Every February, we celebrate Black History Month to recognize the achievements of Black Americans and the significant role and impact they have made on all facets of life and society throughout U.S. history. In February of 1926, historian Dr. Carter Godwin Woodson established a weeklong celebration to coincide with the birthdays of abolitionist Frederick Douglass and President Abraham Lincoln. Since 1976, every February has been designated Black History Month with a special theme. The 2024 theme “African Americans and the Arts” recognizes the history and influence of African American artists in the visual and performing arts, literature, fashion, folklore, language, film, music and more.

We hope you take the time to explore programs, recommended readings, and digital resources that honor Black voices and achievements.

CRCPL Library Programs

• Friday, February 2 at 3pm: Red Panda Book Club
• Monday, February 5 at 7pm: Friends of Dorothy Book Club
• Thursday, February 8 at 6pm: Documentary Screening: GOSPEL at OUC
• Thursday, February 15 at 7pm: Black History Month Program at OUC
• Wednesday, February 21 at 12pm: Brown Bag Book Club

Book Lists

• Black History Month: Children’s Books
• Black History Month: Middle Grade Reads
• Black History Month: Adult Reads

Ebooks & Audiobooks

• Libby’s collection of African American Fiction 
• ComicsPlus collection of Black History, Black Voices
• Black History Month Collection on hoopla

Music & Film

• Stream albums by Black artists on Hoopla
• African American films and documentaries on Kanopy

Other Resources

• Get training on Allyship and Anti-racism through LinkedIn Learning
• Access Ancestry and use this guide to get started researching African American family history

In order to access most of these resources in our eLibrary, all you need to do is log in with your library card!