At The Library: Black History Circa 2024
Much To Learn And Celebrate In February
By Leslie Williams
Pauline Robinson Branch Librarian
Our library’s namesake, Pauline Robinson, organized the the library’s first Negro History Week in 1947. This event went on to become the Annual Negro History Program, held from 1948 until 1953.
As chairwoman of the program, Robinson got the volunteers together, did all of the research and wrote the historical script for a music series dramatizing the fight for civil rights.
With choirs from various churches in the area participating, the first program was held on a Thursday evening at New Hope Baptist Church and repeated the next night at the University of Denver Chapel. (Robinson’s life is detailed in a fascinating biography at this link on the DPL website: history.denverlibrary.org/colorado-biographies/pauline-short-robinson-1915-1997.)
Fast-forward to 2024. This month more than 20 programs will celebrate Black History Month at libraries throughout Denver. Our most notable program is the annual Juanita Gray Community Service Awards and biennial Blacks in Colorado Hall of Fame. It will be held at the Blair-Caldwell African American Research Library on Saturday, Feb. 3, beginning at 1:30 p.m. The library is at 2401 Welton St.
The ceremony honors leaders in our communities. It is named for Mrs. Gray, who during her time at the Ford-Warren Branch Library in the late 1960s and 1970s, also contributed outstanding work in the community. She passed away in 1987.
The following is a sampling of additional Black History programs that will be offered throughout the city. Visit any of our libraries for the February Engage brochure or visit our website, denverlibrary.org, for the complete list of Black History Today programs. All are free.
For Kids
Crafting Black History: Children’s Craft Activities | Saturday, Feb. 17, 1-3 p.m.
Come learn about African American history of Colorado and the West through interactive crafts and activities. All materials will be supplied, simply bring your creativity and imagination. Ideal for ages 5-12 with an adult. At the Blair-Caldwell African American Research Library, 2401 Welton St.
For Teens and Adults
An Evening with Author Renee Watson | Thursday, Feb. 22, 6-7:30 p.m.
Join us for an evening with New York Times bestselling author Renée Watson. Renée will be discussing her new poetry collection Black Girl You Are Atlas. Book signing to follow. Books will be for sale at the event, which will be at the Rodolfo “Corky” Gonzales Branch Library, 1498 Irving St.
For All Ages
Black History Live | Friday, Feb. 9, 12-1 p.m.
Black History comes to life in this presentation as acclaimed scholars/actors portray significant historical figures like Rosa Parks and Martin Luther King, Jr. and speak about their lives and answer questions in character. All ages welcome. At the Montbello Branch Library, 12955 Albrook Dr.
Black History Live | Saturday, Feb. 10, 1-2 p.m.
See the Feb. 9 Black History Live event above for a description of this presentation, which will be at the Green Valley Ranch Branch Library, 4856 Andes Ct.
February Library Programs
Park Hill Branch
Winter of Reading program for adults continues through Feb. 29. Pick up an activity brochure at any DPL location, complete five of the activities, then trade in your brochure for a limited-edition scarf or travel mug while supplies last.
Baby Storytime | Thursdays 10:15-10:45 a.m.
Stories, songs, rhymes and fun for babies ages 0-18 months and their parents or caregivers.
Toddler Storytime | Fridays 10:15-10:45 a.m.
Stories, songs, rhymes and fun for toddlers ages 18-36 months and their parents or caregivers.
Kids Game Club | 1st and 3rd Wednesdays, Drop-in 3:30-5:30 p.m.
Are you looking for something fun after school? Drop by to play games in a fun, relaxed environment. Ideal for ages 5-12.
Teen Advisory Board | Feb. 6 and Feb. 20, 4:30-5:30 p.m.
Anyone 6th-12th grade is welcome to join and help with library programming and resources geared towards teens.
Writing Circle | Thursdays 1:30-3:30 p.m.
Group-led adult writing group.
No Strings Attached Book Chat | Saturday, Feb. 3, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Read whatever you want, attend whenever you can.
Kids Book Celebration | Thursday, Feb. 15, 4-5 p.m.
A monthly book celebration for children in kindergarten though 5th grade that meets the third Thursday of every month. We explore a book, series or theme every month and do activities and crafts related to what we read.
Soul Food Genius w/ Asia Dorsey | Saturday, Feb. 17, 3-4:30 p.m.
Gain a radical understanding of soul food as we learn about the intersection of indigenous culinary practices and African American history with educator Asia Dorsey. Samples of the dishes we discuss will be provided.
Death Café | Monday, Feb. 26, 2-3:30 p.m.
Death Café is an international movement that invites people to gather, normalize conversations around death — to make the most of LIFE. This is not a grief support group or counseling session. Respect for all views is a priority.
Pauline Robinson Branch
The Pauline Robinson Branch library is offering limited services at Hiawatha Davis, Jr. Recreation Center while under renovation. Visit the recreation center, at 3334 Holly St, Monday through Thursday, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• We have chromebooks for you to work on, and we can print and copy documents.
• We also have a cart of free books and DVDs for you to browse.
• Digital navigator appointments on Tuesdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Bookmobile on Wednesdays from 1-2:30 p.m.
• Community Resource Navigator on Thursdays from 10-11 a.m.
Greater Park Hill has two public libraries: The Park Hill branch library is at 4705 Montview Blvd. For hours of operation and additional upcoming programs, visit denverlibrary.org/events/upcoming. The Pauline Robinson branch library is at 5575 E. 33rd Ave. It is currently closed for renovations. See listings above for current location and library services.