Celebrate Black History Month at the Library

Black History Month 2025

JCPL is celebrating Black History Month throughout February with special programming. Join a enlightening book discussion or learn about local African American history! 
Black History Month booklists

Tue  Feb. 4  4:30 p.m. • Franklin Branch
School-Age Edible Science: Potato Chips
Celebrate Black History Month and learn about George Speck, the inventor of the potato chip. We will also make (and eat) potato chips! Designed for ages 6-11.
Register

Sat • Feb 8 • 10 a.m. • Clark Pleasant Branch
Books, Poetry and Brunch: Black History through Literature
Enjoy a light brunch and discuss literature and spoken word in celebration of Black History Month. Registration required. For adults and teens.
Register

Sat • Feb 8 • 1:30 p.m. • Johnson County Museum of History
Voices from the Past Storyteller Series: Black Baseball in Indiana
Explore the history of the Indianapolis Clowns. Ball State faculty member Geri Strecker will host a documentary film profiling Indiana’s Black baseball teams, players, and ballparks. The event will take place at the museum: 135 N. Main St., Franklin, IN 46131. For all ages.

Mon • Feb. 17 4 p.m. • White River Branch
Hidden Figures
Come explore the history of the hidden women who helped send astronauts to space. For families.
Register

Mon • Feb. 17 • 6:30 p.m. • White River Branch
After Words: "The Return of Simple" by Langston Hughes
Discuss books in a fun and relaxed atmosphere. Copies of the titles will be available at the check-out desk the month before each meeting. For adults.

Thu • Feb. 20 •  6 p.m. • Trafalgar Branch
Woman in Motion - Nichelle Nichols, "Star Trek," and the Making of NASA
Enjoy some popcorn and join us for a screening of the documentary that explores Nichelle Nichols' trailblazing as she helps NASA recruit diverse astronauts. Movie is rated PG.  For adults and teens.
Register  

Sat • Feb. 22  10 a.m.  Clark Pleasant Branch
Cover to Cover Book Club - "The Vanishing Half" by Brit Bennett
Love to read and talk about books? This book club meets monthly on Saturday mornings. This month's title is "The Vanishing Half" by Brit Bennett. Contact the library to obtain a copy.  For adults.
Register

Mon • Feb. 24 • 9 a.m. • Main and Madison
Books & Beans Book Club @ Main and Madison in Franklin - "Born a Crime" by Trevor Noah
Love to read and drink coffee? Then this book club is for you. We meet at local coffee shops in Johnson County and discuss new books, old books, bestsellers and classics. Registration preferred. For adults.
Register

Mon  Feb. 24  5 p.m. • White River Branch
Movie Monday: "The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman"
In honor of Black History Month, join us for this award-winning movie from Kanopy about a former slave's amazing journey. Popcorn and drinks provided. Registration Required. For adults and teens.
Register

Join local resident, Douglas Gray, for a brief history of African Americans in Johnson County. This Building Bridges program, recorded in September 2020, takes a look at Black experiences in Franklin, Indiana and surrounding areas.
WATCH THE PROGRAM