Tuesday, January 24, 2023

Join us this February in honoring Black culture and contributions, past, present, and future. The Arlington Public Library will commemorate Black History Month with a series of programs that celebrate Black history, culture, and art.

Learn more about Black History Month in our Library on Topic article.

Saturday, February 4, 2023, 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Join the Arlington Public Library for a special author visit with best-selling children's author and illustrator, Jerry Craft. The event will include a presentation from the author, a brief drawing session showcasing how his characters came to life, Q&A, and a book signing. This event is free and open to the public, and the first 50 kids will receive a free copy of New Kid for the author to sign. 
 
 
Friday, February 10, 2023, Noon - 1:30 p.m., Virtual
Take a lunch break and join us for this exciting battle where old school Hip Hop & RnB go head-to-head with new school remixes of the classics. Who will take the crown? Only you can decide!
 
Tuesday, February 14, 2023, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m., Downtown Library
Explore your family history guided by African American genealogist, Sabra Johnson! No matter what ethnic background you have, you are sure to learn new and interesting research techniques from her examples. 
 
Thursday, February 16, 2023, 6 - 7:30 p.m., Virtual - Registration Required
Join us for an engaging roundtable discussion on Afrofuturism in literature, media, and beyond. Afrofuturism: a wide-ranging social, political, and artistic movement that explores the culture and experiences of the African diaspora through the lens of science-fiction, history, and fantasy.

Panelists will include Ytasha Womack, critically acclaimed filmmaker and Dr. Kathy Brown, professor of art education at the University of North Texas.

Friday, February 17, 2023, 3 – 5 p.m., Downtown Library
Create a beautiful heat press design using Cricut Design Space software and heat transfer vinyl. Bring a solid color t-shirt and we will provide the vinyl. This class is limited to the first 7 in attendance and is appropriate for ages 13+.
 
Saturday, February 18, 2023, 11 a.m. - 5 p.m., Downtown Library

Help save lives and bring relief to thousands by giving at this sickle cell blood drive and health event hosted by the American Red Cross. Check in on your health by visiting the health vendors and organizations in attendance. Sickle Cell is a disease that predominately impacts individuals of African descent.  African American donors are highly requested to provide the most compatible units for patients. All donors receive a free health screening prior to donating. Have a Heart for Sickle Cell!

Please visit American Red Cross to schedule an appointment.

 A Black History Month Panel Discussion on STEM Careers with Black Professionals & Students
Thursday, February 23, 2023, 7 – 8 p.m., Downtown Library
Join us for a robust and honest conversation with Black STEM professionals and students from the National Society of Black Engineers Dallas/Fort Worth Professionals and UTA's chapter of the National Society of Black Engineers

Members of the panel will discuss their educational journeys, describe current challenges, and celebrate successes. All to encourage the next generation to follow in their footsteps

Saturday, February 25, 2023, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m., Downtown Library – Registration Required
Enjoy an intimate evening of jazz celebrating the music of icons Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald, Louis Armstrong, and Duke Ellington. Peruse a stunning artist gallery by local Black artists and partake in tasty refreshments during this night of class and elegance. Cocktail attire requested.