YOUNGSTOWN The Youngstown Creative Collective (YCC) hosted a Kwanzaa event Saturday inside Youngstown's Newport Library, consisting of a book swap and writing workshop.

"The Lit Exchange" focused on stories of self-determination, the second principle of Kwanzaa, also known as kujichagulia.

The event, according to event organizer and YCC Director Joseph Napier, centered around exchanging information and knowledge through swapping loosely used books that they are willing to part with.

"This is something we should celebrate and practice every day of the year," Napier said. "Doing it at the end of the year, kind of gives us time to reflect on each principle, but it also gives us the opportunity to practice each principle in the New Year."

Napier says that with the celebration going on until Jan. 1, he hopes the spark in attendees will stay until the end of the year.

A full list of Youngstown area Kwanzaa events can be found here.