By LaTrisha Milton
Hoopla IDEA Squad Member | Youth and Family Services Manager, Houston Public Library

As library professionals working in today’s digital-first era, we know libraries are most impactful when physical and digital experiences work together. Serving a diverse city like Houston has reinforced the importance of culturally responsive programming, which inspired me to develop Classroom on the Culture, a flexible, bite-sized learning model created for my library and adaptable for others.

Originally conceived for Black History Month, Classroom on the Culture has grown into a flexible framework that can be used year-round to celebrate cultural moments such as Hispanic Heritage Month, Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, and other locally rooted traditions through accessible, engaging experiences for families.

A Black History Month Focus: Crowns & Choirs

For Black History Month, Classroom on the Culture comes to life through the theme:

Crowns & Choirs: A Celebration of Style and Song

This focus highlights two powerful expressions of Black heritage: the tradition of church hats, often lovingly called “crowns,” and the enduring influence of gospel music. Together, they tell a story of faith, creativity, and cultural pride that resonates across generations.

The project was inspired by the book Crowns: Portraits of Black Women in Church Hats, a title many libraries already have in their physical collections, making it a natural anchor for displays and programming.

How Libraries Can Bring Crowns & Choirs to Life

Classroom on the Culture is designed to be flexible and scalable. Libraries can adapt the concept based on their space, staffing, and community partnerships.

  • Feature Local Stories: Partner with local churches to photograph women in their church hats, creating portraits that celebrate community history and personal expression.
  • Create Visual Displays: Share portraits in-library and as an online photo gallery, allowing families to engage with the exhibit beyond the building.
  • Connect Gospel Music Digitally: Use QR codes on signage and printed material along with Hoopla’s special carousel feature to spotlight gospel artists and songs. Libraries can also use the Hoopla splash page to promote the collection or related programming. Just reach out to your Hoopla account rep for setup support.

Because this approach centers local voices, strong visuals, and authentic community partnerships, it also creates opportunities for local media attention, helping libraries amplify both their programming and community impact.

Bringing Classroom on the Culture to Your Library

While Crowns & Choirs offers a meaningful way to honor Black History Month, Classroom on the Culture is designed to extend beyond a single celebration.

Libraries have always been classrooms without walls. Classroom on the Culture simply brings the culture forward, reminding communities that learning begins with who we are.

Original photo taken by Dave Trumpie

Explore Gospel Music on Hoopla

Gospel music has long been a powerful storyteller—carrying history, faith, joy, and resilience from generation to generation. To complement the Crowns & Choirs experience, libraries can invite families to explore the sound side of the story through Hoopla’s curated gospel collection.