Skip to main content
Font size options
Increase or decrease the font size for this website by clicking on the 'A's.
Contrast options
Choose a color combination to give the most comfortable contrast.
Image for event: Author Talk | Amena Brown

Register 13 Seats Remaining

Author Talk | Amena Brown

Never Tell a Black Girl How to Black Girl
2026-07-18 15:00:00 2026-07-18 16:00:00 America/New_York Author Talk | Amena Brown Amena Brown discusses her essay collection, "Never Tell a Black Girl How to Black Girl," featuring essential tales about growing up in the South and the joy and beauty of being a Black girl. Lawrenceville Hooper-Renwick Branch - Lawrenceville Hooper-Renwick Meeting Room

Saturday, July 18
3:00pm - 4:00pm

Add to Calendar 2026-07-18 15:00:00 2026-07-18 16:00:00 America/New_York Author Talk | Amena Brown Amena Brown discusses her essay collection, "Never Tell a Black Girl How to Black Girl," featuring essential tales about growing up in the South and the joy and beauty of being a Black girl. Lawrenceville Hooper-Renwick Branch - Lawrenceville Hooper-Renwick Meeting Room

Lawrenceville Hooper-Renwick Branch

Lawrenceville Hooper-Renwick Meeting Room

Amena Brown discusses her essay collection, "Never Tell a Black Girl How to Black Girl," featuring essential tales about growing up in the South and the joy and beauty of being a Black girl.

Never Tell a Black Girl How to Black Girl blends storytelling, humor, and pop culture commentary to traverse the magic and wisdom she’s gleaned from being raised by Southern Black women, and supported by the community of Black women who hold her down today. After graduating from the International Black Girl Headquarters (the renowned HBCU Spelman College), Amena has built a career telling stories and celebrating Black womanhood. In her book, she shares stories of dancing in Janelle Monae’s “Tightrope” music video and partnering with Tracee Ellis Ross to compose odes to natural hair. She imparts essential life lessons from the Real Housewives of Atlanta, and tells hair tales, including wisdom on the ideal style for her first speaking gig at Essence Fest (box braids, 100 percent).

Books will be available for sale and signing from Charis Books & More. 

Registration is requested.

* By registering, you consent to signing up for the monthly Adult Programs newsletter. 

Amena Brown is a spoken-word poet and performing artist whose work interweaves keep-it-real storytelling with humor. She is the author of How to Fix a Broken Record and Breaking Old Rhythms. Her poetry was featured in the New York Times bestselling book Rhythm of Prayer. Brown was featured in Olay’s Face Anything campaign alongside Jennifer Hudson. She was also the poetic partner for PATTERN Beauty, Tracee Ellis Ross’s natural hair care and beauty brand. She lives in Atlanta.

Moderator Morgan Harper Nichols - Bestselling Author, Artist & Researcher Morgan Harper Nichols is a celebrated artist and author known for her viral poetry and illustrations exploring healing and connection. With over a million followers on Instagram, she is the creator of the Storyteller app and founder of Garden24.A PhD student at the University of Georgia, Morgan researches health narratives and digital media. Her work is deeply informed by her diagnosis of Autism and ADHD at age 31. Based in Atlanta, she serves on the Board of Directors for TWLOHA, bridging the gap between art,research, and community mental health.

Presented by Adult Services

AGE GROUP: | Ages 19+ |

EVENT TYPE: | Author Talk |

Lawrenceville Hooper-Renwick Branch
Hours
Skip Opening Hours widget
We're closed Friday July 03 due to Fourth (Observed)
We're closed Saturday July 04 due to Fourth of July
Mon, Jun 29 10:00AM to 8:00PM
Tue, Jun 30 10:00AM to 8:00PM
Wed, Jul 01 10:00AM to 8:00PM
Thu, Jul 02 10:00AM to 8:00PM
Fri, Jul 03 Closed
(Fourth (Observed))
Sat, Jul 04 Closed
(Fourth of July)
Sun, Jul 05 12:00PM to 5:00PM
previous
this week
next

