The Free Library of Philadelphia will host a monthlong slate of Black History Month events in February, featuring workshops, author appearances and hands-on STEM programs at branches across the city.<\/p>\n
Several highlighted programs will take place at the Cecil B. Moore Library as part of the series, titled \u201cOur Roots Reach Further: 1776 to Tomorrow,\u201d which centers Black history and culture through hands-on workshops, storytelling and programs spotlighting innovation, healing and creative expression.<\/p>\n
Among the highlighted programs is the Queen Imperial Waistbeads Workshop, set for Monday, Feb. 2, at 4 p.m.\u00a0The session explores the history and cultural significance of waist beads across African traditions and includes a guided beading tutorial. Advance registration is required and space is limited.<\/p>\n
On Saturday, Feb. 7, author Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow will host a special storytime at 11 a.m. featuring \u201cAbdul\u2019s Story,\u201d highlighting imagination and representation in children\u2019s literature. Later that day at 1 p.m., artist Doriana Diaz will lead \u201cCollage as Healing for Black History Month,\u201d an art workshop focused on reflection and collective creativity through collage and bookmaking.<\/p>\n
The series continues Thursday, Feb. 12, at 3:30 p.m., with the Black Inventors Builders Lab, an interactive program spotlighting Black innovators through hands-on activities. A STEM-focused edition of the Builders Lab will take place Thursday, Feb. 19, at 3:30 p.m.<\/p>\n