Birmingham Public Library’s 2023 Black History Month Programs
The theme for 2022 is "Black Resistance."
Avondale Regional Branch Library
509 40th Street S, Birmingham, Alabama 35222
Adult Programs
Black History Month Drop-in/Take-home Pin Craft
All month long
Craft your own Black History Month pin! This keepsake craft can be completed in the library or picked up as a kit to take home. Kits available while supplies last.
Black History Month Bookmark Drop-in/Take-home Adult Coloring Activity
All month long
Color your own bookmarks featuring quotes by Frederick Douglass, Harriet Tubman, & Sojourner Truth.
Club Create: Mixed Media Black History Month Mosaic
Wednesday, February 22 | 2 p.m.
Our Club Create workshops for adults feature a new craft project each week with instruction & materials provided.
Youth Programs
Scavenger Hunt: Famous Alabamians
Wednesday, February 1-Tuesday, February 14
There are tons of mega-famous people who are synonymous with life in Alabama. Your challenge is to find the photographs of famous African Americans hidden throughout the youth department & match each champion to the statement that best describes him or her. A different challenge each week!
Time for Stories with Ms. Cas & Ms. Marie: It ’s History
Thursday, February 16 | 10:30 a.m.
Join us for a preschool storytime as we explore the rich world of African American heritage through stories, music, games, & more. Registration required.
The Crum Chip Challenge
Monday, February 20-Friday, February 24
African American chef George Speck “Crum” is often credited with creating one of the world’s favorite snacks—the potato chip. Drop by the library for a taste test & vote for your top chip choice. Let the crunching begin!
Monday at the Movies
Monday, February 27 | During business hours
The corn is popping, & the movies are playing. Join us for a day of magical movie fun as we honor some of our Black History month heroes, including Dr. King, Rosa Parks, Ella Fitzgerald, John Henry, Duke Ellington, & more.
Central Library
2100 Park Place, Birmingham, Alabama 35203
DNA Testing for African Ethnicities (Updated 2023)
Tuesday, February 15 | 12–1 p.m.
DNA ethnicity testing may seem a simple & efficient way to identify your ancestral connection to the peoples & places of Sub-Saharan Africa, but what do you know about the types of tests that exist & the insights that they offer?
Paul Boncella examines the current state of the science, lists the possibilities for African ethnicity testing, & explains what the various products actually deliver.
Soulful Sunday
Sunday, February 19 | 3 p.m.
Join the Central Library for the second program of the Winter Music Series, Soulful Sunday! Soulful Sunday is a music singing competition for choirs/groups & individuals. The best gospel choir/group will win $500, & the best soloist will win $200. Admission is free & open to the public. For more information, call 205-226-3690.
Book Talk with Author Marcia Herman-Giddens
Saturday, February 25 | 3–4 p.m.
Join author Marcia Herman-Giddens as she discusses her memoir, Unloose My Heart: A Personal Reckoning with the Twisted Roots of My Southern Family Tree. Her book interweaves the story of her youth & coming of age in Birmingham during the Civil Rights Movement together with this quest to understand exactly who & what her maternal ancestors were & her obligations as a white woman within a broader sense of American family.
East Ensley Branch Library
900 14th Street Ensley, Birmingham, Alabama 35218
Black History Month Trivia Hunt
All month long
Visit the East Ensley library throughout February & learn about the contributions & sacrifices of African Americans who have helped shape the nation by taking part in a Trivia Hunt within the library. We will pull one winner from among the correct entries in a drawing held on Tuesday, February 28.
Thursday Matinee Featuring the Late Chadwick Boseman
Thursdays in February | 3:30 p.m.
The East Ensley Library will pay tribute to the late Chadwick Boseman during the month of February. Please join us on the following Thursdays: The Avengers on February 2, Black Panther on February 16, & Wakanda Forever on February 23.
Make a Black History T-shirt to Celebrate Black History Month
Thursday, February 9 | 3–5:30 p.m.
Bring a clean, plain T-shirt to East Ensley Library & we will turn it into a shirt you can wear to celebrate Black History Month!
Five Points West Regional Branch Library
4812 Avenue W, Birmingham, Alabama 35208
Adult Programs
Black History Month Trivia Hunt
All month long
Visit the Five Points West Library's Adult Department throughout February & learn about the contributions & sacrifices of African Americans who have helped shape the nation by taking part in a Trivia Hunt within the library. We will pull one winner from among the correct entries in a drawing held on Tuesday, February 28, 2023.
Saturday Matinee Featuring the Late Chadwick Boseman
Saturdays in February | 2 p.m.
The Five Points West Library will pay tribute to the late Chadwick Boseman during the month of February. Please join us on the following Saturdays: Marshall on February 4, Get On Up on February 11, Black Panther on February 18, & Wakanda Forever on February 25.
