The Birmingham Public Library Celebrates Black History Month With Over 70 Programs
The theme for 2023 is “Black Resistance.” Keep reading to see what programs the BPL is offering for Black History Month 2023!
You can find our Black History Month 2023 booklet online on the home page of our website.
Avondale Regional Branch Library
509 40th St S, Birmingham, AL 35222
Adult Programs
Black History Month Drop-in/Take-home Pin Craft
All month long
Craft your own Black History Month pin! This keepsake craft can be completed in the library or picked up as a kit to take home. Kits available while supplies last.
Black History Month Bookmark Drop-in/Take-home Adult Coloring Activity
All month long
Color your own bookmarks featuring quotes by Frederick Douglass, Harriet Tubman, and Sojourner Truth.
Club Create: Mixed Media Black History Month Mosaic
Wednesday, February 22 | Starts at 2:00 p.m.
Our Club Create workshops for adults feature a new craft project each week with instruction and materials provided.
Youth Programs
Scavenger Hunt: Famous Alabamians
Wednesday, February 1–Tuesday, February 14
There are tons of mega-famous people who are synonymous with life in Alabama. Your challenge is to find the photographs of famous African Americans hidden throughout the youth department and match each champion to the statement that best describes him or her. A different challenge each week!
Time for Stories with Ms. Cas & Ms. Marie: It’s History
Thursday, February 16 | Starts at 10:30 a.m.
Join us for a preschool storytime as we explore the rich world of African American heritage through stories, music, games, and more. Registration required. Call 205-787-1928 for more information and to register.
The Crum Chip Challenge
Monday, February 20–Friday, February 24
African American chef George Speck “Crum” is often credited with creating one of the world’s favorite snacks—the potato chip. Drop by the library for a taste test and vote for your top chip choice. Let the crunching begin!
Monday at the Movies
Monday, February 27 | During business hours
The corn is popping, and the movies are playing. Join us for a day of magical movie fun as we honor some of our Black History Month heroes, including Dr. King, Rosa Parks, Ella Fitzgerald, John Henry, Duke Ellington, and more. Roll ‘em!
Central Library
2100 Park Pl, Birmingham, AL 35203
DNA Testing for African Ethnicities (Updated 2023)
Wednesday, February 15 | From 12:00–1:00 p.m.
DNA ethnicity testing may seem a simple and efficient way to identify your ancestral connection to the peoples and places of Sub-Saharan Africa, but what do you know about the types of tests that exist and the insights that they offer? Paul Boncella examines the current state of the science, lists the possibilities for African ethnicity testing, and explains what the various products actually deliver.
Soulful Sunday
Sunday, February 19 | Starts at 3:00 p.m.
Join the Central Library for the second program of the Winter Music Series, Soulful Sunday! Soulful Sunday is a music singing competition for choirs/groups and individuals. One gospel choir/group will win $500, and one soloist will win $200. Admission is free and open to the public. For more information, call 205-226-3690.
Book Talk with Author Marcia Herman-Giddens
Saturday, February 25 | From 3:00–4:00 p.m.
Join author Marcia Herman-Giddens as she discusses her memoir, Unloose My Heart: A Personal Reckoning with the Twisted Roots of My Southern Family Tree. Her book interweaves the story of her youth and coming of age in Birmingham during the Civil Rights Movement with this quest to understand exactly who and what her maternal ancestors were and her obligations as a white woman within a broader sense of an American family.
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 Regional Branch Library
4812 Ave W, Birmingham, AL 35208
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.
BPL Spinners: African American Stars Fell on Alabama
Wednesday, February 1 | From 11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Learn about famous African American singers and musicians from Alabama. This experience is for any fan of music from various genres. This presentation will feature PowerPoint Slides, video samples, handouts, and brief lecturing. Come out and experience this Alabama experience.
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 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 saxophonist Joshua Jones. 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.
North Avondale Branch Library
501 43rd St N, Birmingham, AL 35222
Black History Word Search
All month long
Join us weekly to complete a different word search in honor of Black History Month.
Black History in Color
All month long
Come learn about Black History in color! Two famous African Americans will be featured every week.
Martin Luther King Jr. Craft
Wednesday, February 8 |From 3:00–4:00 p.m.
