LOCAL author Toyin Owoseje will be visiting Grays and Chadwell Libraries as part of a series of events to celebrate Black History Month.

Toyin will be reading her children's book 'Wonderfully Me', which tells the story of a young child called Bisi and her journey to building positive self-esteem with the help of her parents.

Children can hear a reading of the story from Toyin and enjoy a fun morning of activities at Grays and Chadwell Library on the following days:

• Monday, 28 October, 10.30am till 12.30pm at Grays Library
• Tuesday, 29 October, 10.30am till 12.30pm at Chadwell Library

She will also sign copies of her book for those wishing to buy their own copy on the day.

As part of Black History Month, Thurrock libraries have also partnered with Thurrock Screen Culture to host screenings of Opal at Grays Library. Opal is an animated children's film about a young African princess struggling to remain joyful as her sadness has the magic power to destroy the world. 

There will also be an exclusive series of short films to watch at the remaining libraries across the week.

Screenings will take place across the following days:

• Tuesday, 29 October (From 10:30am-12:30pm) at Chadwell Library
• Wednesday, 30 October (From 10:30am-12:30pm) at Tilbury Library
• Thursday, 31 October (From 10:30am-12:30pm) at Belhus Library
• Friday, 1 November (From 10:30am-12:30pm) Corringham Library

Children can enjoy some fun colouring-in activities as they learn about African and Caribbean flags during the week.

The library events are in support of wider planned events across the country for Black History Month. National listings can be found on the Black History Month website.

Cllr Valerie Morris-Cook, Cabinet Member for Community Partnerships, said: "We're proud to be able to support Black History Month and the opportunity to share, celebrate and learn about the impact of black heritage and culture.

"Thurrock has a rich and diverse population, and it is important that we enable everyone the opportunity to share their stories, culture and history so they do not become misrepresented or have their contributions lessened.

"Hopefully the events in our library can help our youngest generation to learn more about black history and allow people to feel greater connected to their own culture and heritage.

"I fully encourage everyone to show their support for Black History Month, whether that's by attending one of our library events or by embracing, educating, and empowering one another to learn more about the richness of black heritage."

To find out more visit the What's on in Thurrock webpage.