Black History Month 2026
Join the Library this February for “For the Culture,” a Black History Month celebration honoring Black history, culture, and creativity. This year, we're highlighting Black artists and their essential role in cultural storytelling and artistic expression.
“For the Culture” is for families and community members of all ages. All February, visit our locations across Long Beach for hands-on workshops, storytimes, trivia, bingo, and more! All programs are free and require no registration. Full event details are available on the Long Beach Public Library event calendar.
Featured Events
Black History Month Kick-Off Celebration
Date and Time: Friday, Feb. 6, 2026 from 6:00 – 9:30 PM
Location: African American Cultural Center of Long Beach (4321 Atlantic Ave., Long Beach, CA 90807)
A night of cultural programming and local vendors showcasing unique, artist-made goods and interactive art experiences. This event is presented in partnership with Forgotten Images and the African American Cultural Center of Long Beach.
Jazz in the Library
Date and Time: Friday, Feb. 27, 2026 from 5:30 – 8 PM
Location: Los Altos Neighborhood Library (5614 E. Britton Dr., Long Beach, CA 90815)
This intimate closing event will transform the library into a cultural lounge. Join us for a night of live jazz, poetry, spoken word, and reflection. This special after-hours event is presented in partnership with Black Art Distrikt and the Radical Hood Library.
Booklists
Online Resources
Qwest TV Collection: Black and Global Music
From bebop to hip hop, Qwest TV is a growing video archive that features live performances, documentaries, and interviews for all kinds of music genres from around the world.
Author Talks
Watch the Library's recorded interviews with bestselling authors like Tananarive Due, Jason Mott, Elizabeth Acevedo, and Vanessa Riley.
Black History Month programming at the Long Beach Public Library is made possible through the generous support of the Port of Long Beach and the Long Beach Public Library Foundation.
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.
