Black History Month graphic
Thursday, January 31, 2019 Charleston County Library

Throughout the month of February the Charleston County Public Library celebrates Black History Month with programs for all ages. These programs prompt us to remember important people, events, achievements and contributions by African Americans to the arts, literature, sports and pop culture.

Whether you're into history, learning about the Gullah culture, tales from the high seas, or games and activities, there's something for everyone. 

 

Cooper River
Gullah Rice Trunk
Thursday, Feb. 14 at 10:30 a.m.
Come learn about the history of rice here in the Lowcountry with our Traveling Trunk! The Inland Rice Fields Traveling Trunk Program is an interactive, hands-on educational tool geared towards elementary and middle school students. The program includes replica artifacts and historical items relating to18th century inland rice fields in the Lowcountry.

 

Dart Library
The Journals of Malachi Moon (children)
Tuesday, Feb. 5 at 10:30 a.m. and Thursday, Feb. 21 at 3:30 p.m.
To celebrate Black History Month, hear stories from the diaries of Malachi Moon, an African American sailor who traveled the world.

Black History Month House Party (Ages 13 – 18)
Friday, Feb. 22 from 6:00 – 7:30 p.m.
Celebrate Black History Month through contemporary music, visual art, politics, food and trivia.
*Registration required.

Hidden Figures: Black History Month edition (ages 11 and under)  
Throughout February
Pictures of notable Americans are hidden through the library. Find and match them with their work to earn a prize!

Hidden Stories: Black History Month Trivia (grades 6-12)
Throughout February
Test your knowledge on black history facts not found in school books.

Black History Month Movie Matinee: Sidney Poitier in “Paris Blues”
Saturday, Feb. 2 from 1:00 – 3:00 p.m.
Filmed in Paris, jazz musician Eddie Cook (Poitier) falls in love with Connie Lampson (Diahann Carroll). Features Louie Armstrong. Also starring Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward.

“A Warm December”
Saturday, Feb. 2 from 3:00 – 5:00 p.m.
Widowed Dr. Matt Younger (Poitier) and his daughter arrive in London and an unexpected, new romance develops for Catherine (Ester Anderson) who’s hiding a secret.

“To Sir with Love”
Saturday, Feb. 16 from 1:00 – 3:00 p.m.
Mark Thackeray (Poitier) transforms the lives of a group of rambunctious white high school students from the slums of London's East End.

“For Love of Ivy”
Saturday, Feb. 16 from 3:00 – 5:00 p.m.
Ivy Moore (Abbey Lincoln) an African-American maid decides to go to college. The Austin family thinks they can keep her from by setting her up with a company executive (Poitier).

African American Read-In: Reading Jar
Thursday, Feb. 21 all day
Discover a new read by chance! Grab a title from our reading jar and get a sneak peek of a book written by an African American author.

African American Read-In Book Circle
Thursday, Feb. 21 from 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Celebrate African American Read-In day as we discuss “An American Marriage” by Tayari Jones.

 

Dorchester Regional

African American Read-in
Thursday, Feb. 21 at 10:30 a.m.
Join us for a special storytime where we highlight African American authors and illustrators. We will also have books available to read all day long.

Basket Weaving with Jenni Faye Singleton (children)
Saturday, Feb. 23 at 12:30 p.m.
Join us as we learn about the Gullah Geechee culture and the history of basket weaving

Black History Month Trivia (children)
All month
Match notable African-Americans with their achievements. There are several different categories to try!

Teen Afternoon Movie: 42 (Grades 6-12)
Saturday, Feb. 9 at 12:30 p.m.
42 tells the life story of Jackie Robinson and his history-making signing with the Brooklyn Dodgers. Rated PG 13; 128 minutes.

Teen Movie Night: The Color of Friendship (Grades 6-12)
Thursday, Feb. 14 at 3:45 p.m.
Witness an unlikely friendship in history, TV-G; 87 Minutes

Afternoon Movie Matinee: The African-American Experience (teens & adults)
Creed (2015) (PG-13)
Wednesday, Feb. 6, 2019 at 3:45 p.m.
The former World Heavyweight Champion Rocky Balboa serves as a trainer and mentor to Adonis Johnson, the son of his late friend and former rival Apollo Creed.

