HCC Clarence Mitchell Library

04/15/2026

Due to power outages across HCC's campus, in-person evening classes after 4:30 p.m. will be canceled today, April 15th. Students may still access online classes and ROAR services. Contact the YMCA to verify their hours.

04/14/2026

Thanks for everyone who joined us today to celebrate in the Clarence Mitchell Library! Line By Line: Exploring Contemporary Poetry with Adam Al-Sirgany was a perfect reminder that poetry is an art that everyone can enjoy! Watch for Adam's upcoming events as

04/11/2026

Join us on Tuesday (April 14th) at 2:00 p.m. for this poetry workshop with Adam Al-Sirgany!

Join Adam al-Sirgany, Rockford Poet Laureate, for a workshop celebrating National Poetry Month. Participants will look at how the framework for poetic "lines" has developed over time.

This workshop is designed for beginners and experienced writers alike to experiment with writing and learn something new! Check out the event at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, April 14th in the Clarence Mitchell Library.

03/30/2026

Join us on Wednesday to see the Forensics Team's Showcase!

Support the Forensics Team at the Speech Team Spring Showcase, "Talking in the Library!" The event allows the community to see the speech and debate categories the team has been competing in this semester.

Students, staff, and the community are invited to the free event from 9:30-11 a.m. this Wednesday, April 1st in the Clarence Mitchell Library.

See you there!

03/23/2026

Celebrate National Poetry Month (April) with the Clarence Mitchell Library!

Join Adam al-Sirgany, Rockford Poet Laureate, for a workshop celebrating National Poetry Month. Participants will look at how the framework for poetic "lines" has developed over time.

This workshop is designed for beginners and experienced writers alike to experiment with writing and learn something new! Check out the event at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, April 14th in the Clarence Mitchell Library.

03/16/2026

Due to inclement weather expected overnight and on Monday, March 16, Highland Community College and outreach locations will be closed. Campus services will be unavailable Monday. Contact the YMCA to verify their hours. Students may still access online classes and services.

02/25/2026

Thanks to our presenter, Danairo Thomas, and to everyone who joined us for his presentation!

02/19/2026

Celebrate Black History Month with the Clarence Mitchell Library!

On Tuesday, February 24th at 10 a.m. we welcome documentarian Danairo Thomas for his presentation, “The Soil Project: Stories rooted in Freeport's Black history."

Thomas' presentation will introduce us to The Soil Project, which is a documentary storytelling initiative dedicated to uncovering and celebrating the rich, often overlooked history of Black pioneers in Freeport, Illinois. The project sheds light on untold stories and historical milestones, seeking to preserve local heritage, inspire future generations, and deepen public understanding of Black contributions to American history.

Danairo Thomas is a Freeport native who tells stories through film and history. He created "The Soil Project" to shine a light on local Black changemakers whose impact reaches far beyond the city. Please join us for his program to learn more about the project and the early Black settlers of Freeport.HCC Clarence Mitchell Library

📅 Tuesday, February 24
⏰ 10:00 a.m.
📍 Clarence Mitchell Library

02/03/2026

Documentarian Danairo Thomas shares powerful stories through film and history.
The Soil Project is a documentary storytelling initiative celebrating the rich, often overlooked history of Black pioneers in Freeport, Illinois.

📅 Tuesday, February 24
⏰ 10:00 a.m.
📍 Clarence Mitchell Library

02/02/2026

Celebrate Black History month with the Clarence Mitchell Library!

On Tuesday, February 24th at 10 a.m. we welcome documentarian Danairo Thomas for his presentation, “The Soil Project: Stories rooted in Freeport's Black history."

The presentation will introduce us to The Soil Project, which is a documentary storytelling initiative dedicated to uncovering and celebrating the rich, often overlooked history of Black pioneers in Freeport, Illinois. The project sheds light on untold stories and historical milestones, seeking to preserve local heritage, inspire future generations, and deepen public understanding of Black contributions to American history.

Danairo Thomas is a Freeport native who tells powerful stories through film and history. He created "The Soil Project" to shine a light on local Black changemakers whose impact reaches far beyond the city.

Please join us for his program to learn more about the project and the early Black settlers of Freeport.

01/16/2026

HCC and the Clarence Mitchell Library will be closed on Monday.

Highland Community College will be closed Monday, January 19, in observance of Martin Luther King Jr Day.
All offices and classes will resume on Tuesday.