Children will be able to learn about Martin Luther King Jr. and his dream. Then they will be able to write about their dreams and how to make the world better.
Picture Book of the Month Club: The Patchwork Quilt
Thursday, February 16 | Starts at 3:15 p.m.
Come in and hear a story about family, love, and legacy reflected in the creation of a quilt.
North Birmingham Regional Branch Library
2501 31st Ave N, Birmingham, AL35207
Adult Programs
Black Resistance Film Festival
Wednesdays in February | Starts at 2:00 p.m.
Starting Wednesday, February 1, join the North Birmingham Library to learn about social issues affecting African American society through movies inspired by people and events in black history.
Taste of Nigeria
Friday, February 24 | Starts at 6:00 p.m.
Enjoy a fashion show featuring an array of African styles while enjoying a sample of Nigerian Cuisine.
Youth Programs
Freedom Fighters Scavenger Hunt
All month long
Search the Youth Department for clues and learns about heroic freedom fighters throughout African American history.
Who Am I Bingo
All month long
In honor of Black History Month, play the Who Am Bingo game for a chance to win a prize!
A Taste of History: George Speck "Crum"
Tuesday, February 7 | Starts at 10:00 a.m.
Enjoy the taste of different potato chips in honor of George Speck “Crum,” the inventor of the potato chip!
Grab n Go: Black History Kings & Queens
Tuesday, February 14 | While supplies last
Celebrate influential male and female figures in Black History by making a crown in their honor.
Art Attack: African American Art: Harlem Renaissance, The Civil Rights Movement Era, & Beyond
Wednesday, February 15 | During business hours
Learn about African American artists whose work created pivotal changes in how blacks were represented in art and American Society and create a tapestry inspired by their artwork.
Adventures in Storyland with Miss Pamela: Songs of Freedom Wednesday, February 22 | Starts at 10:30 a.m.
Join Miss Pamela for a story adventure with folktales, songs, and a craft celebrating African American Heritage and its strong tradition of song.
Art Attack: The Art of Resistance
Wednesday, February 22 | During business hours
Learn about African American artists who used their artwork for activism by expressing anguish and social discontent. Paint a piece inspired by their artwork.
Black Resistance: Standing Up for What’s Right Family Night Thursday, February 23 | 6:00–8:00 p.m.
Join us to discuss African American leaders who fought and died for Civil Rights for African American people followed by making your own protest poster for an issue that you believed to be right.
Powderly Branch Library
3301 Jefferson Ave SW, Birmingham, AL 35221
Handprint Peace Flowers Craft (Grab n Go)
All month long
Preschool and elementary aged children can pick up this Grab n Go craft at the Powderly Branch Library. Inside will be colorful paper, instructions, and a supply list for any extras. These peace flowers represent the struggle for peace, equality, and justice for all.
Comics in Color: Black History Gets Graphic
Tuesday, February 21 | Starts at 4:00 p.m.
Middle and high schoolers are invited to join a comic book discussion and journey through comic book history that will highlight African Americans role in graphic novels/comic books. There will be video demonstrations and vintage comic books to win as door prizes as well as other activities.
Faces: African Mask Making
Wednesday, February 22 | Starts at 3:00 p.m.
Learn about the artist Kimmy Cantrell a contemporary artist from Atlanta who makes beautiful African masks. Join us and make your own African mask and learn about the significance of these masks. This program is for adults and older.
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.
Smithfield Branch Library
1 8th Ave W, Birmingham, AL 35204
Between the Lines
Mondays in February
Stop by Smithfield for a Monday afternoon coloring activity celebrating black history.
History in the Making Movie Mania
Wednesdays in February
Watch a black history inspired movie every Wednesday throughout February.
Black History with The Burks
Tuesday, February 7 | Starts at 10:00 a.m.
Learn about African American history and culture while engaging through arts, crafts, and history.
Make Your Mark with Lydia Walker
Monday, February 13 | From 3:30–5:00 p.m.
Join us for Black History Month and learn more about African American history and culture while engaging through arts, crafts, and history.
Therapy Through Art With the Cohill Foundation
Thursday, February 23 | From 3:30–5:00 p.m.