Upcoming events

Skip Upcoming Events widget
Early Learning | Baby & Me Storytime
Mon, Jun 29, 10:30am - 11:15am
Peachtree Corners Branch
Join Ms. Mirka for a special tummy time to help your little one build confidence in social settings and develop their earliest literacy skills! Perfect for pre-walkers, ages 1 and under.
Early Learning | Baby & Me Storytime
Mon, Jun 29, 10:30am - 11:30am
Grayson Branch
Join Ms. Becca for a special tummy time just for babies designed to get them comfortable in social settings and develop their earliest literacy skills!
Summer Reading | Prehistoric Nation Visit
Mon, Jun 29, 10:30am - 11:30am
Duluth Branch
Learn about dinosaurs with our guest presenters, Prehistoric Nation! Meet a lifelike, walking dinosaur and get excited about these incredible prehistoric creatures.
Computer Literacy | Computer Basics
Mon, Jun 29, 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Lawrenceville Hooper-Renwick Branch
Join us for an informative computer class that will go over the very basics of using computers and how they function. This will be a two-part class designed for computer beginners that want to learn how to use laptops.
Registration is now closed
Language Learning | Conversations in English
Mon, Jun 29, 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Snellville Branch
Practice conversational English with non-native speakers. Work on pronunciation and new vocabulary words. Learn about your local library and the free digital resources.
Jobs & Careers | Discovering Resume Basics
Mon, Jun 29, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Centerville Branch
Join our program where we'll guide you through the essential elements of creating a standout resume. Learn how to effectively showcase your skills, experiences, and achievements while understanding formatting and design tips. Perfect for teens and adults!
Summer Reading | Prehistoric Nation Visit
Mon, Jun 29, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Suwanee Branch
Learn about dinosaurs with our guest presenters, Prehistoric Nation! Meet a lifelike, walking dinosaur and get excited about these incredible prehistoric creatures.
Culinary Arts | Food Camp: Having Fun with Physical Activity - Power up Parents & Children!
Mon, Jun 29, 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Duluth Branch - Duluth Meeting Room
Let's get moving! Families will learn how being active and making smart snack choices helps their bodies feel strong, happy, and energized.
Registration is now closed
Health & Wellness | What is Nålbinding? - History of Knitting
Mon, Jun 29, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Grayson Branch
Discover the ancient roots of fiber arts in this hands-on workshop exploring Nålbinding, the precursor to modern knitting.
STEM - Science | Sky Giants - Flying Prehistoric Animals
Mon, Jun 29, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Dacula Branch
Learn about the massive flying creatures that dominated the sky during the age of the dinosaurs.
Language Learning | Basic English for Korean Speakers
Mon, Jun 29, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Norcross Branch - Norcross Collaboration Room
Looking to learn English as a native Korean speaker? Join us on Mondays at 4:00 p.m. at the Norcross Library to learn English in a fun and welcoming setting with a bilingual instructor.
Registration is now closed
Literacy | Reading Buddies
Mon, Jun 29, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Snellville Branch
Join us to practice reading skills and become an active reader!
Summer Reading | Prehistoric Nation Visit
Mon, Jun 29, 4:30pm - 5:30pm
Collins Hill Branch
Learn about dinosaurs with our guest presenters, Prehistoric Nation! Meet a lifelike, walking dinosaur and get excited about these incredible prehistoric creatures.
Language Learning | Conversations in English
Mon, Jun 29, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Lawrenceville Hooper-Renwick Branch
Non-native English speakers who want to strengthen their conversational skills, build fluency, and increase confidence in using English through interactive discussions, engaging activities, and practical assignments.
Community | Knitted Together
Mon, Jun 29, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Peachtree Corners Branch
Join us in knitting and crocheting while connecting with other community members! All skill levels are welcome.
Learning Labs | CosMania Series - Intro to 3D Printing
Mon, Jun 29, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Duluth Branch - Duluth Makerspace
This Cosmania session focuses on how to use our 3D printing equipment and software to print your own cosplay props and accessories.
STEM - Technology | Digital Literacy Workshop
Mon, Jun 29, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Norcross Branch - Norcross Collaboration Room
Are you interested in learning more about technology, but you don't know where to start? Join us for a Digital Literacy 8-week workshop series where participants will learn about computers, the internet, and email basics.
