The 2026 theme, The Founders of Black History Month, marks A Century of Black History Commemorations. Dr. Carter G. Woodson and the founders of the ASNLH launched Negro History Week in 1925 to transform how Black people saw themselves and how the world understood their contributions. What began as a week of study and celebration grew into Black History Month, formally recognized in 1976 and now observed globally. This centennial theme invites us to celebrate the lasting impact of Black history commemorations in shaping identity, advancing equality and enriching culture worldwide.
For more information and to register for programs, please visit the events calendar at slpl.org. All programs are subject to change to a virtual format.
How Long til Black Future Month? St Louis Black Community 100 years from now
Feb. 1-28 | Central Library | During Library Hours
For the centennial year of Black History celebrations, SLPL invites you to join us in imagining what our Black community might look like in another hundred years. Inspired by the award-winning short story collection by N. K. Jemisin, contribute a short note, poem or drawing to our community constellation in the Adult Fiction room. Adults
Roots of the Community: Mapping Black History
February 1- 28 | During Library Hours | Walnut Park Library
Help contribute to historical accounts, personal memories and cultural landmarks that represent the vibrancy and resilience of Black communities in St. Louis. Stop by throughout the month to locate, pin and add stories of significance to a map highlighting Black neighborhoods, schools, houses, businesses and other community spaces. Adults
Monday Matinees: A Century of Black History Commemorations
The Butler (2013)
Feb. 2 | Buder Library | 1:30 p.m.
Starring Forest Whitaker, Oprah Winfrey, John Cusack, Cuba Gooding Jr., Terrence Howard
A black butler working at the White House serves eight U.S. presidents over the course of three decades, and finds his personal life deeply affected by the sweeping social changes he witnesses from his prestigious job. PG-13, 132 Minutes
The Help (2011)
Feb. 9 | Buder Library | 1:30 p.m.
Starring Emma Stone, Cicely Tyson, Viola Davis, Bryce Dallas Howard, Octavia Spencer
A débutante in 1960s Mississippi sends her community into an uproar by conducting a series of probing interviews with the black female servants of the area's most prominent families. PG-13, 146 Minutes
Waiting to Exhale (1995)
Feb. 16 | Buder Library | 1:30 p.m.
Starring Whitney Houston, Angela Bassett, Lela Rochon, Loretta Devine, Gregory Hines
Four women gather regularly to share their friendship and to relate stories about their relationships with the men who breeze in and out and their lives. R, 121 Minutes
Respect (2021)
Feb. 23 | Buder Library | 1:30p.m.
Starring Jennifer Hudson, Forest Whitaker, Audra McDonald, Saycon Sengbloh, Hailey Kilgore
Following the rise of Aretha Franklin's career from a young child singing in her father's church's choir to her international superstardom. ‘Respect’ is the remarkable true story of the music icon's journey to find her voice and become the Queen of Soul. PG-13, 145 Minutes
African American Art Exploration
Learn about a different African American visual artist each week and explore a craft that relates to their works. Children can paint, collage, sculpt with paper, clay or fabric to create their own works to take home. All supplies provided. Best for ages 8 and up. Kids
Feb. 2 | Walnut Park Library | 3:30 p.m.
Jacob Lawrence, Watercolor Still Life of Hand Tools
Feb. 9| Walnut Park Library | 3:30p.m.
Alma W Thomas, Paint abstract concentric circles (or heart shapes for Valentine's Day)
Feb. 16 | Walnut Park Library | 3:30p.m.
Faith Ringgold, Use fabric markers to create a mini Story Quilt
Feb. 23 | Walnut Park Library |3:30 p.m.
Tom Feelings, Draw a face or self-portrait with charcoal
Throwback Thursdays with A Touch of Sohl
Feb. 5| Schlafly Library’s Auditorium | 6 p.m.
Feb. 19| Carpenter Library Auditorium | 6 p.m.
Celebrate Black History Month with a soulful musical journey! A Touch of Sohl brings classic hits and timeless grooves to life in this Throwback Thursday concert series. Each performance highlights the rich legacy of Black music and culture, offering an unforgettable evening of music, memories and community at your local library. Adults
Black History Month Book Club: “The Last Children of Mill Creek” with Author Vivian Gibson
Feb. 7 | Buder Library | Noon
Join us for a discussion and documentary screening on “The Last Children of Mill Creek” with special guest and author Vivian Gibson. “The Last Children of Mill Creek” is a bestselling memoir of growing up in the 1950s in Mill Creek Valley, a segregated working-class St. Louis neighborhood that was razed in 1959. Attendees are strongly encouraged to have completed the book prior to the program. You can pick up a copy at the second floor reference desk all through the month of January leading up to the event. Adults
Angie Thomas Double Feature
Feb. 7 | Central Library | 11 a.m.
This event will showcase the movie adaptations of two books by award-winning author Angie Thomas: "The Hate U Give" and "On the Come Up." Between the film showings, a reception with refreshments, crafts and music will celebrate hip hop and the music that inspired Thomas' writing of each story. Teens
Exploring Black Fashion History
Feb. 7 | Barr Library | 11 a.m.
