This February, the library proudly celebrates Black History Month and explores this year’s theme, “African Americans and Labor.” From the unpaid, forced labor of enslaved Africans that built the foundation of the United States to the pivotal role African Americans played in industrialization, organized labor movements, and the service economy, this theme highlights their enduring contributions to the American workforce.
African Americans have been central to key industries:
Agriculture and Infrastructure: From plantation work under slavery to sharecropping during Reconstruction, African Americans provided the labor that powered the U.S. economy. For example, enslaved workers constructed iconic structures like the White House and U.S. Capitol, while Black sharecroppers in the South produced the cotton that fueled America’s industrial growth.
Industrial Labor: During the Great Migration, African Americans moved to northern cities, filling critical roles in manufacturing, railroads, and steel production. Despite unsafe conditions and discriminatory practices, they were instrumental in the development of the automobile and steel industries in cities like Detroit and Pittsburgh. The Pullman porters, led by A. Philip Randolph, also fought for fair wages and dignity in the rail industry, organizing the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters—the first predominantly African American labor union.
Civil Rights and Union Movements: The 1968 Memphis sanitation workers strike highlighted the intersection of labor rights and civil rights. Workers carrying signs reading “I Am a Man” demanded safe working conditions and fair pay, drawing support from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., who gave his final speech in solidarity with their cause.
Healthcare and Education: African Americans have long addressed the needs of underserved communities. Pioneers like Dr. Charles Drew revolutionized medicine by developing blood banking techniques, and Mary McLeod Bethune founded schools and advocated for education as a means of empowerment. Today, African American educators and healthcare workers continue to break barriers and advocate for equity.
Military and Government Service: Black soldiers, despite enduring segregation and discrimination, have played pivotal roles in every major U.S. conflict. The Tuskegee Airmen, an all-Black squadron of World War II pilots, not only excelled in combat but also challenged stereotypes, paving the way for integration in the military. In government, figures like Shirley Chisholm—the first Black woman elected to Congress—have reshaped policy and representation.
This month, the library will feature books showcasing these stories--and more--of resilience, innovation, and determination. Join us in celebrating the Black laborers, inventors, and leaders who have shaped our nation’s history, economy, and culture.
Did You Know...
...you can check your library record on your own? Watch this video on our website to learn how to access your library account online in order to see what books you have checked out, when they're due, and whether you owe any fines or fees. When you're logged in to your library account, you can also create a TBR list using the "favorite" button or put a currently unavailable book on hold so that you'll be the first to receive it when it's returned. This is a great feature for folks who've been frustrated by our most popular books never being on the shelf--if you want to read A Good Girl's Guide to Murder or any of the Colleen Hoover we have, then you want to try placing a hold!
The Heat Was On!
Thursday, January 23, North High turned up the heat in its annual Staff Cookoff! Teachers, administrators, and staff showed off their cooking skills with dishes ranging from savory soups to indulgent desserts.
After the votes were counted, Mr. Alejandre took first place in the dip category with his creamy, zesty guacamole; Mrs. Cabatan triumphed in the soup category with her Dill Pickle Delight; and Ms. Rivera dominated desserts with her Magnolia Bakery-dupe banana pudding. Other favorites included Mrs. Tibbils' sophisticated pan-friend onion dip, Mrs. Barth's Peruvian aguadito de pollo, and a moist tres leche cake from Mr. Segovia. Ms. McCarthy, Mrs. Burris, Mrs. Abyaneh, Mrs. Nichols, Mr. Sweet, Mrs. Ingram, Mr. Nitake, Ms. Martinez, Mr. Estabrook, Mr. Mingham, Mrs. Wightman, Mr. Masaoka, and Mrs. Till all contributed delicious dishes to the competition as well.
It turns out your teachers aren’t just talented in the classroom—they’re stars in the kitchen, too. Maybe you can get a few new recipes to impress your family from them if you ask nicely!
Monday Fun Days!
The library is a purpose-driven space, where you go specifically to quietly read, study, or relax, offering a rare opportunity to focus during busy times like break and lunch.
It’s also a place to build community. Whether you're working on a group project or discussing books, we encourage collaboration and connection. To celebrate this, we’ve introduced Monday Fun Days! Every Monday the library is open, we’ll have a new lunchtime activity for you and your friends to enjoy. Our first Fun Day featured board and card games available for checkout. Upcoming Fun Days:
2/3: Make your own Valentine! We'll supply cards and envelopes, solid and
patterned paper, embellishments, glue, and scissors. You bring your own pens and coloring supplies!
2/10: No school
2/17: No school
2/24: Famous romances trivia! Test your knowledge of famous couples, iconic love stories, and legendary romances from history, literature, and pop culture.
3/3: Library open only at lunch at only for book checkout and printing. Tutoring will happen after
school, as usual.
Please be aware that:
Your school ID may be required to check out supplies or materials. Make sure you have it with you on Mondays--and every day!
Ms. Masters and Mrs. Clarkson will still be expecting your usual excellent library behavior: low voices, four students to a table, appropriate use of the library's space and supplies, etc.
Because supplies are finite, we will be limiting library attendance more than usual on Monday Fun Days. If you aren't interested in participating in the day's activity, please consider finding someplace else to hang out for lunch so those who are interested can get in!
Library Closures
Thursday, February 6: Library will be fully closed all day for testing. This means no Saxon Time session, either.
Friday, February 7: No school: Staff development
Monday, February 10: School holiday: Lincoln's birthday
Tuesday, February 11: Library closed at lunch for AP calculus information meeting
Wednesday, February 12: Library closed at lunch for AP English language information meeting
Monday, February 17: School holiday: President's Day
Thursday, February 27: No Saxon Time session in the library today
Monday, March 3: Library open only at lunch and only for printing and book checkout
For service when the library is closed, please visit the textbook window. And r
emember that the College & Career Center (K1) has computers and a printer for your use. Please talk to Mrs. McKelvey for her schedule.
We sometimes have to close the library unexpectedly and without notice, which we realize is inconvenient, but is also unavoidable. Whenever the library is closed, there will be a sign in front of the doors saying so. Please do not walk by this sign and enter the library when it's closed.
Reminders
Celebrate National Hot Chocolate Day on Friday, January 31 by picking up a cup of cocoa at the library before school or at break!
Please renew or return your books on time. The library has due dates to make sure everyone has a fair chance to use our books and resources. When items are returned on time, it allows other students to check them out and enjoy them too. It's all about sharing and making sure the library works for everyone! Not sure when your book is due? Look at the date stamp inside the front cover.
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