A colorful painting of a stylized Black woman wearing a wide-brimmed hat, pearl necklace, and orange outfit, with a twig in her mouth. The background features geometric patterns in shades of blue and purple. To the right, text reads "More Than A Month: Black History, Culture & Heritage," with a credit to artist Malik Seneferu and the title "From the Hill and Beyond #6, 2024."

SFPL's More Than a Month Series: Celebrating Black History & Culture Year-Round

According to the San Francisco Public Library's official website (sfpl.org/events/special-programs/more-than-a-month), More Than a Month is a celebration that recognizes the profound contributions African Americans have made in shaping our society. The 2025 series, which begins on Martin Luther King Jr. Day and extends through February and beyond, aligns with the national Black History Month theme of "African Americans and Labor."

Featured 2025 Events

January Highlights

  • "Free for All: The Public Library"

    • Date: January 18, 2025

    • Film screening and discussion

    • Exploring the role of public libraries in communities

  • "Shadows and Light: Exploring Black Horror and Black Healing"

    • Date: January 19, 2025

    • Special presentation and community dialogue

    • Interactive discussions and reflections

February Programs

  • Poet Laureate Inauguration

    • Date: February 2, 2025

    • Celebration of literary arts

    • Community gathering and readings

  • "Hands-on Black San Francisco History"

    • Date: February 19, 2025

    • Interactive historical exploration

    • Community engagement opportunity

Special Exhibitions

  • "Malik Seneferu: A Retrospective"

    • Location: African American Center, Main Library 3rd Floor

    • Dates: January 16 – April 20, 2025

    • Comprehensive artistic showcase

Community Events

  • Friends of the San Francisco Public Library Monthly Book Sale

    • Dates: February 7 & 8, 2025

    • Support library programs through book purchases

    • Wide selection of materials available

Program Components

Literary Events

The African American Center at SFPL (third floor, Main Library) coordinates:

  • Author talks and readings

  • Poetry performances

  • Book club discussions

  • Writing workshops

  • Literary exhibitions

Cultural Celebrations

SFPL's event calendar features:

  • Live performances

  • Film screenings

  • Art exhibitions

  • Musical presentations

  • Cultural workshops

Educational Programs

Programming includes:

  • Historical presentations

  • Panel discussions

  • Research workshops

  • Youth-focused activities

  • Community dialogues

Library Resources

African American Center

Located on the third floor of the Main Library:

  • Current exhibitions and displays

  • Research materials and archives

  • Digital resources

  • Special collections

  • Educational materials

Digital Access

Available through sfpl.org:

  • Virtual event options

  • Online resources

  • Digital archives

  • Streaming content

  • Educational materials

Community Participation

SFPL welcomes community involvement through:

  • Event attendance

  • Program participation

  • Volunteer opportunities

  • Feedback sharing

  • Resource utilization

Accessibility

SFPL ensures program accessibility through:

  • Multiple branch locations

  • Virtual program options

  • ADA-compliant facilities

  • Free admission to all events

  • Multilingual resources

Looking Forward

The library continues to:

  • Expand programming options

  • Respond to community needs

  • Preserve Black history

  • Promote cultural understanding

  • Support educational initiatives

 

For the most current information about upcoming events and programs in the More Than a Month series, visit sfpl.org/events/special-programs/more-than-a-month or contact your local branch library. All programs are free and open to the public, embodying SFPL's commitment to accessible education and cultural celebration for all.

Information sourced from San Francisco Public Library's official communications, including their website (sfpl.org), press releases, and program announcements. Event details are subject to change; please verify current information on the library's website or with your local branch.

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