BPL Spinners: African American Stars Fell on Alabama
Wednesday, February 1 | 11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Learn about famous African American singers & musicians from Alabama. This experience is for any fan of music from various genres. This presentation will feature PowerPoint Slides, video samples, handouts, & brief lecturing. Come out & experience this Alabama experience.
Supporting Black Health During Black History Month: Blood Pressure & Blood Glucose Checks
Wednesday, February 8 | 12:30–4:30 p.m.
African Americans are disproportionately affected by diabetes which increases the risk of having high blood pressure. The Dannon Project is partnering with the Birmingham Public Library to provide free blood pressure & blood glucose checks. Visit the Five Points West Library to check your levels.
Black Love Matters Quilting featuring LeVerne Holbdy Little
Wednesday, February 22 | 11:30 a.m.
Quilting is a dying art form in the African American community. LeVerne Holbdy Little will share her passion for quilting in hopes she will inspire others to continue this craft. Ms. Little's work will be on display for the month of February.
Garrett A. Morgan Day Table
Friday, February 24 | 9 a.m.–12 p.m.
A representative from COMTO Alabama (Conference of Minority Transportation Officials) will set up a table at Five Points West Library to disseminate information about Mr. Garrett A. Morgan's contributions to transportation & emergency management.
Senior Valentine Day: Dinner & a Movie
Tuesday, February 14 | 5:30 p.m.
Join the Five Points West Library for Senior Valentine's Day Dinner & a Movie with a look at true black excellence featuring a Sidney Poitier Film. Due to limited space, this is a ticketed event & registration is required. Reserve your space on Eventbrite: bit.ly/bplevent
A Night of Jazz @ Five Points West Library
Friday, February 14 | 6 p.m.
Music has been an essential part of African American culture history. Please join the Five Points West Library's tribute to featuring saxophonist Joshua Jones. Reserve your space o Eventbrite: bit.ly/bplevent
Youth Programs
Make a Black History T-Shirt to Celebrate Black History Mon
All month long | 3:30–5:30 p.m.
Bring a clean, plain T-shirt to the Youth Department during the month of February & we will turn it into a shirt you can wear to celebrate Black History Month!
Famous Black Alabamians Scavenger Hunt
All month long
There are many famous people who are synonymous with life in Alabama. This great state has produced talents in all realms of endeavors, including politics, sports, education, film, music, & more. Your challenge is to find the photographs of 10 famous African Americans hidden throughout the library & match each champion to the statement that best describes him or her. Good luck!
Black History Storytime
Tuesday, February 21 | 10 a.m.
Join us for Storytime as we highlight stories celebrating Black History.
North Avondale Branch Library
501 43rd Street N, Birmingham, Alabama 35222
Black History Word Search
All month long
Join us weekly to complete a different word search in honor of Black History Month.
Black History in Color
All month long
Come learn about Black History in color! Two famous African Americans will be featured every week.
Martin Luther King Jr. Craft
Wednesday, February 8 | 3–4 p.m.
Children will be able to learn about Martin Luther King Jr. & his dream. Then they will be able to write about their dreams & how to make the world better.
Picture Book of the Month Club: The Patchwork Quilt
Thursday, February 16 | 3:15 p.m.
Come in & hear a story about family, love, & legacy reflected in the creation of a quilt.
North Birmingham Regional Branch Library
2501 31st Avenue N, Birmingham, Alabama 35207
Adult Programs
Black Resistance Film Festival
Wednesdays in February | 2 p.m.
Starting Wednesday, February 1, join the North Birmingham Library to learn about social issues affecting African American society through movies inspired by people & events in black history.
Taste of Nigeria
Friday, February 24 | 6 p.m.
Enjoy a fashion show featuring an array of African styles while enjoying a sample of Nigerian Cuisine.
Youth Programs
Freedom Fighters Scavenger Hunt
All month long
Search the Youth Department for clues & learns about heroic freedom fighters throughout African American history.
Who Am I Bingo
All month long
In honor of Black History Month, play the Who Am Bingo game for a chance to win a prize!
A Taste of History: George Speck
Tuesday, February 7 | 10 a.m.
Enjoy the taste of different potato chips in honor of George Speck “Crum,” the inventor of the potato chip!
Grab N’ Go: Black History Kings & Queens
Tuesday, February 14 | While supplies last Celebrate influential male & female figures in Black History by making a crown in their honor.
Art Attack: African American Art: Harlem Renaissance, The Civil Rights Movement Era, & Beyond
Wednesday, February 15 | During business hours
Learn about African American artists whose work created pivotal changes in how blacks were represented in art & American Society & create a tapestry inspired by their artwork.
Adventures in Storyland with Miss Pamela: Songs of Freedom
Wednesday, February 22 | 10:30 a.m.
Join Miss Pamela for a story adventure with folktales, songs, & a craft celebrating African American Heritage & its strong tradition of song.
