Philadelphia, PA 19103-1189
(215) 567-7710
FAX (215) 567-7850
Contact: Communications and Development
Free Library Celebrates Black History Month at Libraries Throughout Philadelphia
PHILADELPHIA January 6, 2016—The Free Library of Philadelphia is proud to celebrate Black History Month throughout the month of February with extensive programming in many of its neighborhood libraries, including craft and music workshops, film screenings, and trivia events.
Many of these programs will be offered in tandem with the Library’s One Book, One Philadelphia, which also kicks off in February and this year focuses on the Civil War era. Programs inspired by the featured reading selection, Cold Mountain by Charles Frazier, as well as the adult companion selections—Twelve Years a Slave, by Solomon Northup, and The Civil War, by Geoffrey Ward with Ric Burns and Ken Burns—will offer Philadelphians many pathways to connect to and discuss our country’s racial past and present.
Listed below are highlights of our system-wide Black History Month programming. For a complete up-to-date listing of all upcoming events, visit freelibrary.org/blackhistorymonth.
George Crum Potato Chip Tasting
Monday, February 1 | 4:30 p.m.
Eastwick Library, 2851 Island Avenue
Learn about African American potato chip inventor George Crum. Participate in a potato-chip tasting and vote for your favorite chip.
The Evolution of Blues
Tuesday, February 2 | 4:00 p.m.
Kingsessing Library, 1201 South 51st Street
Join us for an interactive presentation as musician and historian Joe Becton takes participants on a musical journey through the styles of music developed by Africans in America. This is a One Book, One Philadelphia Program.
African Mask-Making Workshop
Thursday, February 4 | 5:00 p.m.
Haddington Library, 446 North 65th Street
In this hands-on workshop with Ms. A. Art Designs, children and teens can create their own masks with artistic elements unique to Africa. All materials will be provided.
Paint Like Horace Pippin
Monday, February 8 | 4:00 p.m.
Whitman Library, 200 Snyder Avenue
Horace Pippin was a self-taught African American painter from the early 1900s. Join us as we read A Splash of Red: The Life and Art of Horace Pippin and then create a painting in Pippin’s style. For children and families; children under seven must be accompanied by an adult.
Movie Screening: Glory (1989)
Wednesday, February 10 | 5:00 p.m. at Welsh Road Library, 9233 Roosevelt Boulevard
Thursday, February 11 | 12:30 p.m. at Fox Chase Library, 501 Rhawn Street
Join us for a film based on the true story of the first black regiment to fight for the North in the Civil War. Rated R. This is a One Book, One Philadelphia Program.
A Taste of African Heritage
Tuesday, February 23 | 6:00 p.m.
Parkway Central Library, 1901 Vine Street
Many of today’s healthiest foods have their roots in African heritage—like leafy greens, sweet potatoes, millet, and okra. Take part in this free nutrition and cooking series at the Culinary Literacy Center that reconnects to those foods. Advanced registration is required.
Black History Month Trivia: Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader?
Monday, February 1 – Sunday, February 28
Haverford Library, 5543 Haverford Avenue
Use your historical knowledge and visual clues to identify famous African Americans from Philadelphia. The first three winners (teen or adult) will win lunch at a neighborhood restaurant. Winners will be announced on Monday, March 2.
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The 61-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. With more than 6 million in-person and millions more 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.
01/06/2016
Department of External Affairs, Free Library of Philadelphia, 1901 Vine Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103-1189
(215) 567-7710, FAX (215) 567-7850