In February, we celebrate Black History Month to honor the momentous achievements African Americans have made throughout history. Celebrate with us by expanding your knowledge through our exciting events and incredible resources. And don’t miss our special exhibit, Fire and Freedom: Food and Enslavement in Early America, on our 3rd floor from January 19 to February 24.
Registration for events opens three weeks before each program date. Drop-in events don’t require registration.
Events For Adults
ShortHaus Cinema: Julie Dash
Tuesday, February 6, 7–8 p.m. (Drop in)
Explore and discuss the style, techniques and themes of filmmaker Julie Dash’s auteur and her body of work in short films. Discussions can range from the director’s oeuvre to specific formal elements and how to achieve them. You’ll then use the discussion as prompts for filming your own short films to be shared and critiqued.
Movie Screening: One Night in Miami…
Wednesday, February 7, 6:30–8:30 p.m. (Drop in)
Join us for a showing of this 2020 award-winning film. On the night of February 25, 1964, in Miami, Cassius Clay joined Jim Brown, Sam Cooke and Malcolm X, and they discussed the responsibility of being successful Black men during the civil rights movement.
In the Belly of the Beast
Monday, February 19, 7 p.m.
In late 1965, Dr. Martin Luther King brought his push for civil rights to Chicago, learning that the inequality and terror in the South were very much mirrored in the North. Clarence Goodman will talk about the struggle Dr. King and other organizations in the area faced as they fought for equality for all.
Coffee and Conversation Book Club
Tuesday, February 20, 10:30–11:30 a.m. (Drop in)
Looking for something to wake you up in the morning? Join us for a stimulating discussion of Finding Me by Viola Davis. Copies of the book are available at the 3rd Floor Service Desk one month before the book club meeting, or you can check our catalog for a copy.
Pre-Civil War Quilts: The Secret Codes to Freedom on the Underground Railroad
Thursday, February 22, noon
Ages 55 and older
Historian Connie Martin recounts her great-grandmother Lizzie’s stories about how her family survived many trials and tribulations of the Antebellum period. Learn how they ingeniously used hidden codes and messages in quilts to assist abolitionists in guiding slaves to freedom through the Underground Railroad.
Books & More for Adults
Black History Month
Celebrating Black Stories
Along with these book recommendations, we also have a large selection of movies celebrating and honoring Black stories. You can enjoy these for free from the comfort of your home by logging into Kanopy with your Fountaindale Library card. If you prefer DVDs, we also have a great selection of movies in our physical collection.
Events For Teens (Grades 6–12)
Celebrating Black Artists: Craft-on-the-Go Take-It Make-It Kits
Friday, February 2
Stop by the Vortex to pick up one of our Craft-on-the-Go Take-It Make-It Kits, while supplies last. This month, we’ll be highlighting three contemporary Black artists. Each kit contains materials, instructions and a list of supplies needed to complete your arts & crafts project.
Celebrating Black Superheroes
Monday, February 19, 2 p.m.
Join us for an afternoon of celebrating Black superheroes! We will play games, learn about the history of Black superheroes and watch Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse.
Can’t make it? Grab a copy of Into the Spider-Verse to enjoy at home.
Books for Teens
Black Voices in Teen Fiction
More Black Voices
Events For Kids & Tweens
Take-It Make-It Craft Kits: Stop by the Children’s Services Desk on Saturday mornings all month to pick up a craft kit highlighting Black History Month, while supplies last.
Hypothesize This! A Science Podcast
Thursday, February 8, 4:30 p.m.
Grades 3–5
Have you ever wanted to be on a podcast? Join us as we dive into the world of podcasting, discussing the amazing discoveries of Black innovators!
African Masks Art
Monday, February 12, 4:30 p.m.
Grades 3–5
Learn about artists who were inspired by African masks, and then create your own work of art!
Tween/Teen STEM Exploration: Tiny Stitches
Wednesday, February 14, 6 p.m.
Grades 4–8
Explore the inner workings of the human heart in this hands-on STEM program celebrating the work of medical pioneer Vivien Thomas.
History Exploration: Claudie in the 1920s
Friday, February 16, 10:30 a.m.
Grades K–5
Calling all Bolingbrook homeschool families! Learn about 1920s history through the eyes of Claudie, the beloved American Girl doll. It’s going to be the bee’s knees!
Preschool Art: The Quilts of Gee’s Bend
Friday, February 16, 1:30 p.m.
Ages 3–5 with an adult
This workshop provides little hands with a unique opportunity to learn about the quilts of Gee’s Bend and make their own quilts out of paper!
Black Excellence Scavenger Hunt
February 18–24 (Drop in)
Explore Children’s Services in this scavenger hunt featuring past, present and future generations of Black excellence.