This event is full
Jobs & Careers | Resume for ESL - A Resume Writing Workshop for English Language Learners
Mon, Jun 29, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Lawrenceville Hooper-Renwick Branch
Resume for ESL is a workshop for adult English learners who want to create or improve a professional resume. Participants will learn resume vocabulary, practice writing work experience, and leave with a completed resume draft.
Community | Tummy Time
Tue, Jun 30, 10:00am - 11:00am
Buford-Sugar Hill Branch
Playtime for pre-walker babies and their parents/caregivers to meet other families in the community.
Language Learning | Conversations in English
Tue, Jun 30, 10:00am - 11:00am
Hamilton Mill Branch
Practice English conversation on various topics based on a variety of subjects!
Early Learning | Toddler Time
Tue, Jun 30, 10:30am - 11:00am
Lilburn Branch
We will use books, music, rhymes, movement, and fingerplays to introduce pre-literacy and social skills to our toddlers.
Early Learning | Toddler Time
Tue, Jun 30, 10:30am - 11:30am
Grayson Branch
Join Ms. Becca for Toddler Time! Featuring engaging stories, fun songs, activities, and more, this program is designed to meet the developmental needs of toddlers, ages 1-2, and their caregivers.
Literacy | Reading Buddies
Tue, Jun 30, 10:30am - 12:30pm
Mountain Park Branch
Learn and practice reading skills one-on-one with a trained volunteer for 30 minutes.
Early Learning | Toddler Time
Tue, Jun 30, 10:30am - 11:15am
Collins Hill Branch - Collins Hill Meeting Room
Join us for a storytime just for the little ones! Designed for babies and toddlers, ages 3 and under, with a caregiver.
Early Learning | Toddler Time
Tue, Jun 30, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Buford-Sugar Hill Branch
This storytime uses simple books, songs, rhymes and movement activities to introduce early literacy skills to our youngest customers.
Early Learning | Preschool Storytime
Tue, Jun 30, 11:30am - 12:00pm
Lilburn Branch
Storytimes promote the early literacy skills that help children become ready to read with stories, games, and songs! For children 3-5 years and their caregivers.
Learning Labs | CosMania! Series - CosMania! Series: Prop Making 101
Tue, Jun 30, 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Duluth Branch
Learn to make your own props with foam and 3d printing.
Learning Labs | Podcasting For Your Business
Tue, Jun 30, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Snellville Branch - Snellville Recording Studio
Learn the basics of making a podcast to promote your business!
This event is full
Education | Ancient Emojis - Decoding the Past
Tue, Jun 30, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Norcross Branch - Norcross Meeting Room
Learn how to read hieroglyphics and write your own secret messages, and only you and your friends can read them.
Early Learning | Dino Storytime - Prehistoric Pals!
Tue, Jun 30, 2:30pm - 3:00pm
Centerville Branch
Welcome to Prehistoric Pals! Today, we are going on a dinosaur story time adventure.
Education | IDD: Open Your World Book Club
Tue, Jun 30, 3:15pm - 4:30pm
Virtual
Open Your World Online Book Clubs are for readers and aspiring readers to continue building their literacy skills by reading and discussing stories together. These books are provided by the library and encourage participants to come into the library to check out the physical copies to read along. We use adapted novels and short stories. In June, we will begin reading "The Invisible Man" by H.G. Wells.
Register
Hobbies | T-Rex Counted Cross Stitch Embroidery
Tue, Jun 30, 5:00pm - 6:00pm
Buford-Sugar Hill Branch
Join us as we learn how to create a T-Rex using the counted cross stitch embroidery technique!
Gaming | Chess Boards and Checker Crowns
Tue, Jun 30, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Peachtree Corners Branch
Come to learn how to play, learn more about, and/or come enjoy the classic board games of chess and checkers!
Learning Labs | Game Makers Group
Tue, Jun 30, 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Lawrenceville Hooper-Renwick Branch - Lawrenceville Hooper-Renwick Meeting Room
This is a weekly discussion group where we will cover a wide array of game-making topics and provide optional challenges and projects for aspiring game creators.
Writing | Budding Authors Teen Writing Club - Dinotopia
Tue, Jun 30, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Grayson Branch
Join us to discuss your creative writing ideas and connect with like-minded people who share your passion for writing. This month, we'll be writing stories set in a world where humans coexist with dinosaurs!
Education | Great Dinosaur Challenge - Facts and Trivia
Tue, Jun 30, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Duluth Branch - Duluth Meeting Room
