During these cold months, it can be hard to find a place that’s open, warm, and doesn’t charge you an outrageous entrance fee. If you choose to dip into a Barnes & Noble to escape the cold between meetings or to kill time before your lunch date, feel free to flip through magazines, read a few excerpts from any book, or prop up your laptop while indulging in any of the Starbucks Café treats.

Michael Oher, Spike and Tonya Lee, Maya Angelou will be present at Barnes & Noble events littered throughout the five boroughs of New York City. These Black History Month events will be hosting published authors (or entertainers turned author). Each will discuss their work, read excerpts from their published material, and even share some time with the audience as they sign copies of their books.

Spike Lee, Tonya Lewis Lee – Giant Steps to Change the World
Tuesday February 08, 2011 6:00 PM
Union Square Location
33 East 17th Street, New York, NY 10003, 212-253-0810

African-American filmmaker Spike Lee and talented wife Tonya Lewis Lee have continued their success of Please, Baby, Please and Please, Puppy, Please with another Children’s book. Giants Steps to Change the World offers inspiration by using people in history, such as Jesse Owens, Mother Teresa, and Barack Obama, who have taken giant steps in their lives. “On some days your dreams may seem too far away to realize. Listen to the whispers of those that came before….” This book aims to inspire young children to follow their dreams in the face of fear and adversity. Bring a child or stop by to get an autographed copy.

Pamela Newkirk – Letters from Black America: Intimate Portraits of the African American Experience
Tuesday February 08, 2011 7:00 PM
Park Slope Location
267 7th Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11215, 718-832-9066

Pamela Newkirk tells a historical story of Black America through letters in Letters from Black America: Intimate Portraits of the African American Experience. The 200 letter collection varies in subject, language, and time. Newkirk breaks the letters up in categories such as Family, Courtship and Romance, and Politics and Social Justice. Written from September 11th dating back to the time of slavery, such authors of these letters are politicians, academics, slaves, and sharecroppers. Grab a copy of Letters from Black America: Intimate Portraits of the African American Experience and join Pamela Newkirk as she shares her book with those in attendance.

Michael Oher – I Beat the Odds
Wednesday February 09, 2011 12:30 PM
Fifth Ave Location
555 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10017, 212-697-3048

Michael Oher, an offensive tackle for the Baltimore Ravens, has become recognized for the award winning movie Blind Side based on his story from being homeless to eventually being drafted to the NFL. In I Beat the Odds, Oher makes his own accounts of his inspiring journey. He recounts stories of growing up in the projects of Memphis, circulation through the foster care system, and running from child services. Join him at Barnes & Noble’s where he will share the stories that never made it to the big screen.

Black History Month – Story time
Saturday February 12, 2011 1:00 PM
Bayside Location
Bay Terrace S.C., 23-80 Bell Blvd., Bayside, NY 11360

In celebration of Black History Month, visit the Barnes and Noble in Bayside. They will be reading stories that recognize the many past and present achievements and contributions made by African Americans. Be sure to collect your take-home activity sheets.

Maya Angelou- Great Food, All Day Long: Cook Splendidly, Eat Smart
Thursday February 17, 2011 7:00 PM
Union Square Location
33 East 17th Street, New York, NY 10003, 212-253-0810

Literary legend Maya Angelou has published her second cook book titled Great Food, All Day Long: Cook Splendidly, Eat Smart. Hashing out recipes from childhood and her travels, Angelou adds healthy eating tips along with her flavorful choices. With meals for anytime of the day, the emphasis is smart eating with proper portions. The best part of this book is that many of her creations adapt to other recipes as well. What was dinner becomes leftover lunch tacos. Angelou will be signing only to the first hundred book owners, so get there early!