BRINGING OUR COMMUNITY TOGETHER

The Association for the Study of African American Life and History has selected African Americans and Labor as the theme of Black History Month 2025.
This theme focuses on the various and profound ways that work and working of all kinds – free and unfree, skilled, and unskilled, vocational and voluntary – intersect with the collective experiences of Black people.
Join us for engaging programs, thought-provoking discussions, and book recommendations. Together, we look forward to a brighter, more inclusive future.

Heatherdowns Book Club

The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett

(Th) February 13 | 2 — 3 p.m. | Heatherdowns

Join us for a lively and enlightening discussion of a book. Copies of the book will be available at the branch one month prior to the discussion. New members always welcome.

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Make a Benjamin Banneker Clock

(Th) February 13 | 4 — 5 p.m. | Lagrange

It's time to celebrate Benjamin Banneker, an African American who invented a wooden clock that struck on the hour at age 21! Learn more and make your own working clock from simple parts and cardboard.

Register

African Immigrants and the American Experience

A Lecture and Conversation with Dr. Kefa Otiso

(Th) February 13 | 5 — 6 p.m. | Main Library

As part of the celebration for Black History Month, learn more about African immigrants in the United States.

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Make a Benjamin Banneker Clock

(F) February 14 | 11 a.m. — noon | South

It's time to celebrate Benjamin Banneker, an African American who invented a wooden clock that struck on the hour at age 21! Learn more and make your own working clock from simple parts and cardboard.

Register - 3 spots left

Birmingham Book Club

Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neale Hurston

(Tu) February 18 | 2 — 3 p.m. | Birmingham

Good conversation, friendly faces and great books - that's what book club is all about. We're looking forward to seeing you at our lively and engaging book discussion.

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West Toledo Science Fiction and Fantasy Book Club

Peaces by Helen Oyeyemi

(Tu) February 18 | 7 — 8 p.m. | West Toledo

Good conversation, friendly faces and great books - that's what book group is all about. We're looking forward to seeing you at our lively and engaging book discussion.

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Make a Benjamin Banneker Clock

(W) February 19 | 4 — 5 p.m. | Birmingham

It's time to celebrate Benjamin Banneker, an African American who invented a wooden clock that struck on the hour at age 21! Learn more and make your own working clock from simple parts and cardboard.

Register

A Folk Medicine Perspective to Black History Month

with Urban Wholistics

(Th) February 20 | 6 — 7 p.m. | Kent

Join Urban Wholistics during Black History Month for an informative talk focusing on medicinal herbs and how to use them. Experience an herbal tea and take a recipe to create at home.

Full - join waitlist

Comic Book Club

Power Man And Iron Fist Vol. 1 by David F. Walker

(Th) February 20 | 7 — 8 p.m. | Online Programs

Do you love comics and graphic novels (or looking to get into them)? Join us as we discuss some of the most thought-provoking and artistically striking comics from across a variety of genres.

Register

Black History Month for Kids

(Sa) February 22 | 2 — 3 p.m. | Main Library

Celebrate Black History month with games, activities, and crafts that teach us about different famous Black Americans throughout history.

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Make a Benjamin Banneker Clock

(Sa) February 22 | 2 — 3 p.m. | Main Library

It's time to celebrate Benjamin Banneker, an African American who invented a wooden clock that struck on the hour at age 21! Learn more and make your own working clock from simple parts and cardboard.

Register - 6 spots left

Make a Benjamin Banneker Clock

(Tu) February 25 | 3 — 4 p.m. | Locke

It's time to celebrate Benjamin Banneker, an African American who invented a wooden clock that struck on the hour at age 21! Learn more and make your own working clock from simple parts and cardboard.

Register

Homeschooling Teen Book Club

Out of My Mind by Sharon Draper

(W) February 26 | 2 — 3 p.m. | Waterville

Good conversation, friendly faces, and great books-that's what book group is all about. We're looking forward to seeing you at our lively and engaging book discussion.

Read More

Make a Benjamin Banneker Clock

(W) February 26 | 4 — 5 p.m. | West Toledo

It's time to celebrate Benjamin Banneker, an African American who invented a wooden clock that struck on the hour at age 21! Learn more and make your own working clock from simple parts and cardboard.

Register

Online Romance Book Club featuring author Nikki Payne

Pride and Protest featuring author Nikki Payne

(W) February 26 | 7 — 8 p.m. | Online Programs

Are you sick of being shamed for loving romance? Join our Online Romance Book Club! From enemies-to-lovers to regency era, fantasy to fake-relationship, we'll read and chat across the romance genre!

Register

Spice Mastery Workshop: Celebrate Black History Month

with Jikoni Toledo

(Th) February 27 | 6 — 8 p.m. | Reynolds Corners

Embark on a flavorful journey in the Spice Mastery Workshop, a Black History Month program, where you'll delve into the fascinating world of homemade spice blends. 

Full - join waitlist