It Starts With Me!

A Beyond the Book Celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King

Celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. as area musical performers, spoken word artists and activities.

Bring your family as we fill the central library for an unforgettable day of celebration with live performances, reflective activities and engaging exhibitions that show the legacy of Dr. King's activism here in D.C. Families will also be able to sign up for the Beyond the Book Club and get a FREE book of your choice for your home library courtesy of the DC Public Library Foundation. (While supplies last.)

Performances By

Kyaira

Kyaira is a soul singer/songwriter currently based in Washington, D.C. Her unique powerhouse vocals and soothing undertones are similar to the likes of Lauryn Hill, Jill Scott, and Ari Lennox. Her voice is the warm hug you never knew you needed. Since arriving to the D.C. music scene in 2012, Kyaira has performed with her band in local District venues such as City Winery, Union Stage, Eaton Hotel, and Songbyrd. Kyaira also recently released her debut E.P "Almost 30", which surpassed over 15,000 streams in the first month of release! On the stage, Kyaira has opened up for artists such as Jade Novah, Candiace Dillard-Bassett, Nim, and DuPont Brass. 

Brent Birckhead

Saxophonist Brent Birckhead is an award-winning artist, whose aesthetic is an intersectional amalgam of traditional and popular styles. Unbound by genre, Birckhead’s approach to woodwind artistry is driven by his compulsion for creative risk and deep respect for legacy. His place in the continuum of a storied lineage begins with his surname, Birckhead, and extends to his extensive musical education and work ethic as a visionary approach to life as a rising leader. 

Seasons of Love

Seasons of Love is a small ensemble of the Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington DC. This diverse, 28-voice group sings sacred, R&B, pop, and Broadway music in the gospel style. The ensemble’s name (taken from the musical Rent) sums up their mission: to inspire listeners to experience love, passion, and inspiration through the power of music. 

For reasonable accommodations, please contact the Center for Accessibility at 202-727-2142 or DCPLaccess@dc.gov. For ASL or tactile interpretation, please allow at least seven (7) days notice.

Brought to you by the DC Public Library Foundation

The DC Public Library Foundation partners with the DC Public Library to enhance Washington, DC’s public libraries, bringing private philanthropy together with government support to ensure that our libraries deliver the highest quality of service to the District’s residents. With the help of many generous people, the Foundation provides educational programs for children and youth, workforce development training, cultural events, and collection enhancements for DC’s libraries.

About Beyond the Book

Beyond the Book is a literacy program centered on developing readers in kindergarten through third grade. By highlighting vibrant stories on a seasonal basis that represent the wonders of children's literature, Beyond the Book aims to inspire children and families to discover the many resources the library offers.

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