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, Frederick Douglass: Advocate for Equality, on our 3rd floor from Monday, February 3 to Friday, February 28.
Events For Adults
Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Freedom
Wednesday, February 5, 7 p.m. (Zoom)
Join Jo Ann Tufo, historian and American History teacher, to celebrate African American women and men and their contributions during the Colonial and Revolutionary War eras.
Art Day: Alma Thomas
Thursday, February 6, 7 p.m.
Discover Alma Thomas’s vibrant art by recreating one of her iconic works using acrylic paint.
Black Movie History
Thursday, February 6, 7 p.m. (Zoom)
Join Chicago Movie Tours as they present iconic moments in Black film history in Chicago and explore the different sites that connect them. Zoom info will be sent an hour before the event.
Black Founders Panel
Monday, February 10, 6:30 p.m.
Join four members from the Black business community as they share their stories and have an open conversation with the audience about their experiences.
Emancipation to Inauguration
Tuesday, February 11, 7 p.m.
From its first settler to the nation’s 44th POTUS, the African American experience in Chicago is rich and deep. Join Clarence Goodman to learn about Chicago’s expansive history.
Ayodele Drum and Dance Exhibition
Thursday, February 20, 7 p.m.
Welcome the Ayodele Drum and Dance group, who will bring a culturally enriching West African dance and live drum experience.
Senior Social: Hidden Messages in Negro Spirituals on the Underground Railroad
Thursday, February 27, noon (Ages 55 and older)
Join historian and educator Connie Martin as she explains the connections of plantation songs, or Negro Spirituals, with meanings and interpretations of lyrics of some songs used in regions of the South that signaled a multiple of signs and tips that aided enslaved fugitives to find freedom.
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 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)
3D Afrofuturist Sculptures
Tuesday, February 4, 6 p.m.
Construct intricate 3D sculptures with different geometric shapes and patterns that are inspired by the quilts that were hung along the Underground Railroad.
Celebrating Black Artists: Take-It Make-It Kits
Friday, February 14, All Day
Stop by the Vortex to pick up one of our Take-It Make-It Kits, while supplies last! To celebrate Black History Month, we’re highlighting three contemporary Black artists. Each kit contains materials, instructions and a list of supplies needed to complete your arts and crafts projects.
Art for Teens: Shantell Martin
Tuesday, February 18, 4–5 p.m. (Drop in)
Visual artist Shantell Martin creates large-scale black-and-white drawings using continuous lines. Using her style as inspiration, we’ll create our own mug or coaster using Sharpies and Mod Podge.
Dr. Jedidah Isler & Supermassive Black Holes
Wednesday, February 19, 6 p.m.
Learn about astrophysicist Dr. Jedidah Isler and her research into supermassive black holes. Then, create artwork inspired by NASA space images using acrylic paint on canvas.
Beyoncé Appreciation Party
Saturday, February 22, 3 p.m.
All hail Queen Bey! We’re celebrating all things Beyoncé with crafts, music and snacks!
Robert Paige Fabric Art
Monday, February 24, 6 p.m. (Grades 4–8)
Artist Robert Earl Paige is especially known for his fabric designs. Learn about him and Chicago’s Black Arts Movement, and weave your own piece of art on a mini loom.
Books for Teens
Black Voices in Teen Fiction
More Black Voices
Events For Kids & Tweens
Magnificent Makers
Monday, February 3, 4:30 p.m.
Welcome to the Maker Maze, a laboratory full of science adventures! We will try out experiments from Theanne Griffith’s books, learning about outer space and the inside of your head! (Grades K–5)
Bingo: Black History Month Edition
Tuesday, February 4, 4:30–5:30 p.m. (Drop in)
Stop by for a fun hour of bingo. Challenge your friends and family for a chance to win prizes! (Grades K–5 with an adult)
Powerful Portraits: The Art of Kehinde Wiley
Wednesday, February 5, 4:30 p.m.
Explore the work of the artist behind the Barack Obama presidential portrait. Then create your own portrait using paint and patterned backgrounds. (Grades K–5)
Amanda Gorman: Changemaker
Thursday, February 6, 4:30–5:30 p.m. (Drop in)
Be the change! Celebrate National Youth Poet Laureate and activist Amanda Gorman. Listen to Gorman’s poetry and create your own change-making craft. (Grades K–2)
HBCU Drumlines
Monday, February 10, 4:30 p.m. (Drop in)
Explore the music and culture of drumlines at Historically Black Colleges and Universities. Practice playing simple drum cadences and then create your own drum and sticks to use at home. (Grades K–5)
Bedazzled Art of Mickalene Thomas
Wednesday, February 19, 4:30 p.m.
Create a dazzling work of mixed-media art inspired by the bold patterns of artist Mickalene Thomas. (Grades K–5)
The Art of Faith Ringgold
Thursday, February 20, 4:30 p.m.
Create a mixed-media masterpiece inspired by the narrative quilts of artist Faith Ringgold. (Grades K–5)
Books For Kids & Tweens
Diversity in Kid’s Literature
African American Scientists and Inventors
Civil Rights Movement
Celebrate on the Bookmobile
Celebrate Black History Month on the Bookmobile! We’ll be providing a fun and informative Take-It Make-It craft based on Garrett Morgan, the inventor of the traffic light, while supplies last. You can also use our World Book Discover eResource to learn more about him and other amazing Black inventors. While on the Bookmobile, make sure to browse our collection and try our trivia quiz to test your knowledge about Black history!