Explore the incredible world of dinosaurs in this 4 week educational program. Participants will learn about different dinosaur species and then test their knowledge in a trivia game!
Learning Labs | Sewing Machine Basics
Tue, Jun 30, 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Peachtree Corners Branch - Peachtree Corners Makerspace and Recording Studio
Learn to use the library's sewing machines. Registration required.
This event is full
Writing | Universal Scribbles - Unearth a Story
Wed, Jul 01, All day
Virtual
Calling all teen writers and artists, join us in creating a literary magazine that will feature your stories, poems, and artwork. The theme for this issue is Unearth a Story. Registration Required.
Kindergarten Readiness | Kindergarten, Here We Come!
Wed, Jul 01, 10:30am - 11:30am
Collins Hill Branch - Collins Hill Meeting Room
Starting Kindergarten is a big step! Join us for a special storytime and fun activities to get your little one ready to start school!
Early Learning | Toddler Time
Wed, Jul 01, 10:30am - 11:30am
Snellville Branch
Join us for a storytime just for the little ones! Designed for babies and toddlers, ages 2 and under.
Early Learning | Toddler Time
Wed, Jul 01, 10:30am - 11:00am
Mountain Park Branch
Designed for babies and toddlers, this storytime uses simple books, music, and movement to introduce our youngest listeners to storytime. Join in the fun with Ms. Montoya as your toddler listens to stories, plays games, and sings songs! For children ages 0-2, and their caregivers.
Early Learning | Preschool Storytime
Wed, Jul 01, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Duluth Branch - Duluth Meeting Room
Join Ms. Sarah for a half-hour storytime with stories, rhymes, and songs for preschool-aged children (ages 2-5).
Early Learning | Preschool Storytime
Wed, Jul 01, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Buford-Sugar Hill Branch
This storytime uses simple books, music, rhymes and movement activities to introduce early literacy skills to our youngest customers.
Summer Reading | Today's Dinosaurs
Wed, Jul 01, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Lawrenceville Hooper-Renwick Branch
Join us to learn about the animals around us today that can trace their origins back to dinosaurs.
Early Learning | Preschool Storytime
Wed, Jul 01, 11:30am - 12:30pm
Snellville Branch
Preschool storytimes promote early literacy skills which help children become ready to read and promote school readiness. Join in the fun with Ms. Kathy as your preschooler listens to stories, plays games, and sings songs!
Early Learning | Preschool Storytime
Wed, Jul 01, 11:30am - 12:15pm
Mountain Park Branch
Preschool storytimes promote early literacy skills, which help children (ages 3-5) become ready to read and promote school readiness. Join in the fun with Ms. Montoya as your preschooler listens to stories, plays games, and/or participates in developmentally appropriate activities, and sings songs!
Learning Labs | Machine Embroidery Basics
Wed, Jul 01, 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Five Forks Branch - Five Forks Makerspace Classroom
Learn everything you need to get started with machine embroidery!
Computer Literacy | An Introduction for Adult Learners - How to use a Mouse and Keyboard
Wed, Jul 01, 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Hamilton Mill Branch
Learn the basics of computers and the many uses! Geared towards adult learners with hands-on instruction in a private group setting. Physical books will be available for check-out so you can continue learning on the go!
Learning Labs | Intro to 3D Printing
Wed, Jul 01, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Lilburn Branch - Lilburn Makerspace
Learn the basics of 3D Printing!
Community | Family Literacy Volunteer Information Session
Wed, Jul 01, 3:30pm - 4:30pm
Virtual
Learn more about upcoming Family Literacy volunteer opportunities.
Book Talk | Exploring US History With American Girl
Wed, Jul 01, 3:30pm - 4:30pm
Peachtree Corners Branch
Learn about how children lived at different points of American history through the American Girl book series. This installment focuses on {Felicity/Josefina/Addy/Molly/Melody}.
Culture | Write Like an Egyptian
Wed, Jul 01, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Lilburn Branch
Come decode Egyptian hieroglyphics and create your own secret message!
STEM - Science | The Great Library Bird Hunt! - Dino Style
Wed, Jul 01, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Centerville Branch
Come see the modern dinosaurs living all around us! Identify bird calls, build your own binoculars and go find birds local to Georgia inside your library!
STEM - Science | Super Science - Rube Goldberg Machines
Wed, Jul 01, 4:30pm - 5:30pm
Lawrenceville Hooper-Renwick Branch
Join us as we explore the science of Rube Goldberg machines and discuss how they work. For ages 6 - 11.
STEM - Engineering | Lego Challenge - Night at the Museum
Wed, Jul 01, 5:00pm - 6:00pm
Grayson Branch
