Philadelphia, PA 19103-1189
(215) 567-7710
FAX (215) 567-7850
Contact: Communications and Development
FREE LIBRARY CELEBRATES BLACK HISTORY MONTH WITH A RANGE OF PROGRAMS THROUGHOUT ITS 54-BRANCH SYSTEM
Philadelphia, PA January 7, 2014—The Free Library of Philadelphia celebrates Black History Month throughout the month of February with programming in our neighborhood libraries. Listed below are highlights of our Black History Month programming. For a complete up-to-date listing of more than 40 events, visit freelibrary.org/blackhistorymonth.
• Black History Resources and Trivia for Tweens and Teens
Monday, February 3 at 4:30 p.m. | Wynnefield Library
From February 3-10, Wynnefield Library will be having a Black History trivia challenge for teens and tweens. Pick up a trivia sheet at the Reference desk, and turn it in by 8:00 p.m. on Monday, February 10. Completed sheets will be entered to win a prize. To pick up some tips and tricks, join Ms. Jessica on Monday, February 3 at 4:30 p.m. for an overview of some helpful library resources to aid you in your trivia quest.
• Paul Robeson Documentary
Monday, February 3 at 5:30 p.m. | Eastwick Library
Join us for a screening of a documentary on the life and times of Paul Robeson. This is the story of an African American singer and actor who became involved in the Civil Rights Movement during the 1960s and examines his life as a scholar, athlete, humanitarian, artist, among other things.
• Black Memorabilia Exhibition
Tuesday, February 4 at 6:00 p.m. | Lucien E. Blackwell/West Philadelphia Regional Library
West Philadelphia resident and local collector, Gina Blyther Gilliam, will bring items from her extensive collection of African American artifacts and collectibles. Learn about the historical context and significance of various items. Explore the role that common everyday items may have had in influencing perceptions and reinforcing stereotypes.
• Comic Book STARS Workshop
Monday, February 10 at 4:30 p.m. | Eastwick Library
Join us for a workshop by skilled comic book artists from the East Coast Black Age of Comics Convention (EBACC). This program will engage children and teens through a variety of exercises using comic books, worksheets and activities including interactive reading, writing, drawing, and using positive images and imagery to illustrate comics as a fun and exciting way to be creative.
• Jen Bryant | A Splash of Red: The Life and Art of Horace Pippin
Thursday, February 13 at 10:30 a.m. | Parkway Central Library
The Central Children’s Department will be having author Jen Bryant for a presentation on her book A Splash of Red: The Life and Art of Horace Pippin in the Montgomery Auditorium. Space is limited! School groups, please call 215-686-5369 to register.
• Family Story time with American Girl Addy
Thursday, February 13 at 6:00 p.m. | Wadsworth Library
Join Librarian Chris Brown for an interactive storytime with songs and activities featuring American Girl Addy! Thanks to the generosity of The Junior League of Philadelphia, Addy will be available for weekly check-outs from this location beginning on March 3, 2014. An additional program will occur on February 27 at 4:00 p.m. when children will be introduced to Addy and her story, and will participate in activities that children from Addy’s era would have done for fun.
• Inventors Showcase: African American Inventors and Their Inventions
Thursday, February 20 at 4:30 p.m. | Overbrook Park Library
Join us for an Inventor Showcase where school-age children will visit various stations in the library to learn more about African American inventors and their inventions and answer related trivia questions.
• Eda Ne Kakati (From the Past to the Present)
Sunday, February 23 at 2:00 p.m | Parkway Central Library, Montgomery Auditorium
Come on a journey to Uganda through dance, song, music, costumes, stories, and games as part of this Sundays on Stage presentation made possible by the Philadelphia City Institute Board of Managers.
• Take Part in the 2014 National African American Read-In
Tuesday, February 25 at 4:30 p.m. | Haddington Library
Join us as we come together to share children’s books written by African American authors. Children, parents, and caregivers are invited to participate by reading aloud from selected books. For more information, contact the children’s librarian, Frank Bonifante at 215-685-1970.
# # #
The 54-location Free Library of Philadelphia system advances literacy, guides learning, and inspires curiosity with millions of digital and physical materials; 25,000 yearly programs and workshops; free public computers and extensive Wi-Fi; and rich special collections, including those at Parkway Central Library and at The Rosenbach of the Free Library of Philadelphia Foundation. The combined holdings of these renowned collections—which include hundreds of thousands of rare books, manuscripts, and ephemera—inspire unique exhibitions and programs throughout the year. With more than 6 million in-person and 9 million online visits annually, the Free Library and The Rosenbach are among the most widely used educational and cultural institutions in Philadelphia and boast a worldwide impact.
01/15/2014
Department of External Affairs, Free Library of Philadelphia, 1901 Vine Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103-1189
(215) 567-7710, FAX (215) 567-7850