A collage of notable Black figures, including activists, leaders, and athletes, with the text "Black History Month" overlayed in bold white letters.

We’ve put together a lineup of events and recommendations to help you celebrate Black History Month. Discover the history behind the Pullman maids and porters, enjoy a special storytime and craft based on The Stuff of Stars by Marion Dane Bauer, watch some award winning movies and much more! Looking for something to read or watch? Browse our curated list of books, movies and more.

Events

For Kids

Let’s Create (Drop in)
Wednesday, February 5, 4:15–5:15 p.m.
Grades K–5
Create a collage and mixed media art inspired by the work of Ekua Holmes.

Celebrate Black History Month Scavenger Hunt (Drop in)
Fridays, February 14, 21 & 28, 10a.m.–5p.m.
Find the hidden letters in Children’s Services to win a prize!

The Stuff of Stars Story & Craft (Drop in)
Monday, February 17, 4:15–5:15 p.m.
Grades K–5
Celebrate this Coretta Scott King Award winner by Marion Dane Bauer, learn about the Big Bang and stars and make a marbled paper project inspired by the art of illustrator Ekua Holmes.

Roots: Miles Davis & Ella Fitzgerald (Drop in)
Saturday, February 29, 1:30–2:30 p.m.
Join Judith and Ernie Davis for books, activities and snacks as we explore the lives of African American heroes and sheroes.

For Teens

Teen Movie Saturday: Hidden Figures (Drop in)
February 15, 2 p.m.
Grades 6–12
Watch movies in the Vortex with friends! Three brilliant African-American women at NASA serve as the brains behind one of the greatest operations in history—the launching of astronaut John Glenn into orbit. Snacks provided.

Teen Movie Saturday: Black Panther (Drop in)
February 29, 2 p.m.
Grades 6–12
This Oscar nominated film features Black Panther, a superhero who defends Wakanda, a technologically advanced country that has hidden itself away from the world. Snacks provided.

For Adults & Teens

Black History Movie Week (Drop in)
6:30 p.m.
Monday, February 17: Toni Morrison: The Pieces I Am
Tuesday, February 18: Hidden Figures
Wednesday, February 19: Gina’s Journey
Thursday, February 20: Harriet

For All Ages

Pullman Maids and Porters: A Walking Exhibit (Registration required)
Wednesday, February 5, 6:30 p.m.
Discover the history behind the maids and porters who worked for Pullman Car Company in Chicago in the late 19th century and early 20th century in this walking exhibit.

Recommendations

Check out some of our favorite materials celebrating Black History. If you see something you like, just click the item’s picture to check our catalog for availability. View our full list of recommendations.

Adult & Teen Highlights

Cover of the book "Hollywood Black" by Donald Bogle, featuring a collage of Black actors and filmmakers from various films and eras.  Book cover for "Sacred Ground: The Chicago Streets of Timuel Black," featuring a portrait of Timuel D. Black Jr. wearing glasses and a blue shirt, with the title text above.  Six Black soldiers in World War I uniforms pose together; overlaid text reads, "We Return Fighting: World War I and the Shaping of Modern Black Identity.  Book cover of "On the Other Side of Freedom: The Case for Hope" by DeRay Mckesson, with black tape strips displaying the title and author’s name over red text in the background.  Book cover of "This Will Be My Undoing" by Morgan Jerkins, featuring a black-and-white photo of a woman in glasses looking up, with bold yellow and white text.

Child & Tween Highlights

Book cover titled "Brave. Black. First.: 50+ African American Women Who Changed the World," featuring illustrated portraits of several African American women.  Illustrated cover of a children's book about Coretta Scott King, showing her in a yellow hat with protest signs reading "Peace," "Rights," and "Freedom" in the background.  Book cover of "Counting the Stars" featuring a woman in a blue dress standing against a starry background, with text noting the story of NASA mathematician Katherine Johnson.  Illustration of an older man holding an envelope, a boy in a tie, and another man in uniform, with autumn trees in the background. Book title: Granddaddy’s Turn.

Book cover of "Little Legends: Exceptional Men in Black History" by Vashti Harrison, featuring illustrated men in various professional outfits on a light green background.  Book cover of "One Person, No Vote" by Carol Anderson and Tonya Bolden, featuring a ballot box with ballots being dropped in and text highlighting voter inequality.  Book cover for "Pathfinders: The Journeys of Sixteen Extraordinary Black Souls" by Tonya Bolden, featuring portraits of notable Black historical figures.

Roots: Celebrating Black History All Year Round

Since December 2018, Bolingbrook residents Judith and Ernie Davis have planned and presented Roots, a monthly program that celebrates African American heroes and sheroes. Although aimed at children, all ages have explored the lives of African American men and women who have contributed to their fields and the world. Children participate in DIY activities, and snacks are provided for all who attend.

Six children stand around a table displaying tennis equipment and a book titled "How to Play Tennis," some holding paddles and balls, posing and smiling for the camera indoors. Two boys bend down to pick up paper crafts in a classroom setting, with other children and a table in the background.

The Davis family have put an extensive amount of research into each program. In addition to using our books and eResources, they have also gathered information from visiting museums around the country.

In the very first session of Roots, families learned about Elijah McCoy, who developed an automatic lubricator that allowed trains to run for long periods of time without stopping. They also learned about astronaut Mae Jemison, the first African American woman in space. Since then, children have created a working eye model using a paper template and a small magnifier in honor of Dr. Patricia Bath. They made model airplanes after learning about the Tuskegee Airmen, and after learning about Serena Williams, children transformed the Storytime Room into the “Fountaindale Open,” and organized a table tennis tournament.

Join us for more fun! On Saturday, February 29 from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m., we’ll celebrate Miles Davis and Ella Fitzgerald. All ages are welcome!