Black History Month at the Maplewood Library

Last week, Patch clued you in on all the great for the month of February. This week, the Black History Month focus comes to the Maplewood Library branches — both and — where history will come alive through dance, storytelling, art, cloth making, martial arts, and, yes, even books.

Black History Month Artists Match Game

Main Library: Each week in Feb. there will be a new match game. Match the artists to their accomplishments and win a prize! One prize per person each week!

Celebrate the Arts in Black History Quiz

Hilton Branch: Come in and look at Black History through art. Answer a question....win a prize!

My Kente Story/Craft

For all ages, at Main Library: Tuesday, February 8 at 4:00 p.m. Create your own Kente design that reflects your personality. You can also do this craft throughout the month. 

Black Bibliophiles

Learn about the development of African American History through the Harlem Renaissance era, with a focus on black book collectors and librarians. Join Timur Davis, Young Adult Librarian at the Maplewood Library and author of Paying Homage: Arthur A. Schomburg, A Distinguished Bibliophile and Historian for a living history tribute to some great Americans. Wednesday, February 9, 7:00 p.m. in Memorial Hall at the Main Library.

Contemporary Dance Expressions

Main Library: Wednesday, February 16, 4:30 p.m. A performance of urban dance by a student from Arts High School. (All Ages)

Krik? Krak!

All Ages (just drop-in) Hilton Branch: Tuesday, February 22, from 3:30 – 4:00 p.m. Celebrate the Arts in Black History by hearing some Haitian stories.

Anansi Story/Craft

Celebrate Black History Month with one of the most famous characters from African and Island stories. For grades K – 5 at Hilton Branch on Wednesday, February 23 from  3:30 – 4:15 p.m.

Capoeira!

Learn the basics of this Afro-Brazilian martial art. For ages 10 and up (registration required) at the Main Library on Thursday, February 24,  3:00 – 4:00 p.m. The class will be taught by Miuda. Dress in loose clothing.

Living Words: Read Aloud Event

Join local actors and celebrities as we celebrate black poetry, folktales and words.  Fun for the whole family. Main Library: Mon., Feb. 28, 7:00-8:00 p.m. Interactive displays will be available for browsing and tasting from 6:30 – 7:30 p.m.

Sugar Changed the World

If you or your family comes from a land where sugar grows, we want to hear your story. Go to http://sugarchangedtheworld.com and click on share your sugar story.  Tell us your stories throughout February. Then join local authors Marc Aronson and Marina Budhos on Mon., March 7, 3:00 p.m. to learn about the history, the music, and the dance of sugar throughout the world. For all ages. Families welcome.