The Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County welcomed the community to celebrate culture and a love of books at their annual African American Read In. 

During the event, guests were treated to giveaways and live reading from works by African American authors. 

The Read-In is an initiative of the National Council of Teachers of English with the goal of making literacy a significant part of Black History Month.

"Our mission values as an organization is ensuring representation and making sure that everyone feels hears, that everyone can see themselves in the materials that we have in our collection and programming that we offer," said the library's public service manager, Randy Ebert. 

Evert also said that supporting reading and literacy initiatives helps to build a stronger community ... and gives a unique opportunity to educate the public about local history.