Afternoon Movie Matinee: The African-American Experience (teens & adults)
Love & Basketball (2000) (PG-13)
Wednesday, Feb. 13, 2019 at 3:45 p.m.
Monica and Quincy love and play basketball together through many life challenges from childhood to adulthood.

Afternoon Movie Matinee: The African-American Experience (teens & adults)
American Violet (2008) (PG-13)
Wednesday, February 20, 2019 at 3:45 p.m.
A single mother struggles to clear her name after being wrongly accused and arrested for dealing drugs in an impoverished town in Texas.

Afternoon Movie Matinee: The African-American Experience (teens & adults)
A Raisin in the Sun (2008 version) (PG-13)
Wednesday, February 27, 2019 at 3:45 p.m.
An African-American family struggles with poverty, racism, and inner conflict as they strive for a better way of life. Based on the play by Lorraine Hansberry.

 

Folly Beach

Black History Month Craft and Stories
Saturday, Feb. 9 from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Come to the library and read stories and do a craft featuring notable Black Americans.

 

Hurd/St. Andrews Regional

Abraham the Unstoppable: Black Hero of Colonial South Carolina (adults)
Wednesday, Feb. 6 at 6 p.m.
During the Anglo-Cherokee War of 1759-1761, an enslaved man named Abraham won his freedom from the government of South Carolina by performing a series of deeds that not only displayed remarkable physical endurance and bravery, but also saved many lives. Join CCPL's historian, Dr. Nic Butler, for an introduction to the dramatic, real-life story of Abraham, one of the many forgotten black heroes of early South Carolina.

African American Read-in/Cookbook Club- Gullah and Soul Food (adults)
Thursday, Feb. 21 at 6 p.m.
Celebrate Black History Month by taking part in this special combined February event, focusing on literature and the culinary arts! In honor of our March 6th, Foodways event featuring famed Gullah Chef Charlotte Jenkins, February’s cookbook club theme is “Gullah Cuisine” and “Soul Food” inspired dishes. Bring a dish to share with the group! This event coincides with National African American Read-In and we will also be reading our favorite African American books and poems written by African American authors. Bring your favorite texts to share and read.

St. Andrews TeenSpot Tenth Annual Black History Essay Contest (teens)
Throughout February
This essay is open to all Charleston area students in grades 6-12. One winner will be chosen from middle and high school to receive a prize package. Entries must be in by February 28, 2019. Winners will be contacted on March 12, 2019. For contest details contact Patrice Smith at 843-766-2546.

Black History Month Scavenger Hunt
Throughout February
Learn about notable Americans as you find their hidden pictures in the Children’s area. Can you find them all?

Plantation Singers (all ages)
Tuesday, February 26 at 6 p.m.
Join us to see one of the most renowned a capella and percussion gospel groups in the southeast! Formed in 1996 by Charleston native, Lynnette White, the group has performed across the nation as well as internationally. The Gullah choral group Plantation Singers will perform their lively renditions of traditional spirituals rooted in Gullah spirituals and the sacred music of the South Carolina Lowcountry.

 

James Island

Scavenger Hunt (all ages)
Throughout February
Learn about famous African Americans as you complete a scavenger hunt in the library.

Family Storytime
Thursdays, Feb. 7, 14, 21 & 28 at 10:30 a.m.
All storytimes throughout February will focus on African American authors and illustrators.

Saturday Movies
Saturdays, Feb. 9 & 23 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
2/9: The Wiz, rated G, 133 min.
2/23: The Princess and the Frog, rated G, 97 min.

 

Johns Island

StoryWalk™
Throughout February
Celebrate African American History month by completing our StoryWalk™ book trail.

Abraham the Unstoppable: Black Hero of Colonial South Carolina (adults)
Tuesday, Feb. 5 from 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
During the Anglo-Cherokee War of 1759-1761, an enslaved man named Abraham won his freedom from the government of South Carolina by performing a series of deeds that not only displayed remarkable physical endurance and bravery, but also saved many lives. Join CCPL's historian, Dr. Nic Butler, for an introduction to the dramatic, real-life story of Abraham, one of the many forgotten black heroes of early South Carolina.

STEAM Power
Thursday, Feb. 7, 14, 21 and 28 at 2 p.m.
Celebrate African American History Month. Enjoy a themed STEAM activity; all ages and abilities are welcome.

