Philadelphia, PA 19103-1189
(215) 567-7710
FAX (215) 567-7850
Contact: Communications and Development
Free Library Celebrates Black History Month at Libraries Throughout Philadelphia
PHILADELPHIA January 23, 2019—The Free Library of Philadelphia is proud to celebrate Black History Month throughout the month of February with extensive programming in many of its neighborhood libraries, including craft workshops, performances, film screenings, and discussions.
“With an expansive offering of programs, the Free Library of Philadelphia hopes to both commemorate and illuminate the legacy of black history, celebrating black resilience, creativity, and resourcefulness throughout the past and today. More than ever, we are poised to bring incredible events to Philadelphia that do justice to the cultural richness and complexity our black ancestors left us,” said Kalela Williams, Director of Neighborhood Library Enrichment Programming, Division of Cultural and Civic Engagement.
Along with the programs and events offered throughout the month, ongoing exhibitions at Parkway Central Library celebrate the legacies of Frederick Douglass and W. E. B. Du Bois and highlight the work of African American photographers.
Many programs will be offered in tandem with the Library’s One Book, One Philadelphia program, which kicked off on January 16 with the featured reading selection, Sing, Unburied, Sing by Jesmyn Ward and delves into such themes as racism, social injustice, and poverty.
Other programs throughout the series allow attendees to listen, learn, and share their thoughts about African American culture and experiences. Listed below are highlights of our system-wide Black History Month programming. For a complete up-to-date listing of all upcoming events, visit freelibrary.org/blackhistorymonth.
Cultural Institution Resource and Information Fair
Saturday, February 2 | 1:00–4:00 p.m.
Lucien E. Blackwell West Philadelphia Regional Library, 125 S. 52nd Street
Learn about programs, activities, special events, exhibitions, classes, and volunteer opportunities at African American historical and cultural institutions throughout the city.
Black History Month Scavenger Hunt
Monday, February 4 | 4:00 p.m.
Blanch A. Nixon/Cobbs Creek Library, 5800 Cobbs Creek Parkway
During a scavenger hunt through the library, children will learn information about well-known black authors and illustrators.
One Book Monument Lab Live: “There’s Spirit in Everything”
Monday, February 4 | 6:00 p.m.
Parkway Central Library, 1901 Vine Street
Professors Salamishah Tillet and Grace Sanders Johnson will discuss haunts of history, living memory, and legacies of critical writing for women of the African Diaspora.
Author Event Feminista Jones: Reclaiming Our Space: How Black Feminists Are Changing the World from the Tweets to the Streets with DaMaris B. Hill: A Bound Woman is a Dangerous Thing
Tuesday, February 5 | 7:30 p.m.
Parkway Central Library, 1901 Vine Street
An activist and a writer explore how black women have inspired intersectional political change and resisted the dehumanization of confinement.
Philadelphia’s Seventh Ward in a Changing City
Saturday, February 16 | 4:30 p.m.
Parkway Central Library, 1901 Vine Street
Rediscover the historic Seventh Ward and discuss themes of resistance with the team from Chronicling Resistance, a city-wide project connecting Philadelphia's past and present stories of resistance.
Black History Month All-Ages Open Mic Night
Monday, February 25 | 6:00 p.m.
Wynnefield Library, 5325 Overbrook Avenue
The Wynnefield community and library staff are invited to share creative expressions through the spoken word on topics themed around the African American experience.
Film Screening: Sisters of Freedom
Wednesday, February 27 | 6:30 p.m.
Parkway Central Library, 1901 Vine Street
Sisters of Freedom: The Daring Battle to End Slavery tells the story of the brave women who banded together to fight slavery before abolition. Followed by a panel discussion.
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The Free Library of Philadelphia system, with 54 locations and the Rosenbach, advances literacy, guides learning, and inspires curiosity with millions of digital and physical materials; 25,000 yearly programs and workshops; free public computers and extensive Wi-Fi, including neighborhood Hotspots; and rich special collections, including those at Parkway Central Library and at the Rosenbach. With more than 6 million in-person visits and millions more online annually, the Free Library and the Rosenbach are among the most widely used educational and cultural institutions in Philadelphia and boast a worldwide impact.
01/17/2019
Department of External Affairs, Free Library of Philadelphia, 1901 Vine Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103-1189
(215) 567-7710, FAX (215) 567-7850