Learn about African American history and culture while learning positive stress coping mechanisms through art.
African Bead Creations with Amber and Nina
Tuesday, February 28 | From 3:30–5:00 p.m.
Patrons will make a Black History Month inspired bead creation craft.
Southside Branch Library
1814 11th Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35204
Celebrating History…Creating History
All month long
This program is a fun and creative way for young kids to learn about African American history with coloring pages and word puzzles. Creative expressions will be displayed within the library.
Grab N’ Go: Black History In Art
All month long
Drop by to pick up Grab n Go kits that introduce families to African American artists and their unique styles of art. You can also recreate your own works of art.
Do You Know The Facts??
Thursday, February 16 | Starts at 4:00 p.m.
Patrons will form groups and test their knowledge of past and present Black History Facts. All ages are welcome.
Movie Matinee
Tuesday, February 28 | Starts at 4:00 p.m.
Patrons will enjoy a film celebrating black culture, black history, and milestones achieved. All ages are welcome.
Springville Road Regional Branch Library
1224 Old Springville Rd, Birmingham, AL 35215
Adult Programs
A Blast From the Past! Movie
Friday, February 10 | From 10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Come and join us as we celebrate Black History Month and travel back to the 1960s Mississippi. Southern society girl Skeeter (Emma Stone) returns from college with dreams of being a writer. She turns her small town on its ear by choosing to interview the black women who have spent their lives taking care of prominent white families. Refreshments served.
Fiction Book Club
Tuesday, February 14 | From 2:00–3:00 p.m.
February’s picks are The Gown by Jennifer Robson and By Her Own Design by Piper Huguley. We will be discussing race and class by learning about the fashion designers who made Queen Elizabeth Ⅱ and Jackie Kennedy’s wedding dresses.
Youth Programs
Black History Storywalk
All month long
Discover some of the many inventions, created by African Americans. Take a stroll through the library and read this fun, fictional story that shows what life would be like without these valuable contributions.
Black History Mosaic Coloring Activity
All month long
Come color a mosaic celebrating Black History Month.
Biography Bags
All month long
Checkout these special biography bags for your 3rd–5th-grade students. These bags feature a biography of a prominent African American person, a reading comprehension sheet, and a quiz.
Crafternoon: Story Quilts Inspired by Faith Ringgold
Thursday, February 2 | Starts at 4:00 p.m.
We will be celebrating artist, social activist, and writer Faith Ringgold. She wrote a book about one of her story quilts called Tar Beach. We will talk about the artist, read Tar Beach, and then make our own personal story quilt.
Interesting African American Inventors—Try It Yourself!
Thursday, February 9 | Starts at 4:00 p.m.
Learn about famous Black inventors and creators. Learn how to make ice cream in a bag!
Make Your Own Mancala Game
Tuesday, February 14 | Starts at 4:00 p.m.
Mancala is an ancient and popular game that can be found throughout much of Africa. Learn how to play with simple materials that you can take home.
Think About It Thursday
Thursday, February 16 | Starts at 4:00 p.m.
This month we will look at famous African Americans and participate in STEM centers. There will be six centers to choose from. Learn about Mae Jemison and make a straw rocket or graph positivity while learning about Doctor Martin Luther King Jr. and more.
Interesting African American Inventors—Try It Yourself!
Thursday, February 23 | Starts at 4:00 p.m.
Join us as we learn a few fun facts about George Speck “Crum” and his potato chip recipe. We will have a potato chip tasting and you can choose your favorite chip flavor!
Black History Bingo!
Friday, February 24 | From 4:00–5:00 p.m.
Come and join the Springville Road teens as their knowledge and skills are tested by well-known and not so well-known African American Educators. Open to all teens and pre-teens, ages 11–18.
Titusville Branch Library
2 6th Ave SW, Birmingham, AL 35211
Embroidery: Black History Crochet Designs
Tuesdays in February | Starts at 11:00 a.m.
Join the Titusville Library Crochet Club and learn how to crochet different designs. Then, put your skills into practice and create Black History Month patterns. Materials are provided.
Rosa Parks Day
Friday, February 3 | Starts at 11:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.
The library will host a movie marathon in commemoration of the American activist who is best known for his pivotal role in the Montgomery bus boycott.
