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Bryan Loar
Contacts:
Bryan Loar, Co-Founder
Cbus Libraries
bryan [at] cbuslibraries.com
COLUMBUS, Ohio, June 17, 2021—Cbus Libraries, a grassroots initiative to champion libraries and the love of reading, is excited to announce plans to create The People’s Mural of Columbus. The mural will celebrate the writing of lauded Columbus poet and essayist, Hanif Abdurraqib. Columbus Artist Bryan Moss will lead a team in August to create an engaging piece that speaks to all.
In August, Cbus Libraries will host a celebration at Simakovsky Law to honor Hanif, the artists involved, and Columbus’ Black community. Follow us for the latest updates. The celebration will include:
- Mural dedication with MC Jevon Collins of the King Arts Complex
- Readings by Hanif Abdurraqib, Barbara Fant, Scott Woods, Dr. Carlotta Penn & more
- Music by DJ Krate Digga
- Gourmet fruit & veggie pops by Too Good Eats
- Family art activities by Maroon Arts Group
- Free book fair by Cbus Libraries
- Filming by Donte Woods-Spikes of Empathize with Me
Learn more about The People’s Mural of Columbus at cbuslibraries.com/peoples-mural.
About Hanif Abdurraqib
Hanif Abdurraqib is a New York Times bestselling poet, essayist, and cultural critic from Columbus, Ohio. His writing has been published in Pitchfork, The New Yorker, The New York Times, and several other notable publications. Hanif’s first collection of essays, They Can’t Kill Us Until They Kill Us, was released in 2017 by Two Dollar Radio and was named a book of the year by Buzzfeed, Esquire, NPR, Oprah Magazine, Paste, The Los Angeles Review, and The Chicago Tribune, among others. Hanif’s additional honors include the 2020 Ohioana Award for Poetry, 2020 Lenore Marshall Prize, being longlisted for the National Book Award and selected as a finalist for the Kirkus Prize. In 2021, he published A Little Devil In America (Random House). Hanif graduated from Beechcroft High School. Learn more at abdurraqib.com.
About Bryan Moss
Bryan Moss is an artist, visual storyteller, and teacher. He describes himself as a conduit for the community, and he recently completed a large-scale mural celebrating 100 years of White Castle history. His public murals and collaborations can be found sprinkled throughout downtown Columbus. The Columbus Museum of Art also recently tapped Bryan to help archive the home of his former mentor, artist Aminah Robinson. The fruits of his labor brought to life the exhibition, “RAGGIN’ ON: The Art of Aminah Robinson’s House and Journals.” Learn more at columbusmakesart.com/stories/bryan-moss.
About Cbus Libraries
Cbus Libraries’ mission is to champion Central Ohio libraries, library enthusiasts and the love of reading. Co-founded by two librarians, Andrea Dixon and Bryan Loar, Cbus Libraries reaches more than 9,000 online followers worldwide, features Central Ohio libraries, has raised nearly $1,500 for future librarians of color, and has gifted over 5,000 books to the community. Cbus Libraries is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Learn more at cbuslibraries.com.
The People’s Mural of Columbus is generously funded through individual donors, the Greater Columbus Arts Council, Two Dollar Radio, Simakovsky Law, and Cbus Libraries. If you would like to donate or sponsor, please go to cbuslibraries.com/support
Contacts:
Bryan Loar, Co-Founder
Cbus Libraries
bryan [at] cbuslibraries.com
COLUMBUS, Ohio, September 8, 2020—Since 2016, Cbus Libraries has created unique ways to advance the love of literature at festivals, events and public spaces. However, in 2020 the COVID-19 pandemic forced cancellations and necessary school and public library closures. In response, Cbus Libraries quickly developed Books for All, a free home delivery program for all ages. The nonprofit safely removed barriers of economics, time, travel and physical distancing to improve over a thousand Central Ohio lives.
Highlights
- 1,100+ free books delivered (marking 5k books gifted since 2016)
- 1,100+ recipients
- 350 homes
- Nearly 50 volunteers with 700+ miles driven
- In just two months!
Cbus Libraries is grateful to its dedicated volunteers, partners, donors & board who made Books for All a success!
About Cbus Libraries
Cbus Libraries’ mission is to champion Central Ohio libraries, library enthusiasts and the love of reading. Co-founded by two librarians, Andrea Dixon and Bryan Loar, Cbus Libraries reaches more than 9,000 online followers worldwide, features Central Ohio libraries and has gifted more than 5,000 books to the community. Cbus Libraries is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Learn more at www.cbuslibraries.com.
Courtney Johnson is incredible and, sometimes, an Incredible. Three years ago, we featured her classroom library. A lot has happened between now and then, and, as it’s the beginning of another school year, we took the opportunity to catch up.
After our 2015 feature, Courtney earned her Master of Library and Information Science degree and moved into a roving librarian role within Columbus City Schools. For two years she served 11 schools, a daunting task where time connecting with young scholars was precious. Courtney’s drive to create meaningful impact translated into building strong relationships and hosting exceptional authors, including the likes of ALA Stonewall Award Winner e.E. Charlton-Trujillo and Newbery Medal Winner Kwame Alexander.
Best Day Ever. -Courtney Johnson
Kwame Alexander’s visit with tour bus and guitarist Randy Preston was an incredible day for students. Kwame instantly connected with the kids, and over 200 copies of Rebound were gifted.
This school year has been a homecoming for Courtney. She rejoined Fort Hayes Metropolitan Education Center as their full-time librarian, and she’s already begun to innovate. By starting a Project LIT Book Club chapter at Fort Hayes, Courtney is placing contemporary literature that excites students in their hands. Further, she looks forward to connecting with other Columbus city schools and the community at large.
Help make reading contagious by supporting Courtney’s Project LIT chapter!
You can conveniently purchase books on Amazon that will go directly into the hands of students at the Fort Hayes high school. Learn more HERE.
What an exciting school year for Courtney Johnson, the students and faculty of Fort Hayes Metropolitan Education Center and Columbus City Schools. We wish everyone a great 2018-2019 academic year!