NYPL Center for Educators and Schools

Did you know? You can read an unpublished poem by author Zora Neale Hurston in NYPL's free curriculum guide, 'Black Women Writers'! Explore a unique glimpse inside Hurston’s inner world as a gifted female writer—plus, find this source, historical context, and discussion questions at the link in our bio.

One more month! Book a free field trip to the Schwarzman Building to view items celebrating 100 years of . Find a selection of rare items, including Phillis Wheatley’s 'Poems on Various Subjects, Religious and Moral'—the first published book of poetry written by a Black person. Book now at the link in bio!

Read 'The Girl Who Figured It Out,' the true story of Minda Dentler, the first female wheelchair athlete to complete the Ironman World Championship triathlon. Find ready-to-use questions, and activities in a free educator guide for NYPL's Vibrant Voices booklist: nypl.org/vibrantvoices

How do you stay civically engaged? Find free resources for educators, librarians, and families to bring civic empowerment to your classroom this Civics Week (March 9–13, 2026): on.nypl.org/civicsweek2026

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Discover the history of the first Pan-African American work of art, 'Ethiopia Awakening' by engaging in a gallery discussion, sketching activity, and close observation. Book a free field trip to explore this piece with your students: nypl.org/fieldtrips

How does Jaune “Quick-to-See” Smith draw attention to the anti-war cause through her artwork? Teach more about her piece—plus, invite NYC teens to share their stories on life in the U.S. for a chance to win up to $500 and more: nypl.org/wethefuture

Next week! Join us for a workshop on 'Hogtown, NYC,' a free curriculum guide for grades 3–5 that explores the history of the city's free-roaming pigs, public health, class conflict, and governance in the 19th century. Register now: on.nypl.org/hogtownlessons

Featured in this primary source, Paul Robeson was a singer and actor active in civil rights campaigns and labor activism. In 1950, representatives of the State Department informed him that he was obligated to hand over his passport. Do you think Robeson was censored? Explore this source, ready-to-use questions, and more in our free curriculum guide, Reading Dangerously: nypl.org/censorship

Twelve-year-old Cato wants nothing more than to play baseball and meet the best pitcher in Negro League baseball—but 1935 is still under Jim Crow. How do these laws affect Cato and his family? Find 'Warrior on the Mound,' ready-to-use questions, and activities in a free educator guide for NYPL's Vibrant Voices booklist: nypl.org/vibrantvoices

Next week! Join on Mon, Mar 2, in marking a decade of the book 'The Rebellious Life of Mrs. Rosa Parks.' Register today to attend a screening of the documentary—plus, hear from author Jeanne Theoharis, PhD, on her groundbreaking work and strategies to bring this story into the classroom: on.nypl.org/4qF7Zm6

Born in 1903, once–135th Street Branch librarian Ella Baker was known for being a Civil Rights Movement organizer and strategist. Her political insights shaped the work of generations of organizers to come. Teach more about her and her work for the Young Negroes’ Co-operative League: on.nypl.org/EllaBakerBlog

This week! Join us on Feb 26 to explore titles selected in Vibrant Voices, a book list designed to promote discussion, expand understanding, and celebrate diverse voices. Plus—learn about everything the Schomburg Center has to offer to educators and students. Register: on.nypl.org/BeyondBHM