The library recently acquired two important new books: one about a Black US Marshal who was a legend in his day; the other by the first Native American US Poet Laureate.

Joyce Morton, chairwoman of the Winchester Black History and Heritage Committee, and all-around great person, told me about the first book while we were looking at Dwayne Green’s illustration of the Lone Ranger and Tonto, part of the Local Black Artists exhibit at the library through September.

When Joyce saw the picture she asked if I knew the legend of the Lone Ranger was inspired by a Black US Marshal named Bass Reeves who patrolled the Oklahoma territory between 1875 and 1907.

Reeves lived with and became fluent in the languages of the Creek and Seminole Indians. He was an elite tracker and a dedicated law officer who captured more than 3000 outlaws. He rode a white stallion, wore slick suits, black hats, two Colt .45 Peacemakers in his holster, was a master of disguise and his calling cards were silver dollars.

He escaped from so many gunfights he was known as “The Indomitable Marshal.”

The title of the book about Bass Reeves is “Black Gun, Silver Star: The Life and Legend of Frontier Marshal Bass Reeves,” by Art T. Burton (call No. B Reev). At the moment it’s shelved in the new book section. An essential read for anyone interested in black history, westerns or the frontier.

In June, Joy Harjo, a member of the Muscogee Creek Nation, became the first Native American Poet Laureate.

She began writing poetry in 1973 and since then, she has won many poetry honors, including the Ruth Lilly Prize, a Guggenheim Fellowship, the William Carlos Williams Award and the American Indian Distinguished Achievement in the Arts Award.

At 40, she learned to play saxophone. She has released five albums of original music and won a Native American Music Award in 2009.

The library just got a copy of her newest book “An American Sunrise.” It is also in the new books section now (call No. 811.54 Harj).

“Her poems sing of beauty and survival, illuminating a spirituality that connects her to her ancestors and thrums with the quiet anger of living in the ruins of injustice.”

She has been called “one of our finest and most complicated poets.”

As James Gardner said in last week’s column, September is the time we go back to school. There are great topics to puruse in the library’s new books section.

Other programs next week:

— The Library is closed Saturday, Sunday and Monday for the Pioneer Festival and Labor Day.

— At 2 p.m. Wednesday, Kentucky Picture Show presents a 2019 drama. When her 14-year-old son drowns in a lake, a faithful mother prays for him to come back from the brink of death and be healed. Rated PG.

— At 7 p.m. Wednesday, if September is back-to-school month, get to the Engine House Pizza Pub to find out what arcane and erudite trivia challenges reference librarian Jeff Gurnee has assembled this week. You’re guaranteed to learn something amazing.

— At 9:15 a.m. Thursday, Gentle Yoga. Kathy Howard a certified Instructor for Yoga Alliance teaches you how to build stamina, maintain flexibility and breath for a healthier and happier life. There is a $5 charge per class.

— From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 7, Outside the Lines Adult Coloring. Get a jump on the glories of autumn by coloring pictures. Another great way to relax and enjoy life.

Have a swell Labor Day weekend.

John Maruskin is director of adult services at the Clark County Public Library. He can be reached at john.clarkbooks@gmail.com.