children's bookshelf.

The holidays are here again, and it is time to celebrate with family and friends, acknowledging our African heritage and by renewing our faith in God, community and ourselves.

Books are an important part of how I have reconstructed parts of my African spirit and consciousness. Many people have asked me why I became a librarian. The answer is simple; I wanted to collect, organize and disseminate information to children that just was not available to me as a child. How better to prepare our children than with the history and contributions of their ancestors?

The seven principles of Kwanzaa are rooted in African traditions. The time has come to remember the teachings of family and make a deliberate commitment to these simple principles: unity, self-determination, collective work, cooperation, purpose, creativity and faith.

The harvest and holiday season affords us all another opportunity to begin anew. Celebrations are the opportunity to create the memories we keep for life. Create memories this season with and for your children. And be prepared! Organize the stories, books and lessons you will teach during this season ahead of time to cut down on the hectic pace of the season. Warm your family's soul with storytelling, good food, music and conservation.