Library as a legacy: start by investing in some good books about collecting African American books.

It's probable that when Arturo Schomburg bought his first book, he had no real designs on assembling a treasure trove that would last generations after him. Yet the works collected by the renowned Harlem Renaissance--era scholar evolved into the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture and now provide service for hundreds of thousands of knowledge-seekers annually.

A home library need not be as ambitious, but with some thought and solid selections, it can transcend mere decoration and become as essential a tool to a household as that cookware set.

For African Americans still struggling to see themselves reflected accurately in the broader media, there are few better sanctuaries than a personal assembly of books, films, DVDs, maps and magazines--a mission akin to Schomburg's. So after years of schlepping around, you're now ready to feed that appetite consistently, having settled into a space with some room to roam. And to get going, you'll need more than an assortment of fiction titles....You can read more.