Event Dispatch: Snagging Free Reads by Black Authors
MBA student Lucy Brice ’27 picked up a free book at the Book Table, a monthly event hosted by the Office of Community Engagement and Dialogue. February’s titles honored the 100th anniversary of Black History Month.
In this series, students answer quickfire questions about events across campus.
Event: Book Table
Host: Office of Community Engagement & Dialogue (OCED)
Location: Outside Ross Library, Evans Hall
Date: February 10, 2026
What was the event? A free book table! OCED does these monthly, and each one has a different theme. This table was for Black History Month.
Who showed up? Lots of students. I was happy to see how diverse the crowd was; sometimes, people assume affinity-themed events are only for that affinity group. Books are limited and go fast, so you have to come early. First-years actually have a mandatory lunch event right now, but we set alarms so we could rush up here to grab books. They’re going to be wondering where we all are.
What happened? Students got to take home free books. I’ve been to Book Tables before, but this is the first time I’ve actually managed to get one for myself! I chose the historical fiction novel Harlem Rhapsody by Victoria Christopher Murray. I usually go for autobiographies and memoirs, but I thought this novel could be something fun to read in my spare time. I’m also trying to build my book collection, so I was looking for books that I hadn’t seen before and that my sister doesn’t already own.
Key takeaway? Events like this matter because we’re here to be exposed to new ideas. Buying books can be expensive and sometimes library checkout times are too short, so it’s nice that OCED is giving us free books.
Who should go next time? Anyone who thinks they’re not really a “reader”—and anyone who might be underestimating this event! Even if you feel like you don’t have the time to start a new book, it’s nice to come out and see your classmates. Asking someone what they picked can be a great conversation starter, and their choices might even pique your interest.
