In celebration of Black History Month, many Free Library of Philadelphia branches will be hosting special events for both children and adults, including book readings and discussions, lectures, arts and crafts, and other educational and fun events and activities. Here’s a list of events happening in West Philadelphia branches and on-line this week. For more events, visit this page.

Monday, Jan. 31, 6:00 p.m.

Walnut Street West Library (40th and Walnut):

W. E. B. Du Bois’ The Ordeal of Mansart Community Reading Group – Stop by the library for a community reading group of W. E. B Du Bois’ classic novel The Ordeal of Mansart. W. E. B. Du Bois was a public intellectual, sociologist, and activist and profoundly shaped Black political culture in the United States. This is a weekly event through Feb. 28. Click here for more information.

Tuesday, Feb. 1

2:00 p.m.

Lucien E. Blackwell West Philadelphia Regional Library (52nd and Sansom):

Children of the Black History Movement Station – Come learn about children past and present who have and are shaping Black history. Use books to complete a fun activity. While supplies last all children completing the activity will get a prize. This program is intended for children ages 12 and under and their families. Click here for more info.

Wynnefield Library (5325 Overbrook Ave):

Black History Month Book Bundles – In celebration of Black History Month, Wynnefield Library’s Adult/Teen Department is offering a Black History Month Book Bundles series accessible on Wynnefield Library’s Facebook page on the following dates: February 1, 8, 15, 22, 28. Go here for more info.

Blanche A. Nixon/Cobbs Creek Library (5800 Cobbs Creek Parkway):

Parent/Baby Bonding Time with Bell Hooks – Parents of babies are invited to come by and grab this kit from the library and enjoy some reading, play, and bonding time with your little one! Each kit includes a board book of Homemade Love by bell hooks, which is yours to keep and enjoy again and again. More info is available here.

3:30 p.m.

Blanche A. Nixon/Cobbs Creek Library:

Tech Tuesday: Black History STEM – This February, Tech Tuesday will be celebrating Black scientists, inventors, and innovators. Stop by LEAP after school to learn about each week’s subject and try a new STEM craft or activity. More info.

4:00 p.m.

Overbrook Park Library (7422 Haverford Ave):

Afrofuturism: an introduction – Join the library for an introduction to Afrofuturism. Enjoy music by Sun Ra, George Clinton, Janelle Monet, and more. This event is for adults and young adults.

Haddington Library (65th St and Girard Ave):

Black Inventors Challenge with LEAP – Schoolchildren are invited to join this library branch for their after-school program, LEAP. In this series the program will explore several known and unknown Black inventions that contestants will have to match with their inventors. Treats and prizes will be provided.

7:30 p.m.

Virtual Event:

Tracey Michae’l Lewis-Giggetts | Black Joy: Stories of Resistance, Resilience, and Restoration – The author and co-author of 15 books that explore topics such as faith, race, social justice, and motherhood, Tracey Michae’l Lewis-Giggetts is a professor of English and Black Studies at the Community College of Philadelphia. In her new essay collection, Lewis-Giggetts celebrates the reaffirming power of Black joy as a means of restoration, resilience, and resistance. Cost: Free or $32.00 book with ticket and signed book plate. Register here.

Wednesday, Feb. 2

4:00 p.m.

Blanche A. Nixon/Cobbs Creek Library:

Black History DIY Film Discussion Kit – Come check out everything you need to host your own film discussion with your pod! Each kit comes with a film about Black history and/or by a Black filmmaker, snacks, discussion questions to talk about after you watch the film, and a themed book list. Click here for more info.

Thursday, Feb. 3

11:00 a.m.

Virtual event hosted by Lucien E. Blackwell West Philadelphia Regional Library:

Instagram Virtual Book Club – Hidden Figures: Chapters 1-5 – No zoom. No cameras. Just a discussion. Every Thursday in February the library will have a discussion of Hidden Figures by Margot Lee Shetterly on their Instagram page. Go here for more info.

4:00 p.m.

Haddington Library:

Black Inventors Challenge with LEAP

Friday, Feb. 4

11:00 a.m.

Virtual event hosted by Haddington Library:

Dr. Maya Angelou Storytime – Join Ms. Sa-de via Facebook Live for a Storytime on the famous poet Maya Angelou in honor of Black History Month. This program is for school and preschool-age children.

Saturday, Feb. 5

10:00 a.m.

Virtual Event:

The History of Soul Food by the Frazier Family Coalition – Join Chef Yuhnis Sydnor from Sugga Mamas Diabetes Prevention and Management as he explores the humble history of soul food and creates a few traditional favorites with a healthy twist. Register here.

1:00 p.m.

Virtual Event:

A Taste of African Heritage w/more recipes – Taste and celebrate healthy food traditions of the African Diaspora from the continent to the Caribbean to down south. Cook along or just watch from the comfort of your home on Saturdays from 1-2:30 p.m. February 5 to March 12, 2022. Register here.