This February, the New Haven Free Public Library is proud to celebrate Black History Month with the theme Arts and Culture. Join us as we honor the achievements, creativity, and ongoing impact of Black artists on the humanities through history and today.
We’re hosting events for all ages across our five locations, including engaging book discussions, thought-provoking film screenings, family-friendly activities, and inspiring community gatherings. Whether you’re exploring history, enjoying art, or connecting with others, there’s something for everyone.
Celebrate with us! Let’s honor the legacy and contributions of Black artists and creatives together!
Black History Month Events at NHFPL
Young Minds and Teens
Wednesday, February 5, 4-5 pm | MITCHELL
Led by local Black artist and businesswoman Kimkelly Myers.
Divine Creations Family Canvas Paint
Wednesdays, February 5 and 26, 5-7:30 pm | STETSON
Celebrate Black History through artistic expression with Sheree Baldwin-Muhammad of Divine Creations with painting for families and adults. Brought to you in partnership with The East Rock Lodge & Pocahontas Temple of I.B.P.O.E. W of Elks.
Wonderful Books and Where to Find Them
Saturday, February 8, 2-2:30 pm | IVES
In partnership with Yale Affinity Groups, celebrate Black History Month at the library! We’ll read Ready to Fly: How Sylvia Townsend Became the Bookmobile Ballerina by Lea Lyon and A. LaFaye. Then, make your own dancer puppet!
Anansi the Spider presented by IyabaArts
Saturday, February 8, 2-4 pm | STETSON
Celebrated puppeteer, Iyaba Ibo Mandingo returns to the Village bringing African storytelling to life with his interactive and engaging production of Anansi the Spider. Brought to you in partnership with The East Rock Lodge & Pocahontas Temple of I.B.P.O.E. W of Elks.
Stay and Play Black History Celebration
Monday, February 10, 10-11:30 am | STETSON
Join us for a story time highlighting great artists in Black History. Ages 0-4 with caregiver.
Kidz Kook Celebrates Black History
Tuesday, February 11, 3:30-5 pm | WILSON
Tennille Murphy, of Kidz Kook, will be leading our After School Activity this week! She’s got something cooked up in honor of Black History Month and celebrating self-love.
Tuesday, February 11, 10:30-11 am | FAIR HAVEN
Join us for a special story time as we celebrate Black art and culture through stories and songs. Participa con nosotros en un momento único de relatos mientras festejamos el arte y la cultura afroamericana mediante relatos y melodías.
Wednesday, February 12, 4-5 pm | MITCHELL
She will be reading her new book I See Color with a childrens’ activity afterward.
Wednesday, February 12, 4-6 pm | STETSON
Join TEENS for pizza, treats, games, and a craft celebrating Black History.
Caribbean Dance for Teens with Coryse Villarouel
Friday, February 14, 1-2 pm | IVES
Join TEENS for an exciting workshop celebrating Caribbean dance and Carnival! Learn how to create a traditional headpiece, master vibrant dance moves, and immerse yourself in this colorful cultural tradition.
Kids Movie Club: Akeelah and The Bee Movie Screening (Rated PG)
PART 1: Wednesday, February 19, 3-4 pm | FAIR HAVEN
PART 2: Wednesday, February 26, 3-4 pm | FAIR HAVEN
Join us to watch and discuss how Akeelah’s journey leads her to the National Spelling Bee.
Crafternoon with Faith Ringgold
Thursday, February 20, 3-4 pm | FAIR HAVEN
Join us as we read Tar Beach and create our own designs inspired by Faith Ringgold’s artwork.
SWANA’s Annual Keepers of the Flame Black History Month Celebration
Saturday, February 22, 12-3 pm | WILSON
Sisters with a New Attitude are back at Wilson with their annual Black History Month Celebration. Come join us for an uplifting community event including refreshments, a drumming performance by Mike Mills, poetry readings, storytelling, a children’s activity, and more!
Got Game?: What is Black Art and Culture? Challenge
Monday, February 24, 3-4 pm | FAIR HAVEN
Test your knowledge on famous black artists against family and/or friends in our Jeopardy-styled trivia night! Come participate for a chance to win our grand prize!
