In February, we celebrate Black History Month to honor the significant achievements of African Americans throughout history. Celebrate with us by expanding your knowledge through our exciting events and incredible resources.

Double Dutch jump rope teamSpecial All-Ages Performance

Double Dutch Showcase
Sunday, February 21, 2–3 p.m.
Join us for an afternoon of incredible performances by double dutch teams from around the Chicagoland area. All ages. Drop in.

For Adults

Untangling the Roots: Culture of Black Hair Special Exhibit
January 18–February 28 
Visit the 3rd floor to view Untangling the Roots, a look at the history and culture that has defined beauty standards for Black hair from West African tribes to the 21st century. Discover how American mainstream culture, as well as the African American community, have influenced the views Black women have about beauty and their own image. Drop in.

Israel Blackburn: Soldier, Settler and Village Founder
Thursday, February 4, noon
Ages 55 and Older
Israel “Larry” Blackburn made a journey few could have imagined—one that began in slavery in Kentucky and ended in Downers Grove, Illinois, where he became one of the village’s early founders. Marty Acks, President of the Downers Grove Historical Society, will present the enduring story of one man’s perseverance, service and the promise of belonging. Registration required.

Gee’s Bend Improvisational Quilt Making
Tuesday, February 9, 6:30 p.m.
Get inspired by the historical and dynamic work of Black-American quiltmakers from Gee’s Bend, Alabama. Discover the history of their quilt-making culture, which began as a need for survival but became an art form. Then learn improvisational patchwork techniques to create your own quilt blocks. Materials will be provided. Please bring your own sewing machine. Registration required.

Crowning Glory: The Roots of the Black Hair Industry (Zoom)
Thursday, February 18, 6:30 p.m.
Join us for an inspiring lecture with The Whatnot Museum, highlighting the early trailblazers of the Black hair industry. Discover the stories of innovators who overcame poverty and discrimination to build thriving businesses and uplift their communities. Drop in.

For Teens

DIY Masks: The Art of Kimmy Cantrell 
Wednesday, February 3, 4:30 p.m.
Create colorful cardboard masks inspired by the artworks of self-taught sculptor Kimmy Cantrell. Registration required.

3D Paper Sculptures Inspired by Charles McGee 
Monday, February 8, 4–5 p.m.
Create a 3D paper sculpture inspired by celebrated artist Charles McGee, whose iconic sculptures, murals and artwork grace the city of Detroit and the Detroit Institute of Arts. Drop in.

Gee’s Bend Improvisational Quilt Making 
Tuesday, February 9, 4 p.m.
Get inspired by the historical and dynamic work of Black American quiltmakers from Gee’s Bend, Alabama. Discover the history of their quilt-making culture, which began as a means of survival but evolved into an art form. Then learn sewing machine basics and improvisational patchwork techniques to create your own quilt blocks. Sewing machines and materials will be provided. Registration required.

Teen Storytime: Black History Month 
Tuesday, February 16, 4–5 p.m.
Storytime doesn’t have to end just because you’re a teen. Relax and listen to staff as they read short stories by Black authors, new and old. Snacks provided. Drop in.

Sneaker Art Inspired by Laolu Senbanjo 
Wednesday, February 24, 4–5:30 p.m.
Using Nigerian and Yoruba patterns and styles, design and decorate a one-of-a-kind sneaker art piece, inspired by Laolu Senbanjo, a visual artist and activist. Drop in.

For Children & Families

Bessie Coleman’s School of Little Aviators 
Monday, February 1, 11 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Age 3–Grade 5
Aspiring pilots, test your problem-solving skills and determination! After passing our flight tests, earn your own Little Aviator License and more! Drop in.

Tyree Guyton’s Neighborhood 
Monday, February 1, 2–3:30 p.m.
Grades K–5
Paint a mini house and decorate with found objects like Tyree Guyton’s Heidelberg Project. Display it at the library, and take it home in March. Drop in.

Making the Spider-Verse
Wednesday, February 3, 4:30 p.m.
Grades K–5
You may not have been bitten by a radioactive spider, but you can still make your own spider webs! Create spider slime and other activities to celebrate Miles Morales. Registration required.

Augusta Savage Sculptures
Tuesday, February 9, 4:30 p.m.
Grades K–5
Explore the Harlem Renaissance through the eyes of a young Augusta Savage. Sculpt with clay to make your own unique piece of art! Registration required.

The Art of Black Maskers
Tuesday, February 16, 4:30 p.m.
Grades 1–5
Who’s that in all the feathers? Learn about the New Orleans tradition of Black Maskers in Mardis Gras parades, then create your own elaborate mask. Registration required.

For the Culture: Black Magazines
Thursday, February 18, 4:30 p.m.
Grades 4–5
Try hands-on activities as we explore what goes into making a magazine like Essence and Jet. Registration required.

Crowning Glory
Monday, February 22, 4:30 p.m.
Grades K–5
Celebrate your hair with a special storytime, activities and more! Registration required.

Romare Bearden Art Collage
Wednesday, February 24, 4:30 p.m.
Grades K–5
You might have seen Romare Bearden’s collages on display at the Art Institute of Chicago! Learn about his technique and use found images and patterns to create your own collage. Registration required.