Jim Williams writes: “[The Vivian Harsh Research Collection] is one of the most extensive collections of Black history and literature in the country, and for a long time, it could only be seen in Chicago. But the collection is about to become more accessible than ever thanks to a big grant and the work of some dedicated librarians. Thanks to $2 million from the Mellon Foundation to the Chicago Public Library, nearly 300,000 pieces from the Harsh collection and beyond will be digitized. Library workers will digitize what amounts to 1,600 linear feet. They’re expecting to finish the project in three years.”