Author: Ashley Barnes

Explore Black History & Culture with Kanopy

Posted on by Ashley Barnes

Kanopy is full of thoughtful, engaging, and entertaining films and documentaries. Take a look this Black History Month at one of the many films spotlighting Black history, culture, and talent.

She Did That
Don’t miss out on taking a peek inside the lives of Black women committed to opening doors for future generations. Learn about the passionate pursuits of Black women entrepreneurs including Lisa Price (Carol’s Daughter) and Melissa Butler (The Lip Bar).

Watch here

The Last Black Man in San Francisco
Jimmie dreams of reclaiming the Victorian home his grandfather built in the heart of San Francisco. As he struggles to reconnect with his family and reconstruct the community he longs for, his hopes blind him to the reality of his situation.

Watch here

Grace Jones: Bloodlight and Bami
This electrifying journey through the public and private worlds of pop culture mega-icon Grace Jones contrasts musical sequences with intimate personal footage, all the while brimming with Jones’s bold aesthetic.

Watch here

Check out these films too!

Black America Since MLK: And Still I Rise
Cruel and Unusual
Moonlight
Quest
I Am Not Your Negro
Beyond the Lights

Fall for a New Book!

Posted on by Ashley Barnes

Love is in the air! Maybe not in real life, but for characters in these romance books it sure is. If you are looking for a fun book to get ready for Valentine’s Day, make sure to check out Hoopla.

Don’t forget that you can check out up to 6 items, eBooks, music, tv shows, or movies a month, with no wait.

A Girl’s Guide to the Outback
By Jessica Kate
A Question of Us
By Mary Jayne Baker
Big Chance Cowboy
By Teri Anne Stanley
Cold Nose, Warm Heart
By Mara Wells
Country Heart
By Cindi Madsen

I Love You, Luke Piewalker
By Eliza Gordon
Love By Chance
By Kacy Cross
Owner of A Broken Heart
By Cheris Hodges
Remind Me
By Samantha Chase
The Dating Charade
By Melissa Ferguson
The Hating Game
By Sally Thorne
The Kissing Game
By Marie Harte

African American Voices on Hoopla

Posted on by Ashley Barnes

Happy Black History Month! To celebrate February, we wanted to highlight some great African American authors with books available on Hoopla. Do you know what’s really great about Hoopla? You can check out up to 6 items, eBooks, music, tv shows, or movies a month, with no wait. Go ahead and check them out!

A Kind of Freedom
By Margaret Wilkerson Sexton

An American Marriage
By Tayari Jones
An Extraordinary Union
By Alyssa Cole
Difficult Women
By Roxanne Gay
Freedom is a Constant Struggle
By Angela Y. Davis
In Love & Trouble
By Alice Walker
Miles Morales – Spider Man
By Jason Reynolds
The Gone Dead
By Chanelle Benz
The Perfect Find
By Tia Williams
The Sisters Are Alright
By Tamara Winfrey Harris
The Yellow House
By Sarah M. Broom
Things that Make White People Uncomfortable
By Michael Bennett

Let’s Focus on Fiction

Posted on by Ashley Barnes

We’re very excited about what’s hitting the Pratt shelves this month. We hope that you are too! Stop by your local branch and check out one of these fiction new releases.

A Long Petal of the Sea
By Isabel Allende
Read the book
Daughters of a King: A Tale of Love, Money & Drugs
By Kelsi McMeans
Read the book
Deep State
By Chris Hauty
Read the book
Hi Five
By Joe Ide
Read the book
Into the Fire
By Gregg Hurwitz
Read the book
Last Train to Helsingør
By Heidi Amsinck
Read the book
Queen of Bones
By Teresa Dovalpage
Read the book
The Lost Book of Adana Moreau
By Michael Zapata
Read the book
Treason
By Stuart Woods
Book | eBook | eAudio

Let’s Get Down to Business

Posted on by Ashley Barnes

Are you kicking off the New Year with a new business? The Pratt can help! Budding entrepreneurs and business owners will appreciate these books.

How to Write an Exceptional Business Plan
By Ashley Cheeks

Every great business starts with a great idea but it can be tough turning that idea into a concrete business plan. Ashley Cheeks teaches entrepreneurs how to clarify your business strategy, maximize your odds for bank and lender funding, and create a strong impression when pitching to investors.

Read the book

Starting a Business: All-In-One for Dummies
By Bob Nelson

Featuring new content that reflects the latest laws, business climate, and startup considerations, this book offers important practical advice entrepreneurs need to start any type of business from the ground up.

Read the book

Taxes for Small Business
By Mark Smith

If you are ready to take control over your own business and taxes, or you are starting up a new small business, this book will help you get started! Learn how to file your taxes with the proper paperwork and when you need to have your paperwork into the IRS office.

Read the book

Looking to learn more?
Stop by the Central Library for these events in February.

Small Business 101
Monday, February 10 at 5pm
Central Library

The Haysbert Center for Entrepreneurship is offering this workshop to assist entrepreneurs and small business owners with methods to securing capital, creating a business plan, marketing, and more.

Learn more

Business and Nonprofit Resource Fair
Saturday, February 22 at 10am
Central Library

This free event is an opportunity for aspiring entrepreneurs and nonprofits to connect, learn, and discover local resources.

Learn more