Black History Month

Black History Month

Black History Month at Evanston Public Library

Celebrating Black History Month

Each February, Evanston Public Library celebrates Black History Month by honoring the stories, voices, and achievements of Black communities through engaging exhibits, curated booklists, meaningful events, and hands-on activities for kids. From spotlighting Black authors and artists to hosting programs that invite learning, reflection, and creativity for all ages, the library creates welcoming spaces to explore Black history—not just as the past, but as a living, evolving story that continues to shape our community and the world.

BHM Art Exhibit

Black History Month Art Exhibit

Art exhibit featuring local artists' work that honors the lived experiences and enduring spirit of Black history and culture. 2/6 - 3/29

Black History Month Events

BHM Bingo

Monday Movie

Feb 23rd | 5:30pm - 8:00pm
Join us for a free screening of the 2025 film Sinners—the most Oscar-nominated movie in history and a box office record-breaker.

Black Family Game Night

Black History Month Family Game Night

Feb 21st | 3:30pm - 6:00pm
Join us for BHM Family Game Night, an afternoon filled with connection, culture, and fun. Come ready to play and have fun together!

Building Black Futures

Building Black Futures Brick by Brick

Feb 26th | 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Online Event
This presentation offers a pathway for real estate investing through homeownership.

BHM Event

E-Town Books & Badges

Feb 28th | 12:00pm - 1:30pm
In celebration of Black History Month, EPL has joined forces with EPD, NOBLE & author Gilo Logan to offer E-Town Books & Badges!

Beyond the Page

Beyond the Page with Percival Everett

Mar 19th | 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Online Event
Tune in for our conversation with Percival Everett, author of the award-winning novel James.

Black History Month Staff Lists

Black History Month Staff Lists

Black Film Trailblazers

Featuring some of the Black filmmakers, performers, and behind-the-scenes creatives who made history from the present back to the 1920s.

Celebrating Black Poets

A small collection of outstanding Black Poets across several generations, as well as some excellent anthologies for further exploration.

Space Is Black: Science Fiction & Fantasy by Black Authors

Black authors are an important part of the science fiction and fantasy landscape! Check out some of these classics and newer titles.

Notable Books on African & African American History

This collection highlights titles that bridge African and African-American history, examining slavery’s legacy and its ongoing impact.

BHM Lists

Horror & Thriller Books by Black Authors

You'll be on the edge of your seat with these propulsive and heart-pounding books by Black authors.

Blaxploitation Films

This movie list pays tribute to the blaxploitation film genre of the 1970s, where Black actors led stories of overcoming "The Man".

Black History Month- The Arts

Books from the last few years that celebrate and illuminate Black artists from various fields.

Recent Award Winning Children's Books by Black Creators

Here is a sampling of great recent award winning children's book's by Black authors/illustrators.

MLK Day of Service

Each year, Evanston Public Library honors Martin Luther King Jr. Day with a spirit of service, learning, and reflection rooted in Black history. On the holiday, the Library hosts a community Day of Service, inviting residents to come together in meaningful acts of giving back.

Throughout the month, curated booklists and thoughtful displays highlight Dr. King’s life, legacy, and enduring call for justice, equity, and community—offering opportunities for all ages to learn, reflect, and take action in ways both big and small.

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