Embark on a journey with us to better understand yourself and others. Take time this month to celebrate and learn about the histories, contributions, and current experiences of those around you.
The stories highlighted here act as windows into other cultures and mirrors of our own experiences. Source: By Rudine Sims Bishop, The Ohio State University. "Mirrors, Windows, and Sliding Glass Doors" originally appeared in Perspectives: Choosing and Using Books for the Classroom. Vo. 6, no. 3. Summer 1990.
Featured Events for Black History Month (February)
Periodic Table of Black History
Feb 1st - Feb 28th | All day
Learn about Black Americans by exploring the Periodic Table of Black History. Complete matching activities and pick up a take-home packet!
Straw Rockets: Black History in Space
Feb 1st - Feb 28th | All day
Learn about Black pioneers of space history and make a straw rocket. 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 & BLAST OFF!
Let's Have a Story with Lyn Ford
Feb 21st | 10:00am - 10:30am
Become immersed in the trickster critters stories of Affrilachian oral tradition shared with humor, history, and audience participation.
Featured Services for Black History Month
WeRISE, WeREAD 2026: Calling In by Loretta J. Ross
Jan 05, 2026
Join the conversation with this community-wide book read and moderated online interview with the author.
Equity First: Path to Inclusion & Belonging (Online Course)
Mary-Frances discusses gender equality, racial and ethnic equity, sexual orientation equity, and equity for people with disabilities.
Signing Black in America
Part of the doc Talking Black in America, this excerpt covers Black ASL and its impact on identity within the Black Deaf Community.
Discussing Racism with Dr. Christina Greer (Online Course)
Dr. Greer covers best practices for speakers and listeners, the real-life impacts of racism, and how conversations can lead to action.
Historical Underground Railroad Trail (Ohio.org)
Includes a list of sites in Ohio that were part of the Underground Railroad, including Hanby House in Westerville. Printable map included.
Written/illustrated by: Periodic Table of Black History
Discover books written and illustrated by people featured on the Periodic Table of Black History (for kids and families, starting Feb. 1).
Sarah Bond: A Legacy of Quiltmaking
Learn how Sarah Bond was inspired by the work of her foremothers and how it contributed to the evolution of her intricate, colorful style.
Racism in Westerville History (Toolkit)
Delve into specific historic examples of racism and anti-racism in Westerville over the past 200 years. Intended for high school age & up.
William Hannibal Thomas: So You Think You Know Westerville?
Did you know the first African-American to attend Otterbein?
Africa: So You Think You Know Westerville?
Did you know that Africa Road actually led to a town called Africa?
An African Prince: So You Think You Know Westerville?
When Joseph Hannibal Caulker enrolled at Otterbein University, Westerville was honored with "royalty... literally."
Levi Williams & Colored People's Christian Temperance Union
This video is part of the Welcome to the Table: Westerville's Potluck exhibit.
Minerva France: So You Think You Know Westerville?
Westerville’s newest elementary school is named after a local Black librarian named Minerva France. Learn more about her.
Black Life in America
From 1704 to today, discover the history and impact of African Americans as recorded by the news media.
Teaching Black History in Westerville | Spectrum News
Westerville teachers and educators talk about new initiatives to teach Black history, with research help from Westerville History Museum.
Featured Collections for Black History Month
Black Inventors & Record Breakers for Kids!
A world without Black American inventors would look really different. Take a look at this list of books about those who changed the world.
Black History Month (Digital Collection)
Immerse yourself in Black History Month with a variety of films, documentaries, and books, all showcasing Black voices, culture, & history.
Celebrate Black History Through Film
Watch and learn more about the lives of important peoples, and stories with Black History.
Celebrate Black History Through Music
Listen as you discover more about the lives of important peoples, and stories with Black History.
Celebrate Black History Month with Audiobooks
For February we are highlighting some of our media collection that focuses around Black History and experiences.
Westerville Black History
Discover local Black historical figures' stories of courage, perseverance, creativity and how they shaped the history of Westerville.
Mashama Bailey Teaches Southern Cooking (Online Course)
James Beard Award–winning chef Mashama Bailey teaches you techniques and recipes for nutritious, flavorful Southern dishes.
MasterClass Presents: Black History, Freedom & Love (Course)
Seven preeminent Black thought leaders share their insight on the reckoning with race in America in three parts: past, present, and future.
Neil deGrasse Tyson Teaches...(Online Course)
Renowned astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson teaches you how to find objective truths & shares his tools for communicating what you discover.
