This regular column is provided by Hamilton Public Library staff to keep FlamboroughToday readers up to date on events and programming at local library branches.
In February, Hamilton Public Library events and programs honour the history, culture and legacy of Black Canadians with film screenings, author talks, book clubs, concerts, reading lists and activities.
Check out the curated reading lists for all ages of Black authors, artists, achievements and culture. Films, books and music on Kanopy and Hoopla streaming services are also accessible with a HPL card.
HPL celebrates the life and legacy of Hamilton jazz legend Jackie Washington on Feb. 16 with an afternoon of music at Central Library. A beloved Hamilton musician and Canada’s first Black disc jockey, Washington’s seven-decade career enriched the cultural life of his native Hamilton and earned him recognition across Canada.
Festivities include a special performance by iconic local bluesman Harrison Kennedy, who is joined by Stewart Memorial Church Choir, under the direction of Michael Highgate. Stewart Memorial is Canada’s oldest Black congregation — its history dates to 1830s and has ties to the Underground Railroad. Washington was also a congregant.
Young, talented entrepreneurs and authors showcase their creative works at BLK Owned Youth Market at Central Library on February 18. Shop for items created by BIPOC youth-owned businesses and spend time with Ainara Alleyne from TVO’s Ainara’s Bookshelf, as well as local authors Anita Grant and Ayana Francis. Hamilton-based BLK Owned supports Black-owned businesses and entrepreneurs in the Greater Hamilton Area.
Feb. 24, journalist Morgan Campbell discusses their debut memoir, My Fighting Family: Borders and Bloodlines and the Battles That Made Us, with author Sheila Murray. Campbell’s coming-of-age story is a powerful reckoning with what it means to be Black in Canada.
Visit the HPL website for more information about Black History Month at HPL.
Additional February themes and events
Also, in February HPL recognizes Psychology Month in partnership with St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton. Borrow books about mental health and wellness and other health and wellness resources. HPL’s YouTube Channel also features videos about a variety of educational talks by St. Joseph’s Healthcare physicians.
HPL celebrates Hamilton Winterfest (Feb. 2-19) with many events, including a Family Day Extravaganza on the Jackson Square Rooftop Patio. Freedom to Read Week (Feb. 18-24) encourages Canadians to reaffirm their commitment to intellectual freedom, a Charter of Rights and Freedoms guarantee. In this spirit, HPL offers books that have drawn complaints or were requested to be pulled from public libraries for “objectionable” content.
