Black Life in America

From 1704 to today, discover the history and impact of African Americans as recorded by the news media.

  • Learn about the profound impact that people of African descent have had on American history.
  • Get critical perspectives on the experiences of being Black in America.
  • Delve into the history, culture, and daily life of Black people in America.
  • Explore issues of equity and race, including how the dominant culture has portrayed and perceived people of African descent throughout the centuries.

What You Get

  • Includes coverage from 400 Black-owned newspapers to 19,000 American and global news sources - across four centuries
  • Updated daily with new content
  • Search by date, source location, or keyword
  • Sections include: 1704-1877 (Arrival in America through Reconstruction), 1878-1975 (Jim Crow through the Civil Rights Movement) and 1976-Today (Black History Month to Today)

Let our expert Jayme show you how in this video tutorial.

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    If you've temporarily misplaced or lost your library card, request your library card number via this form.

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    A replacement card will be mailed to your address on file.

    To obtain information about your account or update your contact information, you must show your government-issued photo ID (or school ID with the current school year's date clearly indicated) at the welcome desk or contact your school delivery representative.

    You are responsible for all items checked out on your library card, so make your report as soon as possible. There is no charge for replacing your card.

    Note: Your library card number will change when it is replaced. This may affect your access to existing holds or items through the library's ebook services. This may also affect your access to your account balance for printing.

  • The privacy of your library card account is a responsibility we take very seriously. For your protection and in accordance with Ohio law, you must provide proof of identification to receive information regarding your account.

    For more information, refer to Public Services Policies. Section: Releasing Library Account Information.

  • You can manage your family's accounts by linking them with yours.

    • Stop in the library and visit with a staff member at the welcome desk.
    • Show us your library card as well as the library card of the family member you want to link accounts with.
    • You and your family member must have the same home address listed on your account to be eligible.

    Benefits of linked accounts include:

    • You can use your own library card (or driver's license) to pick up reserves for linked family members. (Note: If your account is blocked due to billed items or overdue fines of $10 or more, you will not be permitted to pick up items for your linked family members.)
    • You can use your own library card (or driver's license) to access information about linked accounts, such as checked out items, items on hold and fines via phone or in person.
    • Your linked family members can access information about your account or pick up reserves on your behalf using their own library card.

    Note: Currently, there is no easy way to "switch" between library card accounts on the website or in the mobile app. You will need to log out of your account, then log in to your family member's account. We have submitted a request with our third-party vendor for additional functionality to manage family accounts and plan to implement if/when it becomes available.

Meet the Staff

Kristen C.

When she’s not working with kids here at the library, you might find her on the bike trail or baking up a sweet treat.

Ashleigh M.

Ashleigh loves to see people grow and become their best selves here at the library.

Amanda A.

When she’s not telling you about all the amazing things available for kids at the library, she’s likely watching a British mystery.

Catie W.

Catie enjoys sharing her favorite audiobooks, cookbooks, and graphic novels with library visitors.
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