Family Storytime: Harlem Renaissance
Thursday, Feb. 21 at 10:30 a.m.
Celebrate African American History month during a fun, musical storytime!

Workshop Wednesday: Eureka! (children)
Wednesday, Feb. 27 at 3 p.m.
Join us in our Makerspace and celebrate an African American inventor by creating something awesome!

 

Main Library

“Resilient” by KOLPEACE
Throughout February
Saul Alexander Gallery
People don't like what they don't understand. This exhibit is a collaboration with the Charleston Activist Network (CAN) in loving memory of African American activists who fought for what they believe in. The First Monday Gallery Night opening reception will be held on February 4 from 6-7 p.m. Join kolpeace before the reception at 5 p.m. in the Auditorium for a conversation with CAN. This will be broadcast live on the CAN podcast.

Black History Month Trivia (teens)
Throughout February at the YA Services Desk
Stop by the Teen Lounge and test your knowledge with our Black History month trivia questions. Receive a sweet treat for correct answers.

Common Ground Series: A Community Forum with the International African American Museum (IAAM)
Tuesday, Feb. 5 at 6 p.m.
Are you interested in African American history and culture? Want to learn more about Charleston’s forthcoming International African American Museum and get involved with this important project? Join IAAM’s President/CEO, Michael Boulware Moore for a fireside chat and public engagement series to provide community members an intimate introduction to the IAAM team and real-time insight into the museum’s vision, plans and development.

Abraham the Unstoppable: Black Hero of Colonial South Carolina (adults)
Wednesday, Feb. 20 from 6 - 7:30 p.m.
During the Anglo-Cherokee War of 1759-1761, an enslaved man named Abraham won his freedom from the government of South Carolina by performing a series of deeds that not only displayed remarkable physical endurance and bravery, but also saved many lives. Join CCPL's historian, Dr. Nic Butler, for an introduction to the dramatic, real-life story of Abraham, one of the many forgotten black heroes of early South Carolina.

Afternoon Adventures: A Nutty Green Thumbs
Thursday, Feb. 21 at 3:30 p.m.
Celebrate Black History Month with a special edition of Green Thumbs. Join the Tri-County Clemson Master Gardeners to learn about George Washington Carver and the invention of peanuts.

Slavery to Civil Rights: A Walking Tour of African American Charleston
Saturday, Feb. 23 at 3:30pm
See Charleston from a different aspect. Hear stories and interesting snippets of Charleston's African American history and heritage, from local historian Ruth M. Miller and Alec Cooley. Copies of their new book will be available for purchase.

Poetry Reading with Marcus Amaker
Monday, Feb. 25 at 6 p.m.
Charleston's poet laureate Marcus Amaker will premiere several new poems and talk about his writing process in a Q&A after the reading. Joining him on stage will be local students, reading original work. Attendees will have a chance to purchase Marcus' vinyl, books and CDs.

 

McClellanville

Red Light, Green Light!
Saturday, Feb. 2 at 11:00 a.m.
Learn about the African American inventor: Garret Morgan and enjoy games and a snack.

Explore the Art of African American Artist: Elizabeth Catlett
Saturday, Feb. 16 at 11 a.m.
Create your own print!

Kente Cloth Weaving
Saturday, Feb. 9 at 11 a.m.
Make your own paper strip Kente cloth!

African American Read-In Family Storytime
Thursday, Feb. 21 at 3:30 p.m.
Celebrate African American authors and illustrators!

Charleston Time Machine: "The Charleston"
Saturday, Feb. 23 at 11:00 a.m.
Put on your dancing shoes and go back to the days when the dance, the Charleston, was born.

 

Mt. Pleasant Regional Library

Abraham the Unstoppable: Black Hero of Colonial South Carolina (adults)
Wednesday, Feb. 13 from 6:00-7:30 p.m.
During the Anglo-Cherokee War of 1759-1761, an enslaved man named Abraham won his freedom from the government of South Carolina by performing a series of deeds that not only displayed remarkable physical endurance and bravery, but also saved many lives. Join CCPL's historian, Dr. Nic Butler, for an introduction to the dramatic, real-life story of Abraham, one of the many forgotten black heroes of early South Carolina.