Step into a century of Black fashion and see how style tells a story of culture, identity and empowerment. This interactive workshop takes learners through key eras of Black fashion — from Harlem Renaissance zoot suits to Civil Rights–era dashikis, hip-hop streetwear and today’s luxury designers. Participants will then bring history to life through a creative project of sketching their own inspired designs, capturing the spirit of a chosen era while adding their unique creative touch. Registration Required. Adults
What's The Tea? Kids Book Club
Feb. 10 | Carpenter Library | 4:30 p.m.
Come sip tea and sprawl on the cushions during a reading from your next favorite book. This month, we’re celebrating Black History Month with a featured book and author highlighting Black voices and stories. Kids
Beat-Making for Beginners
Feb. 11 | Carpenter Library | 4:30 p.m.
Join us for a hands-on evening of creating music on computers! We’ll explore the history of hip-hop and electronic rhythmic music before exploring a number of web-based drum machines and sequencers. Teens
Life Doesn't Frighten Me
Feb. 13 | Carpenter Library | 10 a.m.
Feb. 14 | Central Library | 10 a.m.
Inspired by Dr. Maya Angelou’s powerful poem, the Library invites you to join us for this original play by multi-disciplinary hip-hop artist Paige Hernandez. Told through spoken word, hip-hop and dance, “Life Doesn’t Frighten Me” brings to life the everyday fears we all face—and the courage within us to rise above them. All Ages
Black History through Taste: Desserts
Feb. 14 | Divoll Library | 2 p.m.
Take a look through the last 100 years of African American cooking through desserts. And learn how to make a no-bake sweet potato cheesecake. Registration Required. Adults
Tea Talk: Amber Fouche & the Legacy Behind Tea ParTea
Feb. 21 | Schlafly Library | 2 p.m.
Celebrate Black History Month with us as we welcome Amber Fouche, owner of Tea ParTea, for an inspiring conversation on history and entrepreneurship. Amber will share the story of how her grandmother Clara and a lineage of herbalist women and healers—stretching back to the time of sharecropping and the transatlantic slave trade—inspired her business and vision. For Amber, tea provides a source of community, comfort, and healing that honors her family heritage. The talk will be followed by a tea tasting and pastry pairing. Registration Required. Adults
A for Activism
Feb. 23 | Baden Library | 3 p.m.
Resistance through art! Learn about Black activists while painting your own protest sign. Kids
The Jazz Edge Orchestra Celebrates Black American Music
Feb. 26 | Schlafly Library | 6:30 p.m.
Experience the sound of The Jazz Edge Orchestra! Founded in 1991, this acclaimed ensemble brings together talented musicians from across the St. Louis Metropolitan Area. Their dynamic performance honors the rich legacy of big band jazz and promises an evening of timeless music. Enjoy the vibrant rhythms and soulful melodies of this beloved jazz band! Adults.
Authors @ Your Library: Twice Over a Man: A Fierce Memoir of an Orphan Boy Who Doggedly Determined a Finer Life by Orvin Kimbrough
Feb. 28 | Carpenter Library | 11 a.m.
Join Orvin Kimbrough as he discusses his life and book “Twice Over a Man: A Fierce Memoir of an Orphan Boy Who Doggedly Determined a Finer Life.” Born in East St. Louis to a drug-addicted mother who died when he was eight years old, Kimbrough chronicles his early years through foster care, orphanages, abuse, hunger, and poverty. He could have joined a gang, become a teen father, fallen into drugs, or ended up in prison—but instead, he rose above it all to become a respected leader in the St. Louis business and nonprofit communities. Books will be available for purchase onsite through Left Bank Books. Adults
Black Joy Jubilee
Feb. 28 | Buder Library | 10 a.m.
Children’s authors Aja Owens and Adrienne Draper will walk us through generations of poetry as we celebrate Black Joy. Families
Augusta Savage Inspired Clay Sculptures
Feb. 28 | Schlafly Library | 2 p.m.
Celebrate Black History Month and create clay sculptures in honor of artist Augusta Savage! Augusta Savage was a Harlem Renaissance sculptor who was inspired by her community. She was also a community art teacher and activist. Air dry clay and tools will be provided while supplies last. Kids 6-12
Roots & Blues @ Central Library
Feb. 28 | Central Library | 2 p.m.
Join acclaimed artist Lady J Huston for a powerful presentation that intertwines the history of the Blues with genealogy and personal storytelling, complete with a live musical performance. Lady J will explore how the Blues shaped American culture while reflecting the struggles and triumphs of generations past. She’ll also share tools and resources for discovering your own family roots, especially for African Americans facing unique challenges in tracing ancestry. Adults
Authors @ Your Library: Gerald Early "Play Harder: The Triumph of Black Baseball in America
Feb. 28 | Buder Library | 3 p.m.
Gerald Early is the Merle Kling Professor of Modern Letters in the Department of African and African American Studies at Washington University in St. Louis. He is the author of numerous books, including “The Culture of Bruising: Essays on Prizefighting, Literature, and Modern American Culture,” which won the 1994 National Book Critics Circle Award for Criticism. Adults