Black History Month Jeopardy
Friday, February 17 | Starts at 4:00 p.m.
This program is to educate people on events and people about black history. Winners will receive a prize!
Titusville Black History Tween/Teen Trivia Bowl
Friday, February 17 | Starts at 4:00 p.m.
How much do you know about African American leaders and events? Want to learn more? This trivia bowl is designed to inspire, empower, elevate, and transform young patrons’ perspectives and understanding of history. Call Titusville Library at 205-322-1140 to register.
Euphonious Assembly
Tuesday, February 21 | Starts at 3:30 p.m.
Did you know that an African American named Robert Flemming Jr. created a guitar called Euphonica? He designed it to have a more resonant sound than a regular guitar and is believed by some to have influenced the creation of the acoustic guitar. In honor of Mr. Flemming, let’s make our own guitar and strum away the hours!
Bessie Coleman Airplane Craft
Wednesday, February 22 | Starts at 3:30 p.m.
Your imagination will take flight with the Titusville Library as you learn about Bessie Coleman. After the short history lesson, patrons will make airplanes out of clothespins! Materials are provided.
Talking to Children About Race
Thursday, February 23 | Starts at 4:00 p.m.
Branch Manager Reba Williams will lead the second workshop on anti-racism. This workshop is about discussing race with children, focusing on having hard conversations with teens. But many talking points apply to older children as well. It will be an interactive workshop with time for questions and discussions. For more details, visit the Titusville Branch Library at #2 6th Avenue SW or call 205-322-1140.
Spotlight On Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. & Road to Selma
Friday, February 24 | Starts at 11:00 a.m. and 3:30 p.m.
Join us at Titusville Library to watch the namesake film to learn more about Martin Luther King Jr. and Selma’s “Bloody Sunday” in 1965.
Titusville Branch African American Read-In Chain & Gospel Extravaganza
Monday, February 27 | Starts at 4:00 p.m.
This February, all Americans have an opportunity to reflect on the rich history and enduring achievements of black Americans during Black History Month. The library will host the UAB Gospel Choir with the addition of African American authors from the community of Titusville Library.
West End Branch Library
1348 Tuscaloosa Ave SW, Birmingham, AL 35211
Black History Month Word Scramble
All month long
Stop by the library to pick up a word scramble puzzle to solve.
Alive @ the Library: Sharing Black History
Wednesdays in February | From 12:00–1:00 p.m.
Stop by and learn about Black History through readings, stories, and dramatizations. You can be a part of the audience or take a turn speaking about Black History. Light refreshments will be provided.
Talk With A Doc
Wednesday, February 1 | Starts at 11:00 a.m.
Come visit with a Cahaba Medical Care doctor for a short health talk. Snacks and door prizes will be available.
Friday Movie Matinee: Black History
Fridays, February 3 & 17 | Starts at 3:30 p.m.
Enjoy a movie and a snack.
Woodlawn Branch Library
5709 1st Ave N, Birmingham, AL 35212
Famous African Americans Word Search
All month long
Enjoy this word search puzzle by finding the names of famous African Americans. Take the puzzle with you or complete it here at the library.
Wylam Branch Library
4300 7th Ave, Wylam, Birmingham, AL 35224
Come and visit us in the month of February to help complete an African American jigsaw puzzle.
TGIF Crafts
Friday, February 3 | Starts at 10:00 a.m.
Make a beautiful vase using recycled bottles while listening to some of the most influential African American singers of all time.
Wylam After-School Club
Tuesday, February 14 | Starts at 3:30 p.m.
The Underground Railroad workers and enslaved people used quilt codes to send secret messages to each other. Participants will color quilt patterns and learn their hidden meanings.
Wylam Book Club
Wednesday, February 15 | Starts at 11:00 a.m.
Book club will discuss The Underground Railroad (also available in Spanish) by Colson Whitehead. This novel is a contemporary writer’s take on the underground railroad.
“It is an unconventional coming of age story, part slave narrative, part historical fiction, part magical realism, in which Whitehead transforms the metaphorical Underground Railroad of our historical memory into an actual mode of transportation.”
Check out the BPL's calendar for more programs!
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