner Library website,” Martin said.

Brenner Library’s collection includes books, academic literature, videos, periodicals, & other resources to support student learning. Resources are categorized by research subject area (African American History, Systemic Inequality, Literature, & Theological Studies) for easy access, and can be found in either the library (in print), or online. 

Dean of the Library and Information Services Katie Kraushaar is more than willing to help if you are curious in any background or information where to find Black History resources.

“The best place to start looking for Black History Month resources is actually in the library catalog. You can type ‘Black History Month.’you can type in any of the keyboards associated with African American history. names of specific people that you would like to find out more about. that will give you the opportunity to find not only the physical resources books, CD’s, vinyl records. We have a lot of really great jazz records and blues records and things like that as well,” Kraushaar said.

In addition to research material, library staff are available to assist students in finding quality research resources in the Brenner Library online databases. The library’s collection of online databases provides additional convenience to students. Online sources such as eBooks, video streaming services, and academic databases provide students with multiple perspectives of Black History. Brenner Library’s online databases are accessible to students anytime; therefore, they can continue their education regardless of their schedule. Several of these online resources feature a variety of primary sources, speeches, and archives that breathe life into history.

If you want to expand your personal understanding and knowledge base through learning experiences, Brenner Library’s physical and intellectual spaces will allow you to accomplish this goal. Distraction (physical display) is what gathers attention; however, the display serves primarily as something to help facilitate continued dialogue. The recognition of Black History Month reminds us all that education is a continual effort; therefore, gaining an understanding of the past is critical to creating a stronger tomorrow.