The Personal Librarian is a historical fiction novel detailing the true life of Belle da Costa Greene, a Black American woman who was forced to hide her true identity and pass as white to become J.P. Morgan's brilliant, rare book curator in early 20th-century New York.  The Morgan Shop
 Here are the key details about this remarkable historical figure and the bestselling novel: 
The Real Belle da Costa Greene: Born Belle Marion Greener, she was the daughter of Richard Greener, the first Black graduate of Harvard. Gifted with a brilliant intellect, she adopted a Portuguese identity to navigate New York's elite and segregated high society. She became one of the most powerful and influential people in the art and rare manuscript world, ultimately serving as the first director of the Morgan Library & Museum.
The Bestselling Novel: Co-authored by Marie Benedict and Victoria Christopher Murray, the book was published in 2021 and became a GMA Book Club pick and a New York Times bestseller. It chronicles the immense personal and professional sacrifices she had to make to protect her family and legacy in a racist world.  
 
 Meeting Details:

  - When: Third Thursday of every month, starting July 16th, from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM.

  - Where: Jenny’s home at 554 Mt Olivet Place, Clayton (Dana Hills Estate). We will begin at 2:00 PM and continue until we we wrap up.