Book Review: Schomburg: The Man Who Built a Library by Carole Boston Weatherford, Eric Velasquez

Schomburg: The Man Who Built a Library was written by Carole Boston Weatherford and illustrated by Eric Velasquez. Amid the scholars, poets, authors, and artists of the Harlem Renaissance stood an Afro–Puerto Rican named Arturo Schomburg. This law clerk’s life’s passion was to collect books, letters, music, and art from Africa and the African diaspora and bring to light the achievements of people of African descent through the ages. When Schomburg’s collection became so big it began to overflow his house (and his wife threatened to mutiny), he turned to the New York Public Library, where he created and curated a collection that was the cornerstone of a new Negro Division. A century later, his groundbreaking collection, known as the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture, has become a beacon to scholars all over the world.

Schomburg: The Man Who Built a Library is a wonderful look at the work and dreams of Schomburg. He did not want to discover the history and accomplishments that are often whitewashed from history for his own sake. As much as he loved the research, collecting, and learning he also loved teaching and sharing this information with others. I really enjoyed reading about poets, musicians, and activists that I did not know about (or know the whole story of). More importantly it inspired me to do more of my own research, and hopefully arrange a trip to the New York Public library to see this collection in person.  While some might find the book a little text heavy, I cannot imagine what could be cut out of the story without losing interesting and important information. In fact, there is so much more that could have been included that I think there was a good balance. The art did a good job of matching the text and keeping my interest. I think this would be a great addition particularly for school and library collections. It would be a great discussion starter and would also be a fantastic choice for inspiring student to research people that might not have received the recognition they deserve for their accomplishments.

Schomburg: The Man Who Built a Library  is a wonderful read and I highly recommend it.