Ron Finley Teaches Gardening (Online Course)
Community activist and self-taught gardener Ron Finley shows you how to garden in any space, nurture your plants, and grow your own food.
Walter Mosley Teaches Fiction & Storytelling (Online Course)
In his MasterClass, Walter Mosley teaches you how to rethink genres and the "rules" of fiction and how to approach writing your own novel.
Celebrating Black History Month (Streaming Movies)
Celebrate Black History Month with powerful films that showcase the rich cultural legacy and remarkable contributions of Black Americans.
Honoring Martin Luther King Jr. Day (Streaming Movies)
Celebrate his life and lasting impact with this curated collection of titles for all ages.
Martin Luther King Jr. Day (DVDs)
Learn about Martin Luther King Jr. and the Civil Rights Movement with this collection of DVDs.
Juneteenth (Streaming Movies)
Juneteenth is a time to reflect on history and uplift the voices that shape our present.
2026 Schedule of Celebrations
- February: Black History Month
- March: Women's History Month
- April: Arab American Heritage Month
- May: Asian Pacific Islander Heritage Month & Jewish American Heritage Month
- June: LGBTQ+ Pride Month
- July: Disability Pride Month
- September: Hispanic Latino Heritage Month
- November: Native American Heritage Month
Mashama Bailey Teaches Southern Cooking (Online Course)
James Beard Award–winning chef Mashama Bailey teaches you techniques and recipes for nutritious, flavorful Southern dishes.
Women's History Month: Thank You Letters
Mar 1st - Mar 31st | All day
Craft a thank you letter to show your gratitude and appreciation for the inspirational women in your life.
Celebrate Women's History Month
Celebrate Women's History Month with these books intended for birth through elementary grades.
Celebrate Women's History Month
Celebrate real life women and strong female characters with this list!
Mashama Bailey Teaches Southern Cooking (Online Course)
James Beard Award–winning chef Mashama Bailey teaches you techniques and recipes for nutritious, flavorful Southern dishes.
Women's History Month: Thank You Letters
Mar 1st - Mar 31st | All day
Craft a thank you letter to show your gratitude and appreciation for the inspirational women in your life.
Celebrate Women's History Month
Celebrate Women's History Month with these books intended for birth through elementary grades.
Celebrate Women's History Month
Celebrate real life women and strong female characters with this list!
About This Initiative
The Westerville Public Library’s intention with this initiative is to reflect our diverse community, encourage acceptance, promote respect, expand understanding, amplify a wide range of voices, and energize community conversations. Suggestions for future celebrations welcome.Â
Heritage in this context is intended to encompass the people, places, and things that have been passed down from generation to generation.
Diverse Voices
Browse titles with perspectives & experiences of people from different backgrounds. Curated by Columbus Metropolitan Library.
Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging (online course)
Explore this belonging approach, and discover how to activate it in your organization.
CultureGrams
Discover cultures of the world. Go beyond the basic facts and figures with local perspectives on more than 200 countries
Unconscious Bias (online course)
Founder/CEO of Rework Work Stacey Gordon reveals the most common forms of unconscious bias and teaches skills to effectively address them.
Diverse Voices
Browse titles with perspectives & experiences of people from different backgrounds. Curated by Columbus Metropolitan Library.
Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging (online course)
Explore this belonging approach, and discover how to activate it in your organization.
CultureGrams
Discover cultures of the world. Go beyond the basic facts and figures with local perspectives on more than 200 countries
Unconscious Bias (online course)
Founder/CEO of Rework Work Stacey Gordon reveals the most common forms of unconscious bias and teaches skills to effectively address them.
Kristen C.
When she’s not working with kids here at the library, you might find her on the bike trail or baking up a sweet treat.
Mindy B.
Mindy will always bring a smile to your face, even when she's concentrating on finding hard-to-get-your-hands-on books and journal articles.
Thomas S.
Fun and friendly, Thomas is often out-and-about, bringing entertainment and energy to community events around Westerville.
Aneeza P.
Aneeza is curious about people, cultures, communities, and social and organizational structures.
Kristen C.
When she’s not working with kids here at the library, you might find her on the bike trail or baking up a sweet treat.
Mindy B.
Mindy will always bring a smile to your face, even when she's concentrating on finding hard-to-get-your-hands-on books and journal articles.
Thomas S.
Fun and friendly, Thomas is often out-and-about, bringing entertainment and energy to community events around Westerville.
Aneeza P.
Aneeza is curious about people, cultures, communities, and social and organizational structures.
