Black History Month
February is Black History Month, a time to recognize, celebrate, and honor the rich and diverse history, culture, and contributions of Black Americans.
Celebrate at your library
We celebrate now and throughout the year by hosting events at our libraries and highlighting books, movies, music, and resources available through your Sonoma County Library. The national theme for Black History Month 2024, established by the Association for the Study of African American Life and History, is African Americans and the Arts. This year we honor the theme by featuring music, literary, and culinary arts.
Books and More!
Check out these recommended books and movies our librarians have created for you:
- Adults: Fiction, Non-Fiction, Local History
- Teens: (English)
- Children: ages 8-12
- Children: ages 0-7
Library Events
Everyone is invited to attend free library events and workshops.
* Registration required for select events.
The African Music and Arts Village
This family-friendly, interactive program, led by Baba Shibambo, introduces the cultural traditions of South Africa through indigenous music and story-telling.
This fun-filled interactive program that shares music, dance, culture, and stories. Led by Tina Rogers.
Wednesday, February 14, 2024 at 6:00pm
Join librarians virtually to discuss books centering on LGBTQ+ voices.
Talking Wood: African Music with Keenan Webster
Petaluma Regional Library - Saturday, February 17 at 10:30am
Co-sponsored with Petaluma Blacks for Community Development, Keenan Webster demonstrates and entertains with instruments of the Mandinka and Mende speaking peoples of West Africa.
Telling our Stories through Ethnic Studies
Rohnert Park Cotati Library - Sunday, February 18 at 2:00 pm
Panel discussion in collaboration with the Sonoma County Office of Education and the NAACP Santa Rosa/Sonoma County branch.
Virtual Author Talk with Award-Winning Author Jason Mott *
You’re invited to join us as we talk to New York Times bestselling author Jason Mott about his recent novel Hell of a Book on Tuesday, February 20, 2024 from 1:00pm - 2:00pm.
Read BIPOC – Virtual Book club *
Tuesday, February 27, 2024 at 6:00 pm
Join librarians virtually to discuss books by authors who are Black, Indigenous or People of Color.
More Special Events!
Petaluma Library - Saturday, March 2 at 2:00 pm
Join Erica Ambrin, Kayatta, and Eki'Shola as they weave a soulful tapestry of music and conversation about amplifying Black artists in Sonoma County.
Food Justice with Bryant Terry *
Central Downtown Santa Rosa Library - Sunday, April 14 from 2:00 – 4:00 pm
A Talk on the Intersections of Food, Politics, Poverty, Health, and the Environment. The keynote is followed by a Q&A, cooking demonstration, and book signing!
Explore More Events: sonomalibrary.org/events
Dial-a-Story
Call (707) 755-2050 to listen to children’s librarians reading storybooks in both English and Spanish. This month’s titles include books by Black authors and stories.