Join us each month for a new LEGO Challenge! This month, use your imagination and engineering skills to create a museum full of dinosaurs and other animals throughout history!
STEM - Science | Meet the Rock Types!
Wed, Jul 01, 5:00pm - 6:00pm
Collins Hill Branch - Collins Hill Meeting Room
Get ready to rock! Participants will melt crayons to explore how Earth makes igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic rocks. This colorful lab helps kids see how heat, pressure, and cooling change rocks over time.
Learning Labs | Intro to 3D Printing
Wed, Jul 01, 5:00pm - 6:00pm
Hamilton Mill Branch - Hamilton Mill Makerspace & Recording Studio
Learn the basics of 3D Printing!
Literacy | Reading Buddies
Wed, Jul 01, 5:00pm - 7:00pm
Centerville Branch
Learn and practice reading skills one-on-one with our volunteer reading buddies. Sessions last 30 minutes and are first come first serve.
Learning Labs | Advanced Sewing - Make a Stenciled Summer Tote
Wed, Jul 01, 5:30pm - 7:00pm
Suwanee Branch - Suwanee Makerspace and Recording Studio
Join us in making a tote bag with a summer-themed iron-on design.
This event is full
Language Learning | Basic Korean
Wed, Jul 01, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Norcross Branch - Norcross Collaboration Room
Interested in learning a new language? Join us to learn Korean in a fun and welcoming setting with a bilingual instructor.
This event is full
Literacy | Reading Buddies
Thu, Jul 02, 10:30am - 12:30pm
Mountain Park Branch
Learn and practice reading skills one-on-one with a trained volunteer for 30 minutes.
Early Learning | Preschool Storytime
Thu, Jul 02, 10:30am - 11:30am
Grayson Branch
Join Ms. Becca for Preschool Storytime! Featuring engaging stories, fun songs, activities, and crafts to prepare your preschooler for Kindergarten, this program is designed to meet the developmental needs of preschoolers ages 3-5 and their caregivers.
Health & Wellness | Taichi for Wellness
Thu, Jul 02, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Offsite
Join us for Taichi at the Grayson Senior Center! This progressive Chen Style series introduces gentle, meditative movements that can build physical strength, improve balance, and reduce stress.
Learning Labs | Sew a Zipper Pouch
Thu, Jul 02, 11:00am - 1:00pm
Peachtree Corners Branch - Peachtree Corners Makerspace and Recording Studio
Learn to sew a zipper pouch. Registration required.
This event is full
Language Learning | Conversations in English
Thu, Jul 02, 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Mountain Park Branch
Join us to practice English conversational skills in a welcoming environment!
STEM - Science | Prehistoric Explorers - A 7-Week Dino STEM Series
Thu, Jul 02, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Lawrenceville Hooper-Renwick Branch
Prehistoric Explorers is a 7-week STEM adventure camp that invites students on an exciting journey into the world of dinosaurs. Through hands-on activities and interactive exploration, participants discover what dinosaurs were, how fossils form, and the legacy these prehistoric creatures left behind.
This event is full
Genealogy | Genealogy Club
Thu, Jul 02, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Lawrenceville Hooper-Renwick Branch
Get together with fellow family history enthusiasts to discuss genealogy resources and get advice on researching your family tree from an experienced researcher.
STEM - Science | Hands-On History - Make Your Own Fossil
Thu, Jul 02, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Collins Hill Branch - Collins Hill Meeting Room
Make your own fossil and discover how scientists learn from the past! Explore how fossils form and create a hands-on fossil imprint to take home.
READing Paws
Thu, Jul 02, 3:30pm - 4:30pm
Peachtree Corners Branch
Children ages 6-11 are invited to practice reading skills with trained therapy dogs. In branch registration required.
This event is full
Education | Jurassic Spelling Bee
Thu, Jul 02, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Snellville Branch
Compete on a prehistoric level! Learn about dinosaurs while testing your spelling and language skills. Sign up at the branch starting at 3:00pm.
Writing | Writers Club - Reading
Thu, Jul 02, 5:00pm - 6:00pm
Snellville Branch
Looking for a space dedicated towards the craft of writing? Come join our Writers Club! Each session will include quiet time to sit and write as well as open discussions and workshopping our pieces together. This month?s writing theme: Reading
STEM - Mathematics | Math Club
Thu, Jul 02, 5:30pm - 6:30pm
Hamilton Mill Branch
Math Club will help students learn basic math concepts and improve their skills.
Learning Labs | Weekly Screenwriting - Creating Stories for the Screen
Thu, Jul 02, 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Lilburn Branch
Attend this weekly program to begin learning how to write original and compelling screenplays. You DO NOT need to attend every session, but it is encouraged.
See all events