Pittsburgh, PA – Historically, Black artists have and continue to create, shape, inspire, and pioneer visual arts, music, cultural movements and more. This Black History Month, Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh is exploring and celebrating the Black experience in art, through book displays, resources, playlists, library programs and community events happening in February and beyond!
A directory of special events, reading and genealogy resources, staff picks and programming can be found at carnegielibrary.org/blackhistorymonth.
Black History Month: 30 Books in 30 Minutes
Tuesday, January 30 | 5:30 – 6:30 pm @ CLP – Hill District (2177 Centre Avenue, 15219)
Saturday, February 3 | 3 – 4 pm @ CLP – Homewood (7101 Hamilton Avenue, 15208)
For Black History Month, staff race against the clock to share their favorite book recommendations.
PBJ Customs Presents: Color Me Divine
Tuesday, February 6 | 3 – 4 pm @ CLP – Main (4400 Forbes Avenue, 15213)
Thursday, February 15 | 5:30 – 6:30 pm @ CLP – Woods Run (1201 Woods Run Ave., 15212)
This workshop provides a safe space to explore self-care and healing through art and activity.
Cue’s Creative Workshops for Kids
Wednesday, February 7 | 5 – 6 pm @ CLP – Homewood (7101 Hamilton Avenue, 15208)
Saturday, February 10 | 2 – 3 pm @ CLP – Beechview (1910 Broadway Avenue, 15216)
Saturday, February 24 | 1 – 2 pm @ CLP – Downtown (612 Smithfield Street, 15222)
Join library card artist Cue Perry in this 60-minute intro to drawing, painting, color theory and more! Cue shows kids how art can be fun, and advocates for thinking outside the box.
An Afternoon with Terrance Hayes
Saturday, February 10 | 1 – 2 pm
CLP – Main, Lecture Hall (4400 Forbes Avenue, 15213)
Join us for a multi-media author event and Q&A with Poet Terrance Hayes. Hayes is an elegant and adventurous writer with disarming humor, grace, tenderness, and brilliant turns of phrase, very much interested in what it means to be an artist and a black man. Registration encouraged at carnegielibrary.org.
Azure Family Concerts
Friday, February 16 | 3:30 – 4:30 pm @ CLP – Hill District (2177 Centre Avenue, 15219)
Saturday, February 24 | 11am – 12 pm @ CLP – East Liberty (130 S. Whitfield St., 15206)
Azure presents an interactive, sensory-friendly live music program celebrating African American musicians and composers. Participants are invited to move and make music of their own. All ages, abilities, and behaviors welcome!
Local Author Event: D. Angel
Saturday, February 17 | 1 – 3 pm
CLP – South Side (2205 East Carson Street, 15203)
Author D. Angel was twenty-eight years old the first time he got out of prison. Most of his life revolved around drugs, violence, degrading women and being a sometime-father. He was angry at the world and didn’t care. But he found the strength, determination and a strong commitment to change. In Through the Test of Time, Angel shares the story of his journey and his present desire to help others change their ways and stay out of prison. Join us as we welcome Angel for a reading from his second book, Through the Test of Time II: As Time Went On, followed by a Q & A session and book signing.
Public Libraries as an Anti-Poverty Tool: The Role of Libraries in the Fight Against Poverty
Presented in conjunction with Catapult Greater Pittsburgh
Saturday, February 17 | 2 – 3 pm
CLP – East Liberty (130 S. Whitfield Street, 15206)
Join Tammy Thompson of Catapult to discuss the Library’s ever changing role as a safe space that serves our community residents with “cradle to grave” services that are vital to making sure all community residents have access to education, digital inclusivity, community connectivity and even a warm place to rest.
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About Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh
Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh is supporting individual achievement and strengthening the power of community. Through the community’s investment, the Library is enhancing the lives of people in the greater Pittsburgh region with dynamic and diverse resources such as creative learning programs for children and teens, job and career assistance for our community’s workforce, and free computer and internet access for all. Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh builds community, enables learning, provides access and values people. carnegielibrary.org
Art: Featured Artwork: Ashanté Josey. Undefeated, detail. Digital.
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