Join the Charleston County Public Library in celebrating Black History Month throughout the month of February as we recognize the achievements of African Americans and their role in history. Explore our collection and programs including author talks, movie screenings, food programs, crafting and more.
Below you’ll find some of our programs you can attend throughout the month. In addition, visit library branches to check out book displays in celebration of Black History Month.
Podcast
Check out the latest Charleston Time Machine podcast episode that explores Frederik Douglass’ visit to Charleston in the spring of 1888 as part of a lecture tour across several Southern states. His brief tenure in the Palmetto City inspired members of the local Black community, while their frank conversations challenged Douglass’ view of the state of American racial politics. Listen and read the full episode here.
Explore other Charleston Time Machine episodes here to learn about Lowcountry history.
| Branch Events |
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Here’s a look at some of the library programs. Want to see more? Call your local branch or check out their event calendar. For more information on all programs across the Charleston County Public Library visit the calendar of events. |
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All Month, Scavenger Hunt in the Children’s Department Young readers can embark on a journey of discovery with a scavenger hunt inspired by Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls: 100 Real-Life Tales of Black Girl Magic, edited by Lilly Workneh. Explore the Children’s Department to learn about incredible Black women who’ve made history and pick up some inspiration along the way! |
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Monday, February 3, 6:00 p.m. | Bittersweet - Caesar the Chocolatier Discover the fascinating story of Caesar, an African slave and celebrated chocolate maker in colonial Virginia, while watching the art of chocolate truffle-making in action. Indulge in this flavorful history lesson that’s as sweet as it is compelling. All ages. |
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Saturday, February 15, 11:00 a.m. Join performer and author Ann Caldwell for an uplifting journey through song and storytelling. From spirituals to early Rhythm and Blues, Caldwell weaves together her family’s history and invites the audience to sing along to the rich tapestry of African American music. All ages. |
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Saturday, February 15, 3:00-4:30 p.m. | Wando Cinema: 'Hidden Figures' Hidden Figures tells the incredible untold story of Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughn and Mary Jackson- brilliant African American women working at NASA who served as the brains behind the launch into orbit of astronaut John Glenn, a stunning achievement that turned around the Space Race. The visionary trio crossed all gender and racial lines and inspired generations. (PG, 127 min.) |
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Tuesday, February 18th at 3:30 p.m. | Movie Afternoon: The Princess and the Frog Keith Summey North Charleston Library Join us for a special movie afternoon in celebration of Black History Month. We'll be screening The Princess and the Frog, a movie depicting Disney’s first Black princess, Tiana, as she journeys through the bayous of Louisiana in hopes of being able to restore her true form after accidentally being cursed by the prince! The Princess and the Frog is rated G with a run time of 97 minutes. All ages. |
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Tuesday, February 18, 6 – 7 p.m. | Charleston ASALAH Book Discussion: Margaret Seilder’s Payne-ful Business Join us for a book discussion as the Charleston Branch of the Association for the Study of African American Life and History presents a discussion about Margaret Seidler's Payne-ful Business. It features authentic depictions of women and labor of a bygone era and working women in the 21st Century. |
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Wednesday, February 19th at 3:30 p.m. | Step Afrika! Step Xplosion Screening Keith Summey North Charleston Library Join us for a showing of Step Xplosion presented by Step Afrika! This performance is an opportunity to enjoy a step performance while learning more about the art! Ages 6-11. |
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Thursday, February 20, 11:00 a.m. | Author Talk with Lynette Love In Smashing Obstacles and Building Legacies, author Lynette Love chronicles the 150-year history of Laing School through the voices of its principals. This Freedmen Schools Movement institution stood resilient during racially challenging times. Learn how this history inspires unity and teaches powerful lessons about perseverance and community. All ages. |
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Saturday, February 22, 2:30 to 4 p.m. | Crowning Glory: Exploring the Legacy and Diversity of African American Hair Join us for a panel discussion celebrating the rich legacy, diversity, and cultural significance of African American hair. Panelists include local stylists, barbers, and locticians. |
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Saturday, February 22, 2:00–3:30 p.m. | African Mud Cloth Workshop Explore the cultural significance of Malian mud cloth, or Bògòlanfini, in this hands-on workshop. Participants will create their own projects inspired by the traditional craft using modern materials. Space is limited, and registration is required. Adults only. Email [email protected] to sign up. |
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Monday, February 24, 6:00–7:30 p.m. | Cookbook Book Club: Black History Month Celebrate Black History Month through food! Select a cookbook from the Charleston County Public Library collection, prepare a dish to share, and join fellow food lovers for a lively discussion and tasting. Adults only. Space is limited, so be sure to register by calling 843-805-6888 or emailing [email protected]. |
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Wednesday, February 26, 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. | Movie Club: A Ballerina’s Tale Join us on the last Wednesday of every month for a film screening. This month’s movie is A Ballerina's Tale, a 2015 documentary directed by Nelson George centered around the career of African American ballerina, Misty Copeland. Rated G, runtime 88 minutes. |
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Tuesday, February 26th at 3:30 p.m. | Collages inspired by Lorna Simpson Keith Summey North Charleston Library Create your own collage-style art & learn about Lorna Simpson, a notable Black artist known for combining different forms of art and photography to explore cultural identity. Ages 6-11. |