The Free Library Celebrates Black History Month!

By Kate C. RSS Tue, January 29, 2019

The Free Library of Philadelphia is proud to celebrate Black History Month throughout the month of February, with extensive programming set to take place in neighborhood libraries across the city including craft workshops, performances, film screenings, discussions, and so much more!

Many of these important programs will be offered in tandem with our One Book, One Philadelphia program, delving into themes like racial violence, poverty, and systemic injustice through the lens of Jesmyn Ward’s gripping novel Sing, Unburied, Sing – our 2019 featured selection. Other programs are scheduled in conjunction with the spring 2019 Author Events season.

Below is just a small sampling of the Black History Month events planned at the Free Library. We hope you can join us for these or others – be sure to browse our event calendar for full offerings!


Black History Month Cultural Institution Resource and Information Fair | Saturday, February 2, 1:00 p.m. | Lucien E. Blackwell West Philadelphia Regional Library
Representatives from African-American historical and cultural institutions throughout the city will be available to share information and answer questions about their respective organizations.

 

 

 

Black History Month Scavenger Hunt | Monday, February 4, 4:00 p.m. | Blanch A. Nixon/Cobbs Creek Library
During a scavenger hunt through the library, children will learn information about well-known black authors and illustrators.

 

 

 

African Drumming | Wednesday, February 6, 4:00 p.m. | West Oak Lane Library
Mr. Baba Tyrone will present a program on drumming, with attendees able to try them out!

 

 

 

Film Screening: A Ballerina’s Tale | Saturday, February 9, 2:00 p.m. | Lovett Memorial Library
Celebrate Misty Copeland, the first African-American to become principle dancer at the prestigious American Ballet Theatre, by joining us to view a documentary about her life.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

How We Teach Our Children Black History | Thursday, February 21, 5:30 p.m. | Kingsessing Library
How do we discuss black history with the children in our lives? Educators from Paul Robeson House and Museum will lead a community conversation on this topic, and will model activities for sharing black history all year long.

 

 

 

 

 

Black History Month All-Ages Open Mic Night | Monday, February 25, 6:00 p.m. | Wynnefield Library
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 in Freedom | Wednesday, February 27, 6:30 p.m. | Parkway Central Library
"Sisters in 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.
 

Looking for another way to celebrate Black History Month with the Free Library? Visit the ongoing exhibition on view in the Parkway Central Library. At These Crossroads: The Lives and Legacies of Frederick Douglass and W. E. B. Du Bois marks the bicentennial and sesquicentennial, respectively, of Douglass’ and Du Bois’ births.

We’re looking forward to celebrating all month long – check back throughout February for more blog posts highlighting the culture and contributions of African Americans in Philadelphia and beyond.


Have a question for Free Library staff? Please submit it to our Ask a Librarian page and receive a response within two business days.

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I would really love to have and share a list of book recommendations by black authors. Will something like that be happening this month?
Shayna
Tuesday, January 29, 2019

Hi Shayna! We've got several book lists available here - hope these are of interest to you! https://libwww.freelibrary.org/explore/topic/african-american-history
Kate C. - Philadelphia
Wednesday, January 30, 2019

Love to learn more about black women here and now at this present time .
Patricia Miller - center city
Friday, February 1, 2019

would like lists of books, Authors, and events relevant to black history month in celebration of the advancements n achievements made by black people in this country n round the world. I Thank God for Black People and for all People He has created and made! to God be the glory, in His Son JESUS name! one thing about being in Christ Jesus, is that there IS NO RACISM IN JESUS, AMEN!
Marc Gilliard - Philadelphia
Friday, February 8, 2019

I need to apply fot another library card
Amber Mccutchen777k - Philadelphia
Thursday, February 21, 2019