The Los Angeles County Library will celebrate Black History Month in February by hosting a variety of themed events and activities at several library locations and a curated special-event series at the Library’s African American Resource Center, part of the A C Bilbrew Library.

Throughout February, in celebration of the contributions that generations of African Americans have made throughout our nation’s history, LA County Library locations will offer free programs, including author events, film screenings, storytelling, spoken word performances, performing arts and art activities to the public

The holiday is particularly relevant to A C Bilbrew Library; it houses the Library’s African American Resource Center, which was established in 1978 to serve the informational and educational needs of African Americans and the larger population by supporting research and study on social, historical and cultural aspects unique to the African American experience.

“Black History Month is an integral part of our nation’s tradition,” said Rose Mitchell, African American Resource Center Librarian. “It’s a month to remember the important contributions and achievements of African Americans. This remembrance is not only deeply meaningful for the African American community, but also imperative for the greater understanding of national and world history.

“Focusing on Black History Month provides our library customers an opportunity to learn about cultures of the African Diaspora, as well as the important contributions by African Americans to art, literature, music, politics, pop culture, sports, the military and so many other aspects of American and world culture,”Mitchell said.

“(The) Library is the place for people to learn,” said LA County Library Director Skye Patrick. “I am very proud of our four cultural resource centers – African American, Chicano, Asian and American Indian. These cultural resource centers not only provide LA County residents with precious archives, but they also serve as an important medium for our customers to learn about other cultures.”

Black History Month events sponsored by the African American Resource Center include:

Thursday-Saturday, Feb 1-3, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
African American Miniature Museum Exhibit by Karen Collins at A C Bilbrew Library

Saturday, February 10, 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
African Dance Workshop by Ayo Sharpe-Mouzon at A C Bilbrew Library

Saturday, February 17, 12 Noon – 1 p.m.
African Djembe Drum Workshop with master Drummer Rozell Woods at A C Bilbrew Library

Saturday, February 17, 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Performance: Moment to Moment with the Mills Brothers
Sharon L. Graine Production Company at Compton Library

Saturday, February 24, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
African Americans in Times of War: Celebrating Our Veterans at A C Bilbrew Library

For a complete list of Black History Month library events, visit colapublib.org/bhm.

About LA County Library
Founded in 1912, LA County Library is one of the largest and most innovative library systems in the US. It offers free public resources including books, music, multimedia materials, computer and internet access, as well as educational and recreational programs to 3.4 million residents through its 87 community libraries. LA County Library is dedicated to providing exceptional services to its customers by reducing any potential barriers and increasing access and equality of public services for the diverse communities it serves. For more information, visit colapublib.org.