The Palm Beach County Library System invites you to a month long celebration. We will be offering programs that honor the heritage, contributions and achievements of our African-American community. Enjoy musical performances, book discussions, films and more. Check the calendar for special programs in your local branch.
Indicates sponsored by the Friends of the Palm Beach County Library System.
Black History Month Kickoff Event
West Boca Branch
Phone: 470-1600
Sat, Feb 06, 2:00 pm
Jazz Saxophone Performance by Randy Corinthian
Honored as one of South Florida’s “40 under 40 Black Leaders of Today and Tomorrow,” by Legacy Magazine in 2012 and by ICABA Honors as a Finalist for Entertainer of The Year in 2013, Randy Corinthian will share soulful and scintillating sounds of the jazz saxophone. (60 min.) Preregister.
Adult Programs
Greenacres Branch
Phone: 641-9100
Thu, Feb 04, 1:30 pm
Book & Film Discussion
In recognition of Black History Month, join in a lively discussion and film viewing of the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel “The Color Purple,” by Alice Walker. Book discussion of “The Color Purple.” Return on 2/11 to see the film followed by a brief discussion. (60 min.)
Glades Road Branch
Phone: 482-4554
Fri, Feb 05, 2:00 pm
Celebrate Black History: Book Discussion
Michelle Alexander writes about mass incarceration replacing racial segregation as a system of social control. More African-Americans are in prison today than were enslaved in 1850. Discuss “The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration in the Age of Colorblindness” and the impact of the prison complex in the United States. (60 min.)
Royal Palm Beach Branch
Phone: 790-6030
Wed, Feb 10, 6:00 pm
Black History Month: A Tribute to “Ella” – Music of the
Ella Fitzgerald Songbook
Vocalist Perley Rousseau and pianist Sonny Daye present a concert filled with warmth and humor highlighting the life and music of the legendary Ella Fitzgerald from her Apollo Theatre debut at age 16 to her retirement. (75 min.) Preregister.
Glades Road Branch
Phone: 482-4554
Tue, Feb 16, 2:00 pm
Black History Month: My Mother’s Songs
In an engaging musical presentation, Dr. Naima Johnston Bush introduces the audience to Mahalia Jackson, Billie Holiday and Ethel Waters. This program shares life lessons and great historical moments experienced by these exceptional African-American singers. Funded by the Soule Fund – Talking Books. (60 min.) Preregister.
Royal Palm Beach Branch
Phone: 790-6030
Wed, Feb 17, 10:00 am
Stamp Collecting: Black Heritage Stamps
Learn about the contributions of African-Americans commemorated on United States postage stamps. (60 min.) Preregister.
Clarence E. Anthony Branch
Phone: 992-8393
Wed, Feb 17, 5:00 pm
Black History Month: “Mighty Times – The Children’s March”
©Teaching Tolerance| Southern Poverty Law Center. “The Children’s March,” an Academy award-winning documentary tells the story of how the young people of Birmingham, Alabama, braved fire hoses and police dogs in 1963 and brought segregation to its knees. Their heroism complements discussions about the ability of today’s young people to be catalysts for positive social change. (40 min.) Preregister. Shown with permission. Recommended viewing age: grades 5 & up. Not rated.
Wellington Branch
Phone: 790-6070
Wed, Feb 17, 6:00 pm
Celebrate Black History: Book Discussion Series
Ta-Nehisi Coates has become an influential writer for the Atlantic Magazine on Black American issues today. Copies of “Between the World and Me” will be available at the information desk. (60 min.) Preregister.
Royal Palm Beach Branch
Phone: 790-6030
Wed, Feb 17, 6:30 pm
Jazz It Out With the Wildcat Dancers Dance Team!
Come support Michele Blecher, Dance Director, and the Royal Palm Beach Community High School Wildcat Dancers Dance Team as they perform several Jazz and Contemporary dance routines in honor of Black History Month. All ages. (30 min.) Preregister.
Wellington Branch
Phone: 790-6070
Thu, Feb 18, 2:00 pm
Black History Month: Jazz Saxophone Performance by Randy Corinthian
Honored as one of South Florida’s “40 under 40 Black Leaders of Today and Tomorrow,” by Legacy Magazine in 2012 and by ICABA Honors as a Finalist for Entertainer of The Year in 2013, Randy Corinthian will share soulful and scintillating sounds of the jazz saxophone. Funded by the Soule Fund – Talking Books. (60 min.) Preregister.
