Hartford Public Library’s Black History Month Programming – February 2024
Black History Month Historical Resources
Hartford Public Library’s Hartford History Center (HHC) showcases its unique online resources for Black History Month that honor and illuminate the Black experience in Hartford. Resources include the Hartford Changemakers, an online resource of Black, Latine and Indigenous community figures who made a difference in the city; the online exhibition “From Civil Rights to Human Rights: African American, Puerto Rican & West Indian Housing Struggles in Hartford County, Connecticut 1940-2019”; and, the Hartford NAACP Presidents Project, a collection of interviews spanning the organization’s community work from the 1960s to the early 2000s. Additionally, the Hartford History Center spotlights the Butch Lewis Video Collection, from the personal collection of Charles “Butch” Lewis (1944-2015), co-founder of the Hartford chapter of the Black Panther Party; and, Hartford History Center materials relating to Hip Hop in Hartford: 1981-1991.
Black History Month: Learning through food
Join us for a month-long series event where we will learn about Black History through making and enjoying food.
Tuesdays, February 6 & 13
Thursdays, February 22 & 29,
4:00 – 5:00 p.m.
Ages 5 – 11
Hartford Public Library’s Albany Branch
Kente Cloth Necklaces
Look closer at the history and meaning behind the colors and patterns of Kente cloth and wax print fabrics, along with production processes. We’ll be making necklaces using Kente print and wax print fabrics.
Monday, February 12
2:00 – 3:00 p.m.
Adults
Hartford Public Library’s Barbour Branch
Celebrating Black Voices
Join the Barbour Branch in celebrating Black voices during Black History Month. 11am story time, followed by crafts in the afternoon.
Friday, February 16
11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
All ages
Hartford Public Library’s Barbour Branch
Honoring the Legacy of African American Artists
Focusing on African American History and culture through the work of Harlem Renaissance artists.
Thursday, February 15
4:00 – 5:00 p.m.
All ages
Hartford Public Library’s Camp Field Branch
Black History Month Book Nook
Drop by the library to get some books for your child’s weekend reading and a fun activity kit. Check out our Black History Month bookshelf featuring award-winning children’s books by African-American authors and illustrators.
Friday, February 2
3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. (Series)
All ages
Hartford Public Library’s Downtown Library
Black History Month: Family Storytimes
Join us for stories, activities, and music movement.
Mondays, February 5, 12, & 26, 11:00 a.m.
Tuesdays, February 6, 13, 20, & 27, 11:00 a.m.
Thursdays, February 1, 15, & 29, 11:00 a.m.; Feb 8 & 22, 9:30 a.m.
Ages 5 and under with parents/caregivers.
Hartford Public Library’s Downtown Library
Black History Month James Baldwin Centennial: Film Screening The Price of the Ticket
Join us for a film screening and discussion with Shawn Salvant, Associate Professor of English and Africana Studies Institute at the University of Connecticut on the film, The Price of the Ticket.
Tuesday, February 27
6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Teens, Adults
Hartford Public Library’s Downtown Library
Black History Month/Celebrating Black Excellence
Join us for an interactive read aloud of BIG by Caldecott Award Winner Vashti Harrison and afterwards explore other children’s books by this brilliant creator followed by refreshments.
Thursday, February 29
4:00 – 5:45 p.m.
All ages
Hartford Public Library’s Downtown Library, Classroom 141
Black History Month: Puzzles
Celebrate black history, black culture, and black art. We present a collection of quality puzzles, perfect for an afternoon to relax after a long day.
Thursdays in February
Adults
11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Hartford Public Library’s Ropkins Branch
Black Heroes BINGO
Celebrate Black History Month playing a fun BINGO game!
Tuesday, February 6
4:00 p.m. – 4:45 p.m.
All ages
Hartford Public Library’s Ropkins Branch