Westerly Sun Column | Let’s Celebrate the Life and Message of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Martin Luther King Jr. Day is celebrated annually on the third Monday in January, and this year will fall on the 19th. The holiday serves to honor the life and legacy of the civil rights activist and champion of nonviolent activism, who was killed in 1968 at the age of 39. Since the library building will be closed next week in observance of the holiday, we are inviting you to join us in person this week to celebrate the life and messages of Dr. King.

On Thursday, January 15, there will be a film screening and discussion at the library, sponsored by Westerly Area Peace and Justice Group, Young Global Leadership Foundation, The Rotary Club of Westerly, and Westerly’s Anti-Racism Coalition. All are invited to join us for a viewing of the documentary “King in Chicago” (2008), which focuses on King’s leadership during the 1966 Chicago Freedom Movement. Following the film, we will hold a brief group discussion. This special program is free and open to the public, and refreshments will be served. We are looking forward to coming together to remember this incredible man, and hope you can join us.

While you’re at the library, you will also find a great collection of other films and literature about Dr. King, and the Civil Rights Movement. “King of the North: Martin Luther King Jr.’s Life of Struggle Outside the South” (2025) is a new book by Jeanne Theoharis that takes a deeper look at his fight for racial justice in the Northern states, from New York to Illinois and beyond. Another newer title is “King: A Life” by Jonathan Eig, which won the 2024 Pulitzer Prize for Biography. In early 2025, Eig released a condensed Young Adult Edition of the book, so you can share the experience with your teens and pre-teens.

I would highly suggest downloading our Kanopy app, too, where there are numerous great documentaries about Martin Luther King Jr, and which you can enjoy from home even when the library is closed.

In addition to being a day to honor the life and work of MLK, the holiday is also designated a National Day of Service, when folks are encouraged to spend time giving back to their communities. There is no one way to do this. If you have the means, you can certainly make a monetary donation to an organization or cause that is important to you. Nonperishable donations can be made to local food pantries or thrift stores.

Another option is to donate your time by volunteering in your community, whether that be through tutoring, participating in a cleanup, or visiting a nursing home. However you choose to give back, you will be leaving a positive mark behind, and further spreading Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s message of love, integrity, and service.

by Cassie Skobrak, Adult Services Librarian