Wednesday, January 26, 2022

Celebrate Black History Month at the Fond du Lac Public Library as the library recognizes the contributions of Black poets, inventors, artists, and more. Programs are scheduled for every age group throughout February:

ADULT:
  • Wednesdays at 6 pm in February: Visit the McLane Room in the Main Library to hear two poems written by a Black poet. A discussion of the poem will follow. Featured poets include Frances Ellen Watkins Harper, Robert Hayden, Etheridge Knight and others. To read the poems in advance, visit calendar.fdlpl.org to see which poems are selected for each date. Register at calendar.fdlpl.org for each week's event; masks required.
  • Tuesday, Feb. 15 at 6 pm in the McLane Room: Discuss musical contributions from Black Americans, from slave songs to hip hop. We'll celebrate with a sampling from each era; guests are invited to share their favorites as well. Register at calendar.fdlpl.org; masks required.
  • Tuesday, Feb. 22 at 6 pm in the McLane Room: Join in a discussion of the book, "How To Be an Antiracist" by Ibram X. Kendi. Register for the event at calendar.fdlpl.org and reserve a copy of the book at fdlpl.org. Masks required.
  • All month: Visit the first floor of the Main Library for a timeline of Black American history. The timeline, which will be located by the central staircase, will highlight specific events in Black history with recommended books to learn more about each event
YOUTH & TEENS:
  • Monday, Feb. 14 at 4 p.m.: Learn about important Black artists like Jean-Michel Basquiat, Faith Ringgold, and more, then create masterpieces inspired by their work. No registration required. Recommended for ages 5 and up; masks are required.
  • Saturday, Feb. 26 at 1 p.m.:  Teens are invited to learn about Black “artivists”  (artist-activists) like Kara Walker, Elizabeth Catlett and Xenobia Bailey and create their own social justice art. Registration required; registration opens Saturday, Feb. 12 at 9 a.m. Space is limited; masks required.
  • Monday, Feb. 28 at 4 p.m.:  Without Black inventors, we wouldn’t have ice cream scoops, Super Soakers, and more. Celebrate the accomplishments of these curious minds while completing activities related to their famous inventions! No registration required. Recommended for ages 7 and up; masks required.
  • All month long: Join the Black History Month scavenger hunt in the Children’s Room to learn about important people and events in Black history. Find all the clues and win a special prize!