With the belief that knowledge and trusted information can help guide progress and change, ProQuest Technology Company is providing free access to explore the new Black Freedom Struggle website. Visitors of all ages can find historical newspaper articles, pamphlets, diaries, correspondence and more from specific time periods in U.S. history marked by the opposition African Americans have faced on the road to freedom:

• Resistance to Slavery and the Abolitionist Movement (1790-1860)
• The Civil War and the Reconstruction Era (1861-1877)
• Jim Crow Era from 1878 to the Great Depression (1878-1932)
• The New Deal and World War II (1933-1945)
• The Civil Rights and Black Power Movements (1946-1975)
• The Contemporary Era (1976-2000)

By centering on the experiences and perspectives of African Americans, ProQuest hopes the Black Freedom Struggle website imbues the study of Black history with a deeper understanding of the humanity of people who have pursued the fight for civil rights, and the significance of movements like Black Lives Matter. This resource is appropriate for educators, students, and independent researchers of all ages to learn or help teach the role of the past in the present, and to prepare for the challenges of tomorrow. 

Thank you for your patience and understanding as we all try to navigate safely through these difficult times.

• Effective Monday, March 14, 2022, mask wearing will be optional but strongly encouraged.
• Social distancing will still be required at seating areas, computer labs, and library programs for the health and safety of our patrons and staff.
• Computer usage is limited to 1½ hours.
• Curbside pick-up is available at all our branches. Please read our Holds, Checkouts, Returns & Curbside Pickup FAQs for more information.
• Library programs are now being scheduled, see our Calender of Events.
• View and subscribe to the ACLS YouTube channel for Storytime Anytime, craft & STEM videos.

Your ACLS card still gives you 24/7 free access to online resources. Use your phone, mobile device or laptop to access these services from the comfort and safety of your home at atlanticlibrary.org/digital_media and atlanticlibrary.org/databases.