Lincoln Library Hosts Black Authors Book Club

Library's ongoing book club celebrates Black literature and experiences year-round

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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The Lincoln Library in Springfield, Illinois is hosting a Black Authors Book Club event on February 24th from 5:00pm to 7:30pm in the DeFrates Room. The book club, which is not just for Black History Month but an ongoing program, features the book "South to America" by Imani Perry. Lana Shovlin of the Lincoln Library invited the public to join the discussion and learn more about the Black experience through literature.

Why it matters

The Lincoln Library's Black Authors Book Club provides an important platform to elevate Black voices and perspectives, fostering greater understanding and appreciation of the Black experience. In a state capital like Springfield, this initiative helps promote diversity, inclusion, and representation in the local community.

The details

The Lincoln Library's Black Authors Book Club event on February 24th will feature a discussion of the book "South to America" by Imani Perry. The book club is an ongoing program at the library, not just limited to Black History Month. Lana Shovlin, a librarian at the Lincoln Library, invited the public to attend the event and join the conversation about Black literature and experiences.

  • The Black Authors Book Club event is scheduled for February 24th, 2026 from 5:00pm to 7:30pm.

The players

Lana Shovlin

A librarian at the Lincoln Library who spoke about the upcoming Black Authors Book Club event.

Imani Perry

The author of the book "South to America" that will be featured at the Lincoln Library's Black Authors Book Club.

Will Stevenson

The host of WTAX's Morning Newswatch, where Lana Shovlin was interviewed about the Black Authors Book Club.

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What they’re saying

“February 24th is our Black Authors Book Club, This Book Club isn't just in Black History Month. This Club is an ongoing club through The Library. This is a way to create a space for readers to learn and share in The Black Experience by using black authors. This month we are featuring a book called, 'South to America' by Imani Perry”

— Lana Shovlin, Librarian, Lincoln Library (WTAX Morning Newswatch)

What’s next

The Lincoln Library's Black Authors Book Club event on February 24th is open to the public, and anyone interested in attending can visit the library's website or call for more information.

The takeaway

The Lincoln Library's ongoing Black Authors Book Club demonstrates the institution's commitment to celebrating diversity, promoting representation, and fostering greater understanding of the Black experience through literature. This initiative serves as an inspiring example for other community organizations to create inclusive programming that elevates marginalized voices.