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, from story times for children to trivia games for teens and film screenings for adults.
In addition to programming, the Free Library is also pleased to offer a curated collection of Black History Month-related streaming movies, music, TV shows, and audiobooks through its unique Hoopla digital media service. Hoopla is a digital platform that offers streaming movies, TV, music, and audiobooks for your PC, Mac, tablet, or smartphone—like Netflix for libraries. With their Free Library card number and PIN, customers will find a wide selection of current, popular titles to enjoy for free on Hoopla. And because content is streamed, rather than downloaded, there are no waiting lists, no holds, and of course, no late fees!
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.
Sundays on Stage: Griots in
Concert
Sunday, February 1 at 2:00
p.m.
Parkway Central Library,
1901 Vine Street
Griot (pronounced gree-oh) is the French term for a West African oral historian or storyteller. In the spirit of this rich tradition, “urban griot” Linda Humes shares African, Caribbean, and African diaspora stories while encouraging students to become storytellers of their own experience. She is accompanied by master drummer, Sanga, who provides a powerful heartbeat to each story she tells. Sundays on Stage is a series of cultural programs featuring live performances by a variety of artists and entertainers.
A Taste of African Heritage
Tuesdays, February 3 and 10 at 6:00
p.m.
Culinary Literacy Center at Parkway
Central Library, 1901 Vine Street
Many of today’s healthiest foods have their roots in African heritage—leafy greens, sweet potatoes, millet, and okra to name a few. A Taste of African Heritage is a multi-part wellness program designed to reconnect participants with vibrant ways of cooking, eating, and living that once promoted the health of African American ancestors everywhere. This program is free with advance online registration at freelibrary.org/cook.
Healthy Soul Food for Teens
Saturdays, February 7, 14, and 21
at 12:00 p.m.
Blanche A. Nixon/Cobbs Cree
Li brary, 5800 Cobbs Creek Parkway
Teens are invited to join us for a series of Soul Food cooking workshops presented by ServSafe Certified Food Specialist Keisha Prosser.
Children’s Drum Circle
Monday, February 9 at 4:30
p.m.
Eastwick Library, 2851 Island
Avenue
Musician Ali Richardson will introduce children to a variety of drum and percussion instruments from Africa and around the world and lead children in a ceremonial drum circle exercise.
Black History Teen Trivia Contest Week: How much do you know about Black History?
Monday – Friday, February
9 – 13, all day
Oak Lane Library, 6614 N.
12th Street
How much do you know about Black History? Test your knowledge skills with our librarians! Complete a special trivia sheet and turn it in for a cool prize. This program is for teens ages 12-18.
Film Screening: 42
Wednesday, February 25 at 5:00 p.m.
Wynnefield Library, 5325 Overbrook
Avenue
Join the Wynnefield Library for a screening of 42. The biographical film follows baseball legend Jackie Robinson as he breaks the color line and becomes the first African American player to play in Major League Baseball, debuting as first baseman for the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1947.
I Am Not My Hair
Saturday, February 28 at 2:30 p.m.
Lucien E. Blackwell West
Philadelphia Regional Library, 125
S. 52nd Street
Join us for a presentation by Shirley Randleman, founder of the Philadelphia Beauty Showcase National Historical Museum. This program will reflect upon several local pioneers of the beauty industry (barbers and beauticians who impacted hair care in Philadelphia) and a discussion on the present state of the African American hair care industry.
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