Chatham Community Library is set to welcome all to an engaging author event featuring the acclaimed writer Kelly Starling Lyons, alongside the musical talents of United Strings of Color and vocalist Taylor Smith. Scheduled for February 15, the affair offers a mix of literary conversation and artistic performance, slated to occur from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. in the Holmes Family Meeting Room at 197 NC 87 N, Pittsboro, NC 27312. The event is centered on Lyons' book Sing a Song: How Lift Every Voice and Sing Inspired Generations, and promises to be an enriching experience for the entire family.
The gathering does not require registration and is free of charge, providing an accessible cultural experience for the community. Kelly Starling Lyons, a founding member of The Brown Bookshelf and an award-winning author of children's literature, will lead the discussion on her work. According to Chatham County, Lyons is known for her mission to "center Black heroes, celebrate family, friendship, & heritage, and show all kids the stories they hold inside."
Lyons' bibliography stretches over 30 books, including notable titles like the Caldecott Honor recipient Going Down Home with Daddy, and the Christopher Award-winning Tiara's Hat Parade. Attendees can expect to delve into the themes and historical context of her work, particularly the inspiration drawn from the song "Lift Every Voice and Sing," often referred to as the Black national anthem, as per the Chatham County.
The United Strings of Color, a local ensemble, and vocalist Taylor Smith will augment Lyons' discourse with a live performance, bringing a sensory dimension to the exploration of the book's themes. This program is made possible thanks to an LSTA Grant Award, funded by the Institute of Museum and Library Services under the Library Services and Technology Act, as administered by the State Library of North Carolina, a division of the N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources, LSM grant number LS-256834-OLS-24, as stated by Chatham County.