Tracing Your Gullah Geechee Roots (adults)
Saturday, Feb. 16 from 1:00-3:00 p.m.
Toni Carrier, director of the Center for Family History at the International African American Museum, will give an informative talk on genealogy resources for African American families in the Lowcountry. After the presentation, National Park Service Chief of Interpretation Paula Ogden-Muse will discuss resources available at Fort Sumter National Monument and the Charles Pinckney National Historic Site. Marianne Cawley, manager of the South Carolina Room at the Charleston County Library, will discuss resources available for African American genealogy research in the library.

Black History Month Scavenger Hunt (all ages)
Throughout February
Learn about famous African Americans as you complete a scavenger hunt in the library.

African American Read-In Storytime (ages 3-5 years with adult)
Thursday, Feb. 21 from 10:30-11:30 a.m.
Join us for a special storytime featuring books by African American authors.

 

Otranto

African American Read-In (children)
Thursday, Feb. 21, all day
Read or check out a book by an African American author, and receive a sweet treat.

Local Legends: A Celebration of Gullah Geechee History (children)
Tuesday, Feb. 26 at 11 a.m.
Celebrate Black History Month with a presentation from the Gullah Geechee Cultural Heritage Corridor Commission and create a Philip Simmons ironwork themed craft.

Gullah Geechee Roots on Barbados: A Diaspora Conversation (adults)
Saturday, Feb. 23, 11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Join the Barbados and the Carolinas Legacy Foundation founder Rhoda Green for a talk on the history of Barbadian planters and the Africans they brought to the Carolinas. The talk will include the direct historical ties to the Goose Creek area. Hosted in conjunction with the Gullah Geechee Cultural Heritage Corridor Commission.

 

Poe/Sullivan’s Island

Toddler Time Celebrates Black History Month
Tuesday, Feb. 19 at 10:30 a.m.
Join us for a special storytime spotlighting African American Authors for children.

African American Authors Across Age Groups
Thursday, Feb. 21 at 3:00 p.m.
Join us for a special family storytime spotlighting compelling African American authors who write across age groups.

 

St. Pauls/Hollywood

Community Read-In
Thursday, Feb. 21 (all day)
Drop in and read for 30 minutes in honor of Black History Month and the contributions that African-Americans have made to this nation.

 

Village

Black History Month Storytime and Craft
Thursday, Feb. 21 at 11:00 a.m.
Join author and scholar, Professor Damon Fordham, who specializes in U.S. History and African-American Studies at The Citadel for stories and a craft celebrating black history.

Celebrate Black History Month
Thursday, Feb. 21 at 6:15 p.m.
Hear from author and scholar, Professor Damon Fordham, who specializes in U.S. History and African-American Studies and teaches at The Citadel.

 

West Ashley

Gullah Geechee Corridor
Monday, Feb. 4 at 4 p.m.
Celebrate Black History Month with a presentation from the Gullah Geechee Cultural Heritage Corridor Commission and create a Philip Simmons ironwork themed craft.

Scavenger Hunt (all ages)
Throughout February
Learn about famous African Americans as you complete a scavenger hunt in the library.

African American Read-In
Thursday, Feb. 21 at 4 p.m.
Celebrate National African American Read-In, and listen to "Tar Beach" by Faith Ringgold.

 

Storytimes that Spotlight Black Authors and Illustrators:

Cooper River: 
Family Storytime, Feb. 12 and 26 at 10:30 a.m.

Dorchester: 
Family Storytime, Feb. 21 at 10:30 a.m.

Folly: 
Family Storytime, Monday, Feb. 25 at 10:30 a.m.

Hurd/St. Andrews: 
Preschool Storytime Tuesday, Feb. 12 at 11:30 a.m.

Main: 
Preschool Storytime: Thursday, Feb. 21 at 10:30 a.m.

Mount Pleasant
Storytime: Tuesday, Feb. 19 and Thursday, Feb. 21

Otranto:
Babygarten, Mondays, Feb. 4, 11, and 25 at 10:30 a.m.
Toddler Storytime, Monday, Feb. 11 at 10:30 a.m.
Preschool Storytime, Wednesday, Feb. 6 at 10:30 a.m.

St. Paul’s/Hollywood: 
Family Storytime, Tuesday, Feb. 19 at 10:30 a.m.