Adults
Urban Life Experience Book Discussion: Medgar & Myrlie by Joy-Ann Reid
Saturday, February 8, 12-1:30 pm | WILSON
Join the Urban Life Experience Book Discussion for Black History Month! Medgar & Myrlie traces the extraordinary lives and legacy of civil rights icons Medgar and Myrlie Evers.
Humanist Association of CT Book Club: Cane by Jean Toomer
Saturday, February 8, 2:30-4:30 pm | WILSON
Join a monthly book club hosted by the Humanist Association of Connecticut and discuss great books. All are welcome! Cane is a 1923 novel by noted Harlem Renaissance author Jean Toomer. The novel is structured as a series of vignettes revolving around the origins and experiences of African Americans in the United States.
Starting a Fashion Label with Guest Tea Montgomery
Saturday, February 8, 3-4:30 pm | IVES (Ives Squared)
Tea Montgomery, a local designer with years of experience, will be hosting a session discussing different avenues to entering the industry, as well as things he’s learned being a Black designer in CT.
Monday, February 10, 5:30-7:30 pm | MITCHELL
Join us for AFRO FACTS, a family-friendly interactive game that test your knowledge of Black Arts and Culture.
Wilson Movie Matinee – Selma (Rated PG-13)
Wednesday, February 12, 2-4:30 pm | WILSON
Selma is a historical drama chronicling Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s campaign to secure equal voting rights by marching through Alabama.
From USA to Ghana Dance Program
Wednesday, February 12, 4-5:30 pm | FAIR HAVEN
Sister Jolynn offers an interactive workshop for all ages. Participants will receive a brief historical background of some West African dances and will learn traditional steps from Ghana. Instruments will be provided to accompany the fun.
Black Music Milestones: James Brown: The Man, the Music, & the Message (Not Rated)
Thursday, February 13, 5-6 pm | FAIR HAVEN
Join us for an inspiring film screening about the remarkable life of the “Godfather of Soul” that features his greatest hits including “Living in America” and “I Feel Good”.
Black Music Milestones: Something from Nothing: The Art of Rap (Rated: R)
Thursday, February 20, 5-7 pm | FAIR HAVEN
Join us for a film that traces the rise and global influence of Hip Hop. Host Ice-T discusses the craft, history, and power of rap through interviews with Afrika Bambaataa, Nas, Mos Def, Chuck D, and more in this compelling documentary.
Saturday, February 22, 2-4 pm | STETSON
Engage in an interactive history of Hip Hop facilitated by Easy A.D., of the Legendary Cold Crush Brothers. Brought to you in partnership with The East Rock Lodge & Pocahontas Temple of I.B.P.O.E. W of Elks.
SWANA’s Annual Keepers of the Flame Black History Month Celebration
Saturday, February 22, 12-3 pm | WILSON
Sisters with a New Attitude are back at Wilson with their annual Black History Month Celebration. Come join us for an uplifting community event including refreshments, a drumming performance by Mike Mills, poetry readings, storytelling, a performance by Infinity Illusions Drill Team, and more!
Wilson Movie Matinee – BlacKkKlansman (Rated PG-13)
Wednesday, February 26, 2-4:30 pm | WILSON
BlackKkKlansman is a biographical crime comedy-drama about Ron Stallworth and the Ku Klux Klan.
Black Music Milestones: Wattstax (Rated: R)
Thursday, February 27, 5-6:45 pm | FAIR HAVEN
Join us for a screening of the legendary 1972 music festival sometimes called “Black Woodstock”. This electrifying concert captures the political energy and optimism of Los Angeles’ Watts neighborhood in that era.
Film Screening and Discussion: Out of Obscurity
Thursday, February 27, 6-7:30 pm | IVES
Out of Obscurity is the story of the 1939 Alexandria Library Sit-In which protested the “separate, but equal” treatment of African Americans. Discussion to follow the screening with Robert Kinney, Public Services Administrator at the NHFPL. Refreshments will be provided.
Download a printable version of the event fliers and our micro branches!