The Center for Black Literature and Culture at Central Library now features five digital kiosks dedicated to different aspects of Black life and culture in Indianapolis, as well as a new website with 3D artifacts.
The upgrades represent phase two for the center, which opened in 2017.
Amira Malcom, the center’s project manager, said during an unveiling event March 22 phase two represents “a modern look at Black life in Indianapolis.”
The new kiosks allow visitors to look at five different aspects of Black life in Indianapolis: Black heritage, Black literature, Black culture, the African diaspora and Black librarianship.
The website, cblc.indypl.org, includes 3D artifacts that have been scanned from the library, state museum and Crispus Attucks High School. Everything on the kiosks in the center’s physical space is also available online.
“We want our space to be both windows and mirrors,” founding manager Nichelle M. Hayes said. “Windows for people that are not part of the African diaspora, for them to learn about our rich culture and heritage; and mirrors for people that are part of the African diaspora, for them to learn about themselves more deeply.”
The center, located in the R.B. Annis West Reading Room at Central Library, has more than 10,000 books, CDs, magazines, movies and research tools.
Contact staff writer Tyler Fenwick at 317-762-7853. Follow him on Twitter @Ty_Fenwick.
