Black History Month 2023 Spotlight: East Ensley, Five Points West Regional, & Pratt City Branch Libraries

It's the cover of the Black History Month 2023 booklet with the addition of the word spotlight. The cover of the BPL's Black History Month Booklet 2023. It features a black back ground with the words Black in red, History in yellow, and Month in green for the pan-african colors. Beneath Black History Month 2023, the outline of the word spotlight in yellow.

Black History Month 2023 is underway at the Birmingham Public Library (BPL)There are over 70+ programs happening across almost all BPL locations. Today we are spotlighting programs at 3 libraries: East Ensley, Five Points West Regional, and Pratt City Branch Libraries.

Some of these programs are happening today!

You can find our Black History Month 2023 booklet online on the home page of our website

East Ensley Branch Library
900 14th St Ensley, Birmingham, AL 35218

Black History Month Trivia Hunt
All month long

Visit the East Ensley library throughout February and learn about the contributions and sacrifices of African Americans who have helped shape the nation by taking part in a Trivia Hunt within the library. We will pull one winner from among the correct entries in a drawing held on Tuesday, February 28.

Thursday Matinee Featuring the Late Chadwick Boseman
Thursdays in February | Starts at 3:30 p.m.

The East Ensley Library will pay tribute to the late Chadwick Boseman during the month of February. Please join us on the following Thursdays: The Avengers on February 2, Black Panther on February 16, and Wakanda Forever on February 23.

Make a Black History T-shirt to Celebrate Black History Month Thursday, February 9 | From 3:00–5:30 p.m.

Bring a clean, plain T-shirt to East Ensley Library and we will turn it into a shirt you can wear to celebrate Black History Month!

Five Points West Reginal Branch Library
4812 Ave W, Birmingham, AL 35208

Five Points West Branch Library also offered a Black History Month edition of their BPL Spinners program on Wednesday, February 1.

Adult Programs

Black History Month Trivia Hunt
All month long

Visit the Five Points West Library's Adult Department throughout February and learn about the contributions and sacrifices of African Americans who have helped shape the nation by taking part in a Trivia Hunt within the library. We will pull one winner from among the correct entries in a drawing held on Tuesday, February 28, 2023.

Saturday Matinee featuring the late Chadwick Boseman
Saturdays in February | Starts at 2:00 p.m.

The Five Points West Library will pay tribute to the late Chadwick Boseman during the month of February. Please join us on the following Saturdays: Marshall on February 4, Get On Up on February 11, Black Panther on February 18, and Wakanda Forever on February 25.

Supporting Black Health During Black History Month: Blood Pressure & Blood Glucose Checks
Wednesday, February 8 | From 12:30–4:30 p.m. 

African Americans are disproportionately affected by diabetes which increases the risk of having high blood pressure. The Dannon Project is partnering with the Birmingham Public Library to provide free blood pressure and blood glucose checks. Visit the Five Points West Library to check your levels. 

Black Love Matters Quilting featuring LeVerne Holbdy Little Wednesday, February 22 | Starts at 11:30 a.m. 

Quilting is a dying art form in the African American community. LeVerne Holbdy Little will share her passion for quilting in hopes she will inspire others to continue this craft. Ms. Little's work will be on display for the month of February.

Garrett A. Morgan Day Table
Friday, February 24 | From 9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. 

A representative from COMTO Alabama (Conference of Minority Transportation Officials) will set up a table at Five Points West Library to disseminate information about Mr. Garrett A. Morgan's contributions to transportation and emergency management.

Senior Valentine's Day: Dinner & a Movie
Tuesday, February 14 | Starting at 5:30 p.m.

Join the Five Points West Library for Senior Valentine's Day Dinner and a Movie with a look at true black excellence featuring a Sidney Poitier Film. Due to limited space, this is a ticketed event and registration is required. Reserve your space on Eventbrite: bit.ly/bplevent

A Night of Jazz @ Five Points West Library
Friday, February 24 | Starts at 6:00 p.m.

Music has been an essential part of African American culture throughout history. Please join the Five Points West Library's tribute to jazz music featuring vocalist Halo Wheeler and pianist David Talley. Reserve your space on Eventbrite: bit.ly/bplevent

Youth Programs

Make a Black History T-Shirt to Celebrate Black History Month
All month long | From 3:30–5:30 p.m.

Bring a clean, plain T-shirt to the Youth Department during the month of February and we will turn it into a shirt you can wear to celebrate Black History Month!

Famous Black Alabamians Scavenger Hunt
All month long

There are many famous people who are synonymous with life in Alabama. This great state has produced talents in all realms of endeavors, including politics, sports, education, film, music, and more. Your challenge is to find the photographs of 10 famous African Americans hidden throughout the library and match each champion to the statement that best describes him or her. Good luck!

Black History Storytime
Tuesday, February 21 | Starts at 10:00 a.m.

Join us for Storytime as we highlight stories celebrating Black History. 

Pratt City Branch Library
509 Dugan Ave, Birmingham, AL 35214

Black History Month Playlist
Wednesday, February 8 | Starts at 10:00 a.m.

Come out to enjoy music across genres created by African Americans and learn interesting facts through biographical sketches.

Check out the BPL's calendar for more programs! You can also find all the programs from the booklet listed here on the blog

Stop by the Central Library to see the changing exhibits and displays for Forging Justice, celebrating 60 years of civil rights history here in Birmingham.

By Cheyenne Trujillo | Library Assistant Ⅲ, Public Relations

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