Black History Month
The Long Beach Public Library is proud to celebrate Black History Month (BHM), nationally recognized every February.
The Library's local theme, "For the Culture," honors and showcases the richness of Black history and culture. "For the Culture" is a series of educational and entertaining events, as well as thought-provoking and inspiring activities that highlight Black love, self-identity, self-care, art, and joy within the Black community.
Visit the Long Beach Public Library during February to check out the amazing programs and events happening!
Staff Picks
- Space for Everyone by Seina Wedlick
- The Last Stand by Antwan Eady
- The Night Market by Seina Wedlick
- Bros by Carole Boston Weatherford
- My Hair is a Book by Maisha Oso
- The Blue Pickup by Natasha Tripplett
- Something, Someday by Amanda Gorman
- Amari and the Despicable Wonders by B.B. Alston
- Timid by Jonathon Todd
- Words are Magic! by Zalia Avant-garde
- A Year of Black Joy: 52 Black Voices Share Their Life Passions, curated by Jamia Wilson
- Black Internet Effect by Shavone Charles
- The Unboxing of a Black Girl by Angela Shanté
- Sleep Like Death by Kalynn Bayron
- Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents (Adapted for Young Adults) by Isabel Wilkerson
- The Library of the Dead by T.L. Huchu
- Flamboyants: The Queer Harlem Renaissance I Wish I'd Known by George M. Johnson
- Black Girl You Are Atlas by Renée Watson
- Freedom!: The Story of the Black Panther Party by Jetta Grace Martin
- Blood at the Root by LaDarrion Williams
- Children of Anguish and Anarchy by Tomi Adeyemi
- Bluff by Danez Smith
- Neighbors and Other Stories by Diane Oliver
- Sister Love: The Letters of Audre Lorde and Pat Parker, 1974-1989, edited by Julie R. Enszer
- We Refuse: A Forceful History of Black Resistance by Kellie Carter Jackson
- Another Word for Love by Carvell Wallace
- Rooted: The American Legacy of Land Theft and the Modern Movement for Black Land Ownership by Brea Baker
- Small Worlds by Caleb Azumah Nelson
- Model Home by Rivers Solomon
- Grown Woman Talk: Your Guide to Getting and Staying Healthy by Sharon Malone, M.D.
Author Talks
Watch recordings of the Library's online author talks, featuring best-selling Black authors, scholars, and industry leaders.
- Jason Mott – Hell of a Book
- Tiffany “The Budgetnista” Aliche – Made Whole: The Practical Guide to Reaching Your Financial Goals
- Tananarive Due – The Wishing Pool and Other Stories
- Jernard A. Wells – Southern Inspired: More Than 100 Delicious Dishes from My American Table to Yours
- Sadeqa Johnson – The House of Eve
- Michele Harper – The Beauty in Breaking
- Dr. Marcia Chatelain – Franchise: The Golden Arches in Black America
Black Freedom Struggle in the U.S.
Find primary sources related to major people and events in African American history. Includes a section for teachers on using documents in the classroom.
Educational Activities and Games
Enjoy at the library or at home with friends and family. Visit a LBPL location and ask for a free print out!
- Ankara craft (PDF)
- Bingo for 5 players (PDF)
- Bingo for 20 players (PDF)
- Coloring pages (PDF)
- Jeopardy (PDF)
As a public library, LBPL endeavors to be a space that promotes equity and inclusion for all communities, as well as the freedom to read. Conversations on race and culture can be challenging, difficult, and at times, uncomfortable. Books highlighted during cultural heritage months may be perceived as controversial and do not necessarily represent the views of all LBPL staff or the City as a whole.