Art Attack: The Art of Resistance
Wednesday, February 22 | During business hours
Learn about African American artists who used their artwork for activism by expressing anguish & social discontent. Paint a piece inspired by their artwork.
Black Resistance: Standing Up for What ’s Right Family Night
Thursday, February 23 | 6–8 p.m.
Join us to discuss African American leaders who fought & died for Civil Rights for African American people followed by making your own protest poster for an issue that you believed to be right.
Powderly Branch Library
3301 Jefferson Ave SW, Birmingham, Alabama 35221
Handprint Peace Flowers Craft (Grab N’ Go)
All month long
Preschool & elementary aged children can pick up this Grab N’ Go craft at the Powderly Branch Library. Inside will be colorful paper, instructions, & a supply list for any extras. These peace flowers represent the struggle for peace, equality, & justice for all.
Comics in Color: Black History Gets Graphic
Tuesday, February 21 | 4 p.m.
Middle & high schoolers are invited to join a comic book discussion & journey through comic book history that will highlight African Americans role in graphic novels/comic books. There will be video demonstrations & vintage comic books to win as door prizes as well as other activities.
Faces: African Mask Making
Wednesday, February 22 | 3 p.m.
Learn about the artist Kimmy Cantrell a contemporary artist from Atlanta who makes beautiful African masks. Join us & make your own African mask & learn about the significance of these masks. This program is for adults & older.
Pratt City Branch Library
509 Dugan Avenue, Birmingham, Alabama 35214
Black History Month Playlist
Wednesday, February 8 | 10 a.m.
Come out to enjoy music across genres created by African Americans & learn interesting facts through biographical sketches.
Southside Branch Library
1814 11th Avenue S, Birmingham, Alabama 35205
Celebrating History…Creating History
All month long
This program is a fun & creative way for young kids to learn about African American history with coloring pages & word puzzles. Creative expressions will be displayed within the library.
Grab N’ Go: Black History In Art
All month long
Drop by to pick up Grab N’ Go kits that introduce families to African American artists & their unique styles of art. You can also recreate your own works of art.
Do You Know The Facts??
Thursday, February 16 | 4 p.m.
Patrons will form groups & test their knowledge of past & present Black History Facts. All ages are welcome.
Movie Matinee
Tuesday, February 28 | 4 p.m.
Patrons will enjoy a film celebrating black culture, black history, & milestones achieved. All ages are welcome.
Springville Road Regional Branch Library
1224 Old Springville Road, Birmingham, Alabama 35215
Adult Programs
A Blast From the Past! Movie
Friday, February 10 | 10 a.m.–12 p.m.
Come & join us as we celebrate Black History Month & travel back to the 1960s Mississippi. Southern society girl Skeeter (Emma Stone) returns from college with dreams of being a writer. She turns her small town on its ear by choosing to interview the black women who have spent their lives taking care of prominent white families. Refreshments served.
Fiction Book Club
Tuesday, February 14 | 2–3 p.m.
February’s picks are The Gown by Jennifer Robson & By Her Own Design by Piper Huguley. We will be discussing race & class by learning about the fashion designers who made Queen Elizabeth Ⅱ & Jackie Kennedy ’s wedding dresses.
Youth Programs
Black History Storywalk
All month long
Discover some of the many inventions, created by African Americans. Take a stroll through the library & read this fun, fictional story that shows what life would be like without these valuable contributions.
Black History Mosaic Coloring Activity
All month long
Come color a mosaic celebrating Black History Month.
Biography Bags
All month long
Checkout these special biography bags for your 3rd–5th-grade students. These bags feature a biography of a prominent African American person, a reading comprehension sheet, & a quiz.
Crafternoon: Story Quilts Inspired by Faith Ringgold
Thursday, February 2 | 4 p.m.
We will be celebrating artist, social activist, & writer Faith Ringgold. She wrote a book about one of her story quilts called Tar Beach. We will talk about the artist, read Tar Beach, & then make our own personal story quilt.
Interesting African American Inventors—Try It Yourself!
Thursday, February 9 | 4 p.m.
Learn about famous Black inventors & creators. Learn how to make ice cream in a bag!
Make Your Own Mancala Game
Tuesday, February 14 | 4 p.m.
Mancala is an ancient & popular game that can be found throughout much of Africa. Learn how to play with simple materials that you can take home.
Think About It Thursday
Thursday, February 16 | 4 p.m.
This month we will look at famous African Americans & participate in STEM centers. There will be six centers to choose from. Learn about Mae Jemison & make a straw rocket or graph positivity while learning about Doctor Martin Luther King Jr. & more.
Interesting African American Inventors Try It Yourself!
Thursday, February 23 | 4 p.m.
Interesting Inventors: Join us as we learn a few fun facts about George Speck “Crum” & his potato chip recipe. We will have a potato chip tasting & you can choose your favorite chip flavor!
