ABOUT THE COLLECTION

Established in December 1989, the Art Tatum African American Resource Center maintains nearly 4,000 printed sources and documentary materials for the study of Black history and culture.
The Resource Center, a dedicated space located inside of the Kent Branch in Toledo’s historic Old West End neighborhood, is named in honor of town native Art Tatum (1901-1956), whose long and noteworthy contributions to jazz piano nurture the Center’s lifelong learning and local community partnership initiatives.
The Resource Center hosts quarterly public programs available to all Library customers. Additionally, the work of local artists is regularly exhibited within Kent Branch’s public art spaces.

Author Talk | Terry Crosby

Do You Have the Balls?

(Sa) March 29 | 2 — 4 p.m. | Kent

Terry Crosby will speak at the program, followed by a question-and-answer session. This event is free, and book sales and signing will occur after the program. 

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Art Tatum Book Club

Martyr! by Kaveh Akbar

(Th) April 24 | 5:30 — 6:30 p.m. | Kent

A discussion group dedicated to readings from the Library's Art Tatum African American Resource Center.

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Art Tatum Book Club

The Man Who Sold Air in the Holy Land by Omer Friedlander

(Th) May 29 | 5:30 — 6:30 p.m. | Kent

A discussion group dedicated to readings from the Library's Art Tatum African American Resource Center.

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Jazz Film Screening

I Called Him Morgan (91 Min), NR

(W) June 18 | 6 — 7:45 p.m. | Kent

A film program devoted to exceptional films with a flair for Jazz.

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Art Tatum Book Club

James by Percival Everett

(Th) June 26 | 5:30 — 6:30 p.m. | Kent

A discussion group dedicated to readings from the Library's Art Tatum African American Resource Center.

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Art Tatum Book Club

Wild Girls: How the Outdoors Shaped the Women Who Challenged

(Th) July 24 | 5:30 — 6:30 p.m. | Kent

A discussion group dedicated to readings from the Library's Art Tatum African American Resource Center.

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Art Tatum Book Club

Giovanni's Room by James Baldwin

(Th) August 28 | 5:30 — 6:30 p.m. | Kent

A discussion group dedicated to diverse voices, perspectives, and authors. We'll aim to construct a meaningful conversation about anti-racism and embrace the diversity of our community.

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Art Tatum Book Club

Everything Inside by Edwidge Danticat

(Th) September 25 | 5:30 — 6:30 p.m. | Kent

A discussion group dedicated to readings from the Library's Art Tatum African American Resource Center.

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