Library Features
Browse Library
Search Library

Omega African Heritage Library

Browse | Search

Library Features

The Omega African Heritage Library Collection features rare and contemporary books by major African and African American writers of the 20th Century. The legendary authors represented in the Omega African Heritage Library Collection include the early Harlem Renaissance, Post-Harlem Renaissance, and the Contemporary Black Arts Movement period.

The 900 piece literary collection contains books, galleys, proofs, manuscripts, screen and stage plays, letters, transcripts, publishing house comments, and other representations of African and African American literary and artistic history.

Many of the works are first and special editions, inscribed by the author's signature, photographs and personal messages.

This historically significant donation to the Omega Boys Club marks a new era for its academic preparation program. The Omega Heritage Library Collection is described by Daphne Muse, expert in African American literary collections, as a "crown jewel of Black Culture."

Generally, collections with the historical significance of this one are restricted to use by scholars and researchers. However, the Omega African Heritage Collection is designated for access and use by young people. Muse says, "(This Collection) can provide young people with a real sense of their value and lead some of them to become collectors or special collection archivists or librarians. It may give them the opportunity to read books early on in their lives that many of us did not get to read until we were in college or very grown adults."