Black History Bingo!
Friday, February 24 | 4–5 p.m.
Come & join the Springville Road teens as their knowledge & skills are tested by well-known & not so well-known African American Educators. Open to all teens & pre-teens, ages 11–18.
Titusville Branch Library
2 6th Avenue SW, Birmingham, Alabama 35211
Embroidery: Black History Crochet Designs
Tuesdays in February | 11 a.m.
Join the Titusville Library Crochet Club & learn how to crochet different designs. Then, put your skills into practice & create Black History Month patterns. Materials are provided.
Rosa Parks Day
Friday, February 3 | 11 a.m. & 3 p.m.
The library will host a movie marathon in commemoration of the American activist who is best known for his pivotal role in the Montgomery bus boycott.
Black History Month Jeopardy
Friday, February 17 | 4 p.m.
This program is to educate people on events & people about black history. Winners will receive a prize!
Titusville Black History Tween/Teen Trivia Bowl
Friday, February 17 | 4 p.m.
How much do you know about African American leaders & events? Want to learn more? This trivia bowl is designed to inspire, empower, elevate, & transform young patrons’ perspectives & understanding of history. Call Titusville Library at 205-322-1140 to register.
Euphonious Assembly
Tuesday, February 21 | 3:30 p.m.
Did you know that an African American named Robert Flemming Jr. created a guitar called Euphonica? He designed it to have a more resonant sound than a regular guitar & is believed by some to have influenced the creation of the acoustic guitar. In honor of Mr. Flemming, let ’s make our own guitar & strum away the hours!
Bessie Coleman Airplane Craft
Wednesday, February 22 | 3:30 p.m.
Your imagination will take flight with the Titusville Library as you learn about Bessie Coleman. After the short history lesson, patrons will make airplanes out of clothespins! Materials are provided.
Talking to Children About Race
Thursday, February 23 | 4 p.m.
anti-racism. This workshop is about discussing race with children, focusing on having hard conversations with teens. But many talking points apply to older children as well. It will be an interactive workshop with time for questions & discussions. For more details, visit the Titusville Branch Library at #2 6th Avenue SW or call 205-322-1140.
Spotlight On Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. & Road to Selma
Friday, February 24 | 11 a.m. & 3:30 p.m.
Join us at Titusville Library to watch the namesake film to learn more about Martin Luther King Jr. & Selma’s “Bloody Sunday ” in 1965.
Titusville Branch African American Read-In Chain & Gospel Extravaganza
Monday, February 27 | 4 p.m.
This February, all Americans have an opportunity to reflect on the rich history & enduring achievements of black Americans during Black History Month. The library will host the UAB gospel choir with the addition of African American authors from the community of Titusville Library.
B ra n c h M a n a g e r R e b a W i l l i a m s w i l l l e a d t h e s e c o n d w o r k s h o p o n
West End Branch Library
1348 Tuscaloosa Ave SW, Birmingham, AL 35211
Black History Month Word Scramble
All month long
Stop by the library to pick up a word scramble puzzle to solve.
Alive @ the Library: Sharing Black History
Wednesdays in February | 12–1 p.m.
Stop by & learn about Black History through readings, stories, & dramatizations. You can be a part of the audience or take a turn speaking about Black History. Light refreshments will be provided.
Talk With a Doc
Wednesday, February 1 | 11 a.m.
Come visit with a Cahaba Medical Care doctor for a short health talk. Snacks & door prizes will be available.
Friday Movie Matinee: Black History
Fridays, February 3 & 17 | 3:30 p.m.
Enjoy a movie & a snack.
Woodlawn Branch Library
5709 1st Avenue N, Birmingham, Alabama 35212
Famous African Americans Word Search
All month long
Enjoy this word search puzzle by finding the names of famous African Americans. Take the puzzle with you or complete it here at the library.
Wylam Branch Library
4300 7th Avenue, Birmingham, Alabama 35224
Come & visit us in the month of February to help complete an African American jigsaw puzzle.
TGIF Crafts
Friday, February 3 | 10 a.m.
Make a beautiful vase using recycled bottles while listening to some of the most influential African American singers of all time.
Wylam After-School Club
Tuesday, February 14 | 3:30 p.m.
The Underground Railroad workers & enslaved people used quilt codes to send secret messages to each other. Participants will color quilt patterns & learn their hidden meanings.
Wylam Book Club
Wednesday, February 15 | 11 a.m.
Book club will discuss The Underground Railroad by Colson Whitehead. This novel is a contemporary writer ’s take on the underground railroad. “It is an unconventional coming of age story, part slave narrative, part historical fiction, part magical realism, in which Whitehead transforms the metaphorical Underground Railroad of our historical memory into an actual mode of transportation.”
For more information visit www.cobpl.org