Markham Public Library Launches Revitalized Black Heritage Collection

MARKHAM, ON – May 2, 2023 – Twenty-three years after it was first launched, Markham Public Library (MPL) will celebrate the revitalized Black Heritage Collection (BHC) at Milliken Mills Library on Saturday, May 6 from 10 AM to 1 PM. With more than 1,200 items including both fiction and non-fiction titles, graphic novels, children’s books and audiobooks, the collection includes a range of topics as well as stories that tell the contributions of the Black community to society.

“Markham Public Library is the only York Region library system to have a dedicated Black Heritage Collection and as Canada’s most diverse municipality, we are continually looking for impactful ways to elevate the voices of our community,” says Markham Mayor Frank Scarpitti. “In close consultation with the Black community of Markham, we have listened and updated MPL’s collection with more than 1,200 items focusing not only on the Black Canadian experience but the full diaspora.”

First developed in 1990 and housed at Milliken Mills Library, the original Black Heritage Collection focused on the Black Canadian experience. In 2022, with community consultation and input from focus groups, the Library began the work of revitalizing the collection to reflect the changing interest and needs of the Black community in Markham. The updated collection now includes more items written by Black authors and is more reflective of Black perspectives and voices.

“The Black Heritage Collection, developed in consultation with the local Black community, provides identity-affirming books with stories and information told through the experiences of Black people,” says MPL CEO Catherine Biss. “The creation of this collection takes an equity informed approach to our collection development and is a critical part of MPL’s Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Access Strategy.”

While titles in the Black Heritage Collection will be highlighted and part of a permanent Black Heritage display at Milliken Mills Library, titles from the collection can be found at all Markham branches. 

The revitalization project supports MPL’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion goals as well as the City of Markham’s Eliminating Anti-Black Racism Action Plan by creating a more inclusive, equitable collection for the Black community in Markham. MPL has developed a web page for the BHC which includes community information, programs and events and recommended reading lists. The web page will be updated regularly with fresh content and feature new titles.

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Markham Mayor Frank Scarpitti's Office:
At mayorscarpitti@markham.ca.

All other media inquiries / interview requests for the City of Markham: 
Kisha Powell, Media Relations & Communications Specialist at kpowell@markham.ca.

About Markham: Markham, an award-winning municipality with more than 353,000 residents and the largest of nine communities in York Region, is home to over 650 headquartered companies and more than 1,500 high tech and life science companies. Markham is a leader in attracting foreign direct investment with more than 234 foreign companies located in the City. Founded in the 1790s, today Markham is Canada’s most diverse community and enjoys a rich heritage, outstanding community planning and services, and a vibrant local economy. 

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