Black History Month Programs 2024
Programs for All Ages
BLACK HISTORY MONTH CELEBRATION
Saturday, February 3, 11:00 am-3:00 pm
In-Person + Open to Non-Residents
Join our celebration featuring cellist Clerida Eltime, voice actor Paul Greene-Dennis, and hip-hop artist DiE$eL-E.
Saturday, February 17, 3:00-4:30 pm
In-Person + Open to Non-Residents
Famed Jazz drummer Dennis Mackrel and his band join us at the library for an exciting live performance.
Movies
Thursday, February 1, 2:00 pm
In-Person + Open to Non-Residents
(PG-13) 119m, Sports/Historical
Thursday, February 15, 2:00 pm
In-Person + Open to Non-Residents
(PG-13) 115m, Drama
Children
WHO AM I? MATCHING GAME
February is Black History Month. Visit the Children’s Room in February to play Who am I? Match up heroes to their contribution or accomplishment and receive a prize, while supplies last.
MISTY COPELAND BALLERINA CRAFT
Ages 9-12
Ages 5-12
Pick up starts February 5 and ends February 11
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! Please add your reading level in the Special Notes field when registering.
Ages 8-12
Wednesday, February 21, 2:00-3:00 pm In-Person
Authentic-looking African masks are reminiscent of the ones used to bring rain or chase away a blue day. Learn how to make your own!
BLACK HISTORY MONTH MURAL HELPERS
Ages 9-12
Wednesday, January 24, 6:30-8:00 pm & Thursday, January 25, 6:30-8:00 pm
No registration is required. In-Person + Community Service Opportunity
Help us paint a mural that will hang up in the library in honor of Black History Month.
Teens
Tuesday, January 30, 3:00-5:00 pm
In-Person + Community Service Opportunity
Derrick Adams is a multidisciplinary artist known for his critically acclaimed work in painting, collage, sculpture, performance, video, and sound installations, often exploring themes of joy, leisure, and the pursuit of happiness. Create a piece of art inspired by his artistic style that will be displayed in the Teen Room.
Wednesday, February 7, 6:00-8:00 pm
In-Person + Community Service Opportunity
Glenn Ligon is an American conceptual artist known for his exploration of race, language, and identity through various mediums such as painting, sculpture, and printmaking. Create a piece of art inspired by his artistic style that will be displayed in the Teen Room.
Programs for Adults
ART IN THE STYLE OF BLACK ARTISTS
February 1-29
While supplies last Registration is required Receive art supplies and example pieces to recreate your own art in the style of famous Black artists.
TALKING TO THE BONES: POEMS ABOUT SLAVERY IN NEW YORK CITY AND LONG ISLAND
Thursday, February 22, 6:30-8:00 pm
In-Person + Open to Non-Residents
Poet David Mills will read from and speak about his book Boneyarn, the first ever poetry collection exploring slavery in New York City.
INGENUITY AND RESISTANCE: THE HISTORY OF AFRICAN AMERICAN FOODS IN EARLY NEW YORK
Friday, February 23, 6:00-7:30 pm
In-Person + Open to Non-Residents
Local historian Melanie Cardone-Leathers will discuss the culinary history of African Americans in the New York area. Learn the stories behind these foods as well as the legacies they left behind.
Monthly Book Discussion
ALL THAT SHE CARRIED: THE JOURNEY OF ASHLEY’S SACK, A BLACK FAMILY KEEPSAKE BY TIYA MILES
Thursday, February 1, 7:00-8:30 pm
In-person and Virtual + Open to Non-Residents
Winner of the National Book Award for Non-Fiction. Starting with Rose, who gave the keepsake sack to her daughter, author Tiya Miles follows the sack through generations of a Black family