Jupiter Branch
Phone: 744-2301
Fri, Feb 19, 2:00 pm
Black Jupiter
The important history of Jupiter’s African-American community dates to the mid-1800s. Josh Liller will present stories and photos from the collection of the Loxahatchee River Historical Society. Jamie Stuve, President/CEO of the Historical Society, will share her experiences collecting the history of the Limestone Creek community and more of their fascinating “untold stories.”
(90 min.) Preregister.
Lantana Road Branch
Phone: 304-4500
Sat, Feb 20, 2:00 pm
Black History Month Discussion
Steve White, of the Martin Luther King Committee, will discuss matters pertaining to Black History Month. Since America’s founding, there have been countless black men and women who have made invaluable contributions to America’s growth and greatness. In this presentation, not only will these men and women be recognized, their contributions will be detailed and their value will be fully understood. (90 min.) Preregister.
Belle Glade Branch
Phone: 996-3453
Sat, Feb 20, 2:00 pm
Celebrate Black History: Book Discussion Series
Congressman John Lewis is a key figure and lifelong activist against racism in America. In the graphic novel trilogy, “March,” he shares his story from his life as a child in Alabama to the March in Washington, D.C. 1963. Copies will be available at the information desk. (60 min.) Preregister.
West Boynton Branch
Phone: 734-5556
Mon, Feb 22, 2:00 pm
Black History Month: A Tribute to “Ella” – Music of the Ella Fitzgerald Songbook
Vocalist Perley Rousseau and pianist Sonny Daye present a concert filled with warmth and humor highlighting the life and music of the legendary Ella Fitzgerald from her Apollo Theatre debut at age 16 to her retirement. Funded by the Soule Fund – Talking Books. (75 min.) Preregister.
Greenacres Branch
Phone: 641-9100
Tue, Feb 23, 6:00 pm
Celebrate Black History: Book Discussion Series
Congressman John Lewis is a key figure and lifelong activist against racism in America. In the graphic novel trilogy, “March” he shares his story, from his life as a child in Alabama to the March in Washington, D.C. 1963. Copies will be available at the information desk. (60 min.) Preregister.
Wellington Branch
Phone: 790-6070
Tue, Feb 23, 6:30 pm
Zumba® Gold: Black History Edition
Join the fun in this special edition Zumba® Gold where we celebrate and sweat it out to African-American music. Suitable for active older adults and beginners. Don’t forget your towel and water. (60 min.) Preregister.
Gardens Branch
Phone: 626-6133
Wed, Feb 24, 2:00 pm
Celebrate Black History: Book Discussion Series
Ta-Nehisi Coates has become an influential writer for the Atlantic Magazine on Black American issues today. Copies of “Between the World and Me,” will be available at the information desk. (60 min.) Preregister.
Hagen Ranch Road Branch
Phone: 894-7500
Thu, Feb 25, 2:00 pm
Black History Month: Randy Corinthian Jazz Quartet
Enjoy traditional jazz standards, modern tunes and brief historical references about this wonderful American art form. The saxophone, keyboard, percussion and bass will be showcased. Funded by the Soule Fund – Talking Books. (60 min.) Tickets available, two per person, starting Thu, Feb 11.
Royal Palm Beach Branch
Phone: 790-6030
Thu, Feb 25, 2:00 pm
Black History Month: Book Discussion
Lawrence Hill, author of “Someone Knows My Name,” tells the story of slavery through Aminata Diallo, who is kidnapped from Africa as a child, where she bears witness to the injustices of slavery and its toll on her life and a whole people. (60 min.) Preregister.
Acreage Branch
Phone: 681-4100
Thu, Feb 25, 6:00 pm
Black History Month: America’s Music – The Blues
©TrAGiK Entertainment. “America’s Blues,” a documentary by Patrick Branson and Aaron Pritchard, explores the impact that the Blues has had on our society, our culture, and the entertainment industry. View this award-winning documentary and enjoy a live instrumental performance by Joe Crisco and Michael Polulack. (60 min.) Preregister. Shown with permission. Not rated.
