Free Library of Philadelphia branches are hosting special events next month in celebration of Black History Month, including a cultural fair, film screenings, workshops, community forums and discussions, and events and activities for children and families (see list below).

You can also explore the Free Library’s resources on African American history and culture, including famous African Americans from Philadelphia, poets and poetry, fiction and nonfiction, children’s books, politics and more Black History Month events throughout Philadelphia area by visiting this page. 

Here are some things going on in West and Southwest Philly:

Lucien E. Blackwell Library (52nd and Sansom)

Tue, Feb. 4, 4 p.m.: Black History Month Artist Showcase: Children can learn about black artists and make their own art pieces

Wed, Feb. 5, 4 p.m.: Black History Month Bingo: Learn about famous African Americans and historical events while having fun playing bingo and learning trivia during this activity for children

Sat, Feb. 8, 2 p.m.: Film screening and director’s talk: Invisible Warriors – African-American Women in World War II. Click here for more info.

Wed, Feb. 12, 4 p.m.: Black History Month Inventors Showcase: Children will learn about some black inventors and their inventions.

Sat, Feb. 15, 1 p.m.: We Must Act: Black and Indigenous Freedom Dreaming Community Forum. Click here for more info.

Wed, Feb. 19, 4 p.m.: Black History Month Scavenger Hunt: Explore the library and learn about well-known Black authors and illustrators during this children’s activity.

Sat, Feb 22, 1 p.m.: Black History Month Cultural Fair: Lucien E. Blackwell Library, in collaboration with the African American Museum in Philadelphia, is hosting the second annual Black History Month Cultural Fair. Representatives from Afrocentric cultural institutions throughout the city will be available to share information and answer questions about their respective organizations.

Wed, Feb 26, 4 p.m.: Black History Month Road Trip Activity: Children will learn about what it was like to travel was like for African Americans during the 1950s.

Thu. Feb 27, 3 p.m.: Preserving Family Archives Workshop with Re/Member Black Philadelphia: This digitization workshop coordinates one-on-one sessions with a trained archivist, who will offer advice on how to preserve your family’s most cherished items. Bring your photographs and documents and leave with a digital copy.

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

Wed, Feb. 12, 5 p.m.: Film screening: Daughters of the Dust. Click here for more info.

Kingsessing Library (1201 S 51st St)

Tue, Feb. 18, 4 p.m.: Black History Month Kidz Quizzo: Show off all you’ve been learning about black history. Work in teams or as a family to answer trivia questions and win prizes. Refreshments will be served

Sat, Feb. 22, 2 p.m.: Black Placemaking and Creative Resistance: Celebrate Black History Month by discussing the ways that Black neighborhoods that are often stigmatized reclaim their spaces and make them meaningful by leading the narrative. RSVP on Facebook.

Walnut Street West Library (40th and Walnut)

Tue, Feb. 18, 10:30 a.m.: Black History Month Storytime: Young children and families are invited to join the library staff for stories, songs, and activities that celebrate Black History Month.

Sat, Feb. 22, 2 p.m.: African Americans in Baseball: Remembering the Philadelphia Stars: Bruce Siebers, Manager of the Walnut Street West Library, worked with several Philadelphia Stars Players including Gene Benson, Bill “Ready” Cash, Mahlon Duckett, Stanley Glenn, Wilmer Harris, Larry Kimbrough, and Al Wilmore, in the 1990s on programs describing the Negro Baseball League. He will discuss the legacy of these players.