February is Black History Month, a time for honoring the history and achievements of black Americans. We strive to offer diverse programs all year-long, in addition to constantly acquiring materials that exhibit a diverse range of voices.

Here are a few ways to celebrate this month and beyond:

Attend a program!

A Celebration of Black History Through Stories, Mon., Feb. 5, 6:30 pm, Willoughby Hills Library
Join us as we celebrate African and African-American culture with folktales presented by storyteller Donna Willingham from the Cleveland Association of Black Storytellers. Learn the history of “Black History Month” and the important role of storytelling that is just as relevant today as in ancient times. All ages welcome.
Register: https://bit.ly/3TDhogo

Exploring Identity, Love, and Being Black in America in Fiction Writing: A Conversation with Award-Winning Author Jason Mott
Tues., Feb. 20, 4 pm, Online
You’re invited to join us as we talk to New York Times bestselling author Jason Mott about his recent novel Hell of a Book. This magnificent work of fiction is deeply honest, at times electrically funny, and is a book that goes to the heart of racism, police violence, and the hidden costs exacted upon Black Americans and America as a whole. Register and submit questions for author here: https://bit.ly/3O060Yh

Drum Circle for Kids, Tues., Feb. 20, 6:30 pm, Eastlake Library
Concentration, collaboration, and a whole lot of fun! Presented by (and drums provided by) Kulture Kids. Ages 7+
Register: https://bit.ly/3vhbU0N

Underground Railroads, Wed., Feb. 28, 6:30 pm, Willoughby Hills Library
Allison Powell from the James A. Garfield National Historic Site will share her knowledge of the Underground Railroads.
Register: https://bit.ly/48EJ2xI

Curated Collections

Click on the images below to check out Kanopy's collection of movies and documentaries about the remarkable achievements and the heroes who’ve paved the way for change by viewing narrative films and documentaries, along with Hoopla Digital and Libby's collections of works celebrating Black Authors and Artists.