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August 4, 2025
Our 2026 season book club title and program details will be announced in February. In the meantime, the Mary Ann Key Book Club newsletter will highlight authors from the Twin Cities in conversation with Myron Medcalf about their latest books and work within the community.
(YouTube, Duration - 15:45)
Joan Treppa is a social justice advocate for those who’ve been victimized by the criminal justice system. She's best known for her unwavering advocacy on behalf of six Green Bay, Wisconsin men she believes were wrongfully convicted in 1992 for the death of coworker, Tom Monfils, a case cited as one of the most notorious injustices in Wisconsin history. With no formal legal training, Joan’s actions illustrate the power of persistence and drive to highlight the voices of those silenced.
Her first edition of Reclaiming Lives: Pursuing Justice for Six Innocent Men, a four-and-a-half-year labor of love project, won three book awards. More importantly, it has played a significant role in the recent releases of some of the convicted men. Treppa currently resides in Minneapolis, MN with her husband, Mike.
You can replay our powerful 2024 community discussion and hear from justice-impacted community members Minister JaNaé Bates, Marvin Haynes, Moseka Nhya, and Kevin Reese.
A Ghost of a Chance podcast chronicles a reporter’s quest to learn about the past owners of his home, which revealed a history of race in Minneapolis that he had never heard before.
Mapping Prejudice identifies and maps racial covenants, clauses that were inserted into property deeds to keep people who were not White from buying or occupying homes. From its base in the University of Minnesota Libraries, this interdisciplinary team collaborates with community members to expose the history of structural racism and support the work of reparations.
Makoce Indigenous Collection Celebration
Saturday, August 9, 9am-4pm
Franklin Library
Join us at Franklin Library to celebrate the expanded Makoce Indigenous Collection, which contains a variety of materials of interest and importance to American Indian community members. Originally established in 1970, the collection was redefined in 2023 with help from members of the American Indian community and guidance from Hennepin County’s Mni Sota Native American Advisory Council. This event includes author talks, conversation, crafts, and more. Learn more.
Sankofa D.E.A.R. Time with Sideena Grace
Sunday, August 10, 3pm-4pm
Sumner Library
Join Dr. Talaya Tolefree for another Sankofa D.E.A.R. time session to highlight local Black authors. Special guest author Sideena Grace will read her book, “Adventures with Sideena: ABCs in Space,” a children’s book that inspires young readers to explore science, technology, engineering, art, and math. Followed by an activity. Learn more and register.
Baile latino para niños / Latin Dance for Kids
Multiple locations and dates
This dance program encourages movement and self-expression and creates core memories for families. It is intended for families with children between the ages of two and six, with siblings welcome. The class will be taught in Spanish and English. Learn more.
About the Mary Ann Key Book Club
The book club was inspired by a Star Tribune column written by Myron Medcalf – the great-great-great-grandson of Mary Ann Key.
“I’m honored to partner with Hennepin County Library to launch the Mary Ann Key Book Club, named after the matriarch of my family, who was enslaved in Georgia in the 1850s. Purchased for $1,000 at the age of 14, Mary Ann Key persevered. Her body was in bondage, but slavery never stole the freedom of her heart, mind and soul. This book club is about focusing on the truths of the past, our challenges in the present and the possibilities of the future…”
– Myron Medcalf
This program is supported by Friends of the Hennepin County Library. Their generous financial support is helping to provide greater access to print and eBook copies of the featured books. Media partner: Star Tribune.
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