16 books about Black history you can read for free from the San Antonio Public Library Good reads about the history of Black Americans
San Antonio Public Library's list of Black history books (SAPL)
The San Antonio Public Library offers tens of thousands of books — old fashioned print and virtual eBooks — for Bexar County residents to read for free: all you need is a library card.
This February, in honor of Black History Month , the San Antonio library has compiled a lineup of more than a dozen titles about Black history in the United States.
See the full list and reserve the books here .
From 500-year timelines of African-Americans to biographies of some of the most influential Black Americans, including Harriet Tubman, Jackie Robinson, Rosa Parks and Barack Obama, the list offers a wide range of topics and subjects.
Two of the most recently published pieces on the list are Michelle Obama’s 2018 best-seller Becoming and the 2019 photo essay celebrating Black history titled The Undefeated .
Two of the titles on the list squarely focus on Carter G. Woodson , known as the “Father of Black History. ”
One book, Stamped From the Beginning , by Ibram X. Kendi, uses the logline “The Definitive History of Racist Ideas in America.”
Other titles focus on Black athletes , lawmen and members of the military .
See the full list and reserve the books here .
Find more content like this on our Black history page .
Copyright 2021 by KSAT - All rights reserved.
About the Authors Kolten Parker headshot
Kolten Parker is Manager of Content and Coverage at KSAT. He moved into the role in 2024, after five years of leading the digital team.
Kolten is an award-winning journalist and a proud Texas State Bobcat.
He's a triathlete who loves the outdoors and sports. When not working, he likes to hang out with his wife and travel.
Andrew Wilson headshot
Andrew Wilson is a digital journalist and social media producer at KSAT.
Kerrville Police Department releases 911 calls from July 4 floods ▶ 2:46
Kerrville Police Department releases 911 calls from July 4 floods
Police: Suicide note, self-harm behavior uncovered amid investigation of Texas A&M student’s death ▶ 1:34
Police: Suicide note, self-harm behavior uncovered amid investigation of Texas A&M student’s death
Teen charged in brother’s shooting to remain in detention after violating release terms ▶ 0:44
Teen charged in brother’s shooting to remain in detention after violating release terms
Check out these space heater safety tips ▶ 1:22
Check out these space heater safety tips
Here’s what the KSAT newsroom listened to in 2025 ▶ 0:56
Here’s what the KSAT newsroom listened to in 2025
Have a child on social media? Here is how to monitor what they are up to ▶ 1:04
Have a child on social media? Here is how to monitor what they are up to
'KPop Demon Hunters' Creator Answers Fans’ Burning Questions ▶ 1:38
'KPop Demon Hunters' Creator Answers Fans’ Burning Questions
‘I wouldn’t have left you’: Good Samaritan left critically injured after Universal City hit-and-run ▶ 0:32
‘I wouldn’t have left you’: Good Samaritan left critically injured after Universal City hit-and-run
Amazon’s Prime Air drone deliveries are in full swing across San Antonio ▶ 1:26
Amazon’s Prime Air drone deliveries are in full swing across San Antonio
The Running Event kicks off downtown ahead of inaugural San Antonio Marathon_Trim ▶ 1:03
The Running Event kicks off downtown ahead of inaugural San Antonio Marathon_Trim
Castle Hills nursing home resident spreads warmth with handmade hats for San Antonio’s community ▶ 1:52
Castle Hills nursing home resident spreads warmth with handmade hats for San Antonio’s community
San Antonio could test drive lower speed limits, but funding issues may push it down the road ▶ 0:57
San Antonio could test drive lower speed limits, but funding issues may push it down the road
Body cam captures LOPD officer making false claims about business owner months before owner’s arrest ▶ 1:03
Body cam captures LOPD officer making false claims about business owner months before owner’s arrest
Road closures to be aware of during the San Antonio Marathon ▶ 1:55
Road closures to be aware of during the San Antonio Marathon
Mother of Texas A&M student demands answers after daughter’s fatal fall from high-rise in Austin ▶ 2:07
Mother of Texas A&M student demands answers after daughter’s fatal fall from high-rise in Austin
Do police have to wait 24 hours to declare an adult missing? ▶ 2:20
Do police have to wait 24 hours to declare an adult missing?
Harlandale ISD teacher arrested, accused of sexual assault of child, SAPD says ▶ 1:05
Harlandale ISD teacher arrested, accused of sexual assault of child, SAPD says
Mother questions circumstances surrounding death of daughter, a Texas A&M student, in Austin ▶ 1:03
Mother questions circumstances surrounding death of daughter, a Texas A&M student, in Austin
Ousted Alamo Trust president questions timing of resignation request ▶ 1:13
Ousted Alamo Trust president questions timing of resignation request
Prepare to pay a $45 fee to fly if you don't have a Real ID ▶ 0:35
Prepare to pay a $45 fee to fly if you don't have a Real ID
Some UTSA students forced to move dorm rooms as school complies with state’s ‘bathroom bill’ ▶ 1:08
Some UTSA students forced to move dorm rooms as school complies with state’s ‘bathroom bill’
How to share your San Antonio Marathon pics & videos to KSAT Connect ▶ 0:29
How to share your San Antonio Marathon pics & videos to KSAT Connect
How Black Friday can make the economy seem healthier than it is ▶ 1:18
How Black Friday can make the economy seem healthier than it is
Interactive map shows car burglaries at popular San Antonio shopping centers ▶ 0:32
Interactive map shows car burglaries at popular San Antonio shopping centers
Experience San Antonio’s newest drive-thru Christmas light display “The Light Park” at Wolff Stadium ▶ 1:04
Experience San Antonio’s newest drive-thru Christmas light display “The Light Park” at Wolff Stadium
Previous photo Next photo