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Saint Paul libraries launch Read Brave program with Nnedi Okorafor’s Akata Witch and school visits
Summary
The library presented Read Brave, a citywide book program that purchased about 5,000 copies of Akata Witch (Nnedi Okorafor) and will distribute 3,000 to Saint Paul students, host school visits and community events including author engagements and arts programming.
Saint Paul Public Library staff briefed the board on Feb. 5 about Read Brave, the library’s annual citywide book program. Staff said the library purchased about 5,000 copies of the year’s title, distributed roughly 3,000 to schools and will hold author and community events later in March.
Stacy (library staff) described Read Brave as a yearlong series that centers a young-adult title for community conversations; Marlena Okechukwu, who presented on the book, said the selection is Akata Witch by Nnedi Okorafor. Okechukwu said the novel is an example of African futurism that “centers African spirituality, African mythology, magic” and that the title’s name is intentionally provocative: "Akata is a derogatory term ... reserved solely for black Americans," she said, explaining the book’s themes and why it was chosen as a “brave” title.
Gao Yang summarized Read Brave programming. Staff said Nnedi Okorafor will visit Saint Paul public schools and community events (presentations referenced March 25–26). School visits listed in the presentation include Central High School, Harding High School, Johnson High School, Humble High School, Open World Learning Community and Cromwell Park Senior High School. Staff said the program places books directly into students’ hands, pairs classroom visits with public events and includes community programming such as "The African Art of Healing," a youth panel event titled Read Brave, Talk Brave moderated by Mayor Carter, performances and artwork commissioned in response to the book.
Staff framed Read Brave as a literacy and civic-engagement effort: distributing thousands of copies to young readers, creating classroom opportunities with the author and hosting intergenerational events that pair conversation with artistic experiences. No board action was required for the report; staff said details and schedules would be posted online and that library programs will continue to emphasize youth engagement and community dialogue.