Wellington Branch
Phone: 790-6070
Thu, Feb 25, 6:30 pm
Artist Trading Card Workshop
Under the tutelage of artist India Dausch, you will create one or more artist trading cards (ATCs) using a collage medium inspired by the art of African-American artist and award-winning children’s book illustrator, Ashley Bryan. Artist trading cards are miniature works of art about the same size as modern trading cards. ATCs are collected and traded both in person at Artist Trading Card Swaps, and through the mail. Supplies provided. (90 min.) Preregister.
Lantana Road Branch
Phone: 304-4500
Sat, Feb 27, 2:30 pm
Black History Month: Meet the Author
Dr. Anthony Dixon shares his triumphant story from being incarcerated in his youth, to earning a Ph.D. in History from Indiana University in his book, “Up from Incarceration: Volume 1: Dispelling Myths of the Thug Life.” He is considered a national expert in the African diaspora and is currently assistant professor and archivist at Bethune Cookman University. (60 min.) Preregister.
Jupiter Branch
Phone: 744-2301
Sun, Feb 28, 2:30 pm
Black History Month: A Tribute to “Ella” – Music of the Ella Fitzgerald Songbook
Vocalist Perley Rousseau and pianist Sonny Daye present a concert filled with warmth and humor highlighting the life and music of the legendary Ella Fitzgerald from her Apollo Theatre debut at age 16 to her retirement. Funded by the Soule Fund – Talking Books. (75 min.) Preregister.
Main Library
Phone: 233-2600
Sun, Feb 28, 2:30 pm
Black History Month: America’s Music – The Blues
©TrAGiK Entertainment. “America’s Blues,” a documentary by Patrick Branson and Aaron Pritchard, and explores the impact that the Blues has had on our society, culture, and the entertainment industry. View this award-winning documentary and enjoy a live instrumental performance by Joe Crisco and Michael Polulack. (60 min.) Preregister. Shown with permission. Not rated.
Okeechobee Blvd. Branch
Phone: 233-1800
Mon, Feb 29, 2:00 pm
Black History Month: My Mother’s Songs
In an engaging musical presentation, Dr. Naima Johnston Bush introduces the audience to Mahalia Jackson, Billie Holiday and Ethel Waters. This program shares life lessons and great historical moments experienced by these exceptional African-American singers. Funded by the Soule Fund – Talking Books. (60 min.) Preregister.
Visit our website for any Black History Month movie show times and locations.
Family Programs
Wellington Branch
Phone: 790-6070
Sat, Feb 06, 2:00 pm
Black History Month Family Fun
Come and join the fun. We’ll learn some 60’s dance moves, enjoy a snack, play Black History bingo, win prizes, and have fun as a family! (2 hr.) Preregister.
Royal Palm Beach Branch
Phone: 790-6030
Tue, Feb 23, 6:30 pm
Pajamarama Story Time: Tales from the Land of Africa
Join us as we take an imaginary trip to the beautiful land of Africa and listen to tales of animal tricksters and troublemakers who will make us laugh and smile. Make an African-inspired craft to bring home. Don’t forget to wear your favorite PJs! Stuffed animals are welcome! Ages 3-6. (45 min.) Preregister.
Orisirisi African Folklore Presents Moonlight Stories
Orisirisi shares the beauty of African life and culture through storytelling. With African drumming and dance, spirited call and response songs, and fun-filled audience participation, Moonlight Stories will appeal to the child’s heart in everyone. Orisirisi spins yarns and shares learning experiences that none will soon forget! All ages. (60 min.) Preregister.
Wed, Feb 10
10:30 am – West Boca Branch
4:00 pm – Glades Road Branch
Fri, Feb 12
10:00 am – Belle Glade Branch
4:00 pm – Acreage Branch
Wed, Feb 17
10:30 am – Clarence E. Anthony Branch
12:30 pm – Loula V. York Branch
Sat, Feb 20
10:30 am – Royal Palm Beach Branch
2:30 pm – Wellington Branch
Mon, Feb 22
10:30 am – Jupiter Branch
3:30 pm – Gardens Branch
Wed, Feb 24
11:15 am – West Boynton Branch
3:30 pm – Hagen Ranch Road Branch
Fri, Feb 26
10:30 am – Greenacres Branch
4:00 pm – Lantana Road Branch
Sat, Feb 27
11:00 am – Okeechobee Blvd. Branch
2:00 pm – Main Library