The Birmingham Public Library is celebrating Black History Month with more than 70 programs, exhibits and displays at branch locations including the central library downtown.

Avondale branch, 509 40th St. South, Birmingham

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, Feb. 22 | Starts at 2 p.m.

Club Create workshops for adults feature a new craft project each week with instruction and materials provided.

Scavenger Hunt: Famous Alabamians Wednesday, Feb. 8 –Tuesday, Feb. 14

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.

Time for Stories with Ms. Cas & Ms. Marie, Thursday, Feb. 16 | Starts at 10:30 a.m.

Preschool story-time explores 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, Feb. 20–Friday, Feb. 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.

Monday at the Movies Monday, Feb. 27 | During business hours

Movies highlighting Black History Month heroes, including the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Rosa Parks, Ella Fitzgerald, John Henry, Duke Ellington, and more.

Central Library, 2100 Park Place, Birmingham

DNA Testing for African Ethnicities, Wednesday, February 15 | From 12 –1 p.m.

DNA ethnicity testing offers a way to identify ancestral connection to the peoples and places of Sub-Saharan Africa. 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, Feb. 19 | Starts at 3 p.m.

Winter Music Series. 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, Feb. 25 | From 3–4 p.m.

Author Marcia Herman-Giddens 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.

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

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. One winner from among the correct entries will be pulled in a drawing held on Tuesday, Feb. 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 on Thursdays: Black Panther on Feb. 16, and Wakanda Forever on Feb. 23.

Make a Black History T-shirt to Celebrate Black History Month Thursday, Feb. 9 | From 3–5:30 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 Library, 4812 Ave. West, Birmingham

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 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: Get On Up on Feb. 11, Black Panther on Feb. 18, and Wakanda Forever on Feb. 25.

BPL Spinners: African American Stars Fell on Alabama

Supporting Black Health During Black History Month: Blood Pressure & Blood Glucose Checks

Wednesday, Feb. 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, Feb. 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, Feb. 24 | From 9 a.m.–12 p.m.

A representative from the Conference of Minority Transportation Officials in Alabama will set up a table at Five Points West Library to offer information about Garrett A. Morgan’s contributions to transportation and emergency management.

Senior Valentine Day: Dinner & a Movie

Tuesday, Feb. 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, Feb. 24 | Starts at 6 p.m.

Five Points West Library’s tribute to jazz music featuring saxophonist Joshua Jones. Reserve a space on Eventbrite: bit.ly/bplevent

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

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.

Black History Storytime

Tuesday, Feb. 21 | Starts at 10 a.m.

Stories celebrating Black History.

North Avondale Library, 501 43rd St N, Birmingham

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

Two famous African Americans will be featured every week.

Martin Luther King Jr. Craft Wednesday, Feb. 8 |From 3-4 p.m.

Children will be able to learn about civil rights leader the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Then they will 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 Library, 2501 31st Ave. North, Birmingham

Black Resistance Film Festival

Wednesdays in February | Starts at 2 p.m.

Movies inspired by people and events in black history.

Taste of Nigeria

Friday, Feb. 24 | Starts at 6 p.m.

Fashion show featuring an array of African styles, and sample of Nigerian Cuisine.

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 I Bingo game for a chance to win a prize.

A Taste of History: George Speck “Crum”

Tuesday, February 7 | Starts at 10 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, Feb. 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, Feb. 15

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, Feb. 22 | Starts at 10:30 a.m.

Story adventure with folktales, songs, and a craft celebrating African American heritage and its tradition of song.

Art Attack: The Art of Resistance

Wednesday, Feb. 22 | During business hours

Learn about African American artists who used their artwork for activism. Paint a piece inspired by their artwork.

Black Resistance: Standing Up for What’s Right Family Night Thursday, Feb. 23 | 6–8 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 Library, 3301 Jefferson Ave SW, Birmingham

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. Includes colorful paper, instructions, and a supply list to make peace flowers representing the struggle for peace, equality, and justice for all.

Comics in Color: Black History Gets Graphic

Tuesday, Feb. 21 | Starts at 4 p.m.

Middle and high schoolers’ comic book discussion and journey through comic book history highlighting African American role in graphic novels/comic books. There will be video demonstrations and vintage comic books to win as door prizes.

Faces: African Mask MakingWednesday, Feb. 22 | Starts at 3 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 Library, 509 Dugan Ave, Birmingham

Black History Month Playlist

Wednesday, Feb. 8 | 10 a.m.

Listen to music across genres created by African Americans and learn facts through biographical sketches.

Southside Library, 1814 11th Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35204

Celebrating History…Creating History all month long

African American history 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.

Black history facts

Thursday, February 16 | Starts at 4 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 p.m.

Films celebrating black culture and black history.

Springville Road Library, 1224 Old Springville Rd, Birmingham, AL 35215

Adult Programs

Movie Friday, February 10 | From 10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.

“The Help.” Refreshments served.

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. 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

Check out 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

Thursday, February 2 | Starts at 4:00 p.m.

Discussion of writer Faith Ringgold, who wrote a book about one of her story quilts called Tar Beach. Read Tar Beach, and then make a 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 GameTuesday, 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 ThursdayThursday, 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

Thursday, February 23 | Starts at 4:00 p.m.

Learn about George Speck “Crum” and his potato chip recipe, with potato chip tasting.

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 Library, 2 6th Ave SW, Birmingham

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. 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 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.

Titusville Black History Tween/Teen Trivia Bowl

Friday, February 17 | Starts at 4:00 p.m.

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.

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.

Bessie Coleman Airplane Craft

Wednesday, February 22 | Starts at 3:30 p.m.

After the short history lesson on Bessie Coleman, 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 a 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.

Titusville Library presents to watch the 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.

The library will host the UAB Gospel Choir with the addition of African American authors from the community of Titusville Library.

West End Library, 1348 Tuscaloosa Ave SW, Birmingham, AL

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 Noon –1 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.

Friday Movie Matinee: Black History Fridays, February 17 | Starts at 3:30 p.m.

Enjoy a movie and a snack.

Woodlawn Library, 5709 1st Ave N, Birmingham, AL 35212

Famous African Americans Word Search -all month long

Play the word search puzzle by finding the names of famous African Americans. Take the puzzle with you or complete it here at the library.

Wylam Library, 4300 7th Ave, Wylam, Birmingham

Visit in the month of February to help complete an African American jigsaw puzzle.

TGIF Crafts

Friday, February 3 | Starts at 10 a.m.

Class to make a 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 used quilt codes to send secret messages. Participants will color quilt patterns and learn their hidden meanings.

Wylam Book Club

Wednesday, February 15 | Starts at 11 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.

Check out the BPL’s calendar for more programs.