Black History Month Programs 2025

For All Ages

JOSEPH H. RAINEY: "FIRST IN THE HOUSE"
Saturday, February 8, 2:30-3:30 pm
In Person + Open to Non-Residents
Lorna Rainey will present on the extraordinary life of her great-grandfather, Joseph H. Rainey. Congressman Rainey was born a slave in South Carolina on June 20, 1832, yet a short 38 years later, he took his seat in Congress on December 12, 1870 becoming the very first duly-elected Black Congressman.

THE AMERICAN DREAM OR THE AMERICAN NIGHTMARE: AMERICA'S LEGACY OF CONTRADICTIONS
Saturday, February 15, 2:30-3:30 pm
In Person + Open to Non-Residents
Professor Andrew 'Sekou' Jackson will discuss African America's invaluable contributions to the promise of America in spite of...

Movies

SUMMER OF SOUL
Thursday, February 13, 2:30 pm
In Person + Open to Non-Residents
(PG-13) 118m, Documentary

TONI MORRISON: THE PIECES I AM
Thursday, February 27, 2:30 pm
In Person + Open to Non-Residents
(PG-13) 120m, Documentary

Gallery & Display

FEBRUARY DISPLAY
This February, our teen artists will be showcasing their talent and creativity in honor of Black History Month. We will be displaying beautiful flower silhouettes, made in collaboration with our Makerspace Department, neon acrylic artwork inspired by the artist Derrick Adams and watercolor artwork inspired by Lorna Simpson!

Children

BASQUIAT T-REX
Ages 7-12
Wednesday, February 5, 7:00-8:00 pm
In-Person
Paint an awesome T-Rex in the Basquiat style and learn about the artist.

LIBRARY BOOK SUBSCRIPTION BOX February: Black History Month Box
Ages 5-12
Pick up starts February 10 and ends February 16
Looking for something new to read? Do you like free books and snacks? Sign up for our children's subscription box! You will receive a box with a library book selected just for you and a bunch of goodies like stickers, snacks, and more. Return the library book by the due date and everything else is yours to keep!

BLACK HISTORY MONTH BUTTERFLIES
Ages 5 & up with adult
Thursday, February 20, 2:00-3:00 pm
In-Person
Celebrate Black History Month by making butterflies!

MILDRED THOMPSON PAINTING
Ages 9-12
Thursday, February 27, 7:00-8:00 pm
In-Person
Create a painting inspired by artist Mildred Thompson.

Teens

BLACK HISTORY MONTH BRACELETS
Thursday, January 23, 6:00-8:00 pm
In-Person + Community Service Opportunity
Help us make pony bead bracelets for our Black History Month display in the Teen Room.

BLACK HISTORY MONTH MURAL VOLUNTEERS
Wednesday, January 29, 2:00-4:00 pm
In-Person + Community Service Opportunity
Use vinyl records to create a beautiful collaborative mural for the Teen Room!

Adults

Monthly Book Discussion

HOW TO SAY BABYLON, BY SAFIYA SINCLAIR
Thursday, February 6, 7:00-8:30 pm
In-Person + Virtual + Open to Non-Residents
The poet Safiya Sinclair’s harrowing memoir of growing up in Jamaica under strict rules.

ART IN THE STYLE OF BLACK ARTISTS
Tuesday, February 18, 2:00-3:00 pm
In-person + Open to Non-Residents (one week after registration date)
Celebrate Black History Month by creating art in the style of famous black artists!