Join the Richland County Public Library for a celebration of African-American history and culture at a variety of free events during February. Questions? Call the library locations indicated or the Main Library at 799-9084.

An Overview of African-American Music: Sing, Children Sing for all ages
Join Carl Wells of the University of South Carolina for a discussion of the history of African-American music.
7 p.m., Tuesday, February 2, Bostick Auditorium, Main

Blythewood High School Gospel Choir for all ages
Enjoy the gospel music of Blythewood High School’s Mighty Voices of Praise.
2 p.m., Saturday, February 6, Bostick Auditorium, Main

Let It Shine for all ages
Join RCPL for stories from our award-winning Coretta Scott King collection.
10:30 a.m., Saturday, February 6, Children’s Room, Main

An Afternoon with Irmo High School Gospel Choir for all ages
Enjoy the music of Irmo High School’s award-winning gospel choir as they perform various selections, from spirituals to today’s gospel.
3 p.m., Sunday, February 7, Bostick Auditorium, Main

A Salute to Robert Smalls for adults
Join historian Donald Sweeper as he reenacts an interview with Robert Smalls. Smalls, a former South Carolina slave, freed himself and his family after seizing a Confederate ship. He later became a successful politician and served in the South Carolina Legislature and the U.S. House of Representatives.
6:30 p.m., Tuesday, February 9, North Main Branch

The Gospel Root Chaser for adults
Written and directed by Lena Carroll Clay, this play is the story of a reporter who writes award-winning articles about music legends. Enjoy a live performance by Deep Productions and Film and a special performance by the Southeastern School of the Arts dance troop in the opening act.
7 p.m., Thursday, February 18, Bostick Auditorium, Main

Pine Needle Basketry for adults
Master the art of making stunning baskets using pine needles and simple techniques presented by Sadie Clark. Take home your own “masterpiece” after attending all three sessions. Space is limited. Please call 772-6675 or drop by to register.
3 p.m., Saturdays, February 13, 20 & 27, St. Andrews Regional

Jazz on a Saturday Morning for all ages
Begin your morning with sounds of jazz and stories about famous jazz musicians.
10:30 a.m., Saturday, February 13, Children’s Room, Main

Voices of Our People for all ages
Celebrate Black History Month and African-American culture with songs, poems and speeches written by famous African Americans.
6:30 p.m., Monday, February 15, North Main Branch

Celebrating the Past – Looking toward the Future for all ages
Join us for an entertaining evening with successful local figures Terrance Acox and Xavier McDaniel. They will entertain us with stories about their careers and inspire us to dream big.
7 p.m., Thursday, February 18, Northeast Regional Branch

Lunch and Listen Music Series for all ages
Bring your lunch to the library and enjoy the music of jazz vocalist and RCPL Literary Resident Eboniramm.
12:30 p.m., Thursday, February 18, 1431, Main

Voices of Our People for teens and adults
Join us as we celebrate African-American history and culture through poetry, music and dance. For more information, please call 776-0855.
7 p.m., Monday, February 22, Southeast Regional Branch

Ward One with Dr. Bobby Donaldson for all ages
Join Dr. Bobby Donaldson, Associate Professor of History at The University of South Carolina, as he discusses his research on Columbia’s historic Ward One community.
7 p.m., Tuesday, February 23, Bostick Auditorium, Main

Southern Writers Series with Percival Everett for adults
Join the Friends of RCPL and USC Institute for Southern Studies for a book discussion and signing by Percival Everett, Distinguished Professor of English at the University of Southern California. Everett, who spent his childhood in Columbia, is the author of numerous works such as Erasure (2001), American Desert (2004), and most recently I Am Not Sidney Poitier.
6 p.m., Wednesday, February 24, Bostick Auditorium, Main

Family History Workshop: African-American Genealogy for adults
Alexia Jones Helsley, historian, archivist, educator and co-author of African-American Genealogical Research, will address the unique aspects of African-American genealogical research. To register or for more information, please call 787-3462.
2 p.m., Saturday, February 27, Southeast Regional Branch

Representing Our Yesterdays, Todays and Tomorrows for all ages
Join Samuels Blessed Bears Day Care Center for loads of fun as they creatively portray famous African Americans from the past, present and future.
11 a.m., Saturday, February 27, North Main Branch

Remembering Why We Sing for all ages
Join Frankie L. Goodman of the Center for Southern African-American Music for a discussion of the history of sacred music, from spirituals to modern gospel.
3:00 p.m., Sunday, February 28, Bostick Auditorium, Main
 
The Femininity of Jazz: Women in Jazz for adults
Celebrate Women’s History Month with the entertaining sounds of RCPL’s Literary Resident Eboniramm as she uncovers the contributions of women in jazz.
6:30 p.m., Monday, March 29, North Main Branch

RCPL hosts a variety of free programs throughout the year. Visit www.myRCPL.com today!
 

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The mission of the Richland County Public Library is to meet our citizens' needs for reading, learning and information.