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.
Black History Month (February)
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.
Celebrate Black History: Books for Teens
Celebrate Black History Month with a mix of books about Black History and stories with Black protagonists.
Celebrate Black History: Books for Kids
Celebrate Black History Month with a mix of books about Black History and stories with Black protagonists.
Periodic Table of Black History
Feb 1st - Feb 28th | All day
Learn about America by exploring the Periodic Table of Black History! Complete activities & pick up a take-home packet to extend learning.
Black History Month (Download or Stream)
Celebrate Black History Month with a variety of films, documentaries, and books, all showcasing Black voices, culture, and history.
Anniversary of 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre
May 31 marks the anniversary of the Tulsa Race Massacre in the neighborhood of Greenwood (Black Wall Street) in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
Learn About Dr. Martin Luther King Jr
These titles are perfect to learn more about Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
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.
Marvel Voices Comic Series
Originally starting as a podcast, Marvel Voices has expanded to comic format to highlight characters and creators of color in Marvel comics.
Black History Month (Mixed Media)
Listen and watch as you discover more about the lives of important peoples, and stories with Black History.
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.
Black History Month - The Legends (Download or Stream)
Enjoy songs from legends like Billie Holiday, Louis Armstrong, Sam Cooke, and Marvin Gaye.
Black History Month (Streaming Movies)
Learn more about the remarkable achievements and the heroes who’ve paved the way for change with this curated collection on Kanopy PLUS.
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).
2025 Schedule of Celebrations
- February: Black History Month
- March: Women's History Month
- April: Arab American Heritage Month
- May: Asian Pacific Islander Heritage Month
- June: LGBTQ+ Pride Month
- July: Disability Pride Month
- September: Hispanic Latino Heritage Month
- November: Native American Heritage Month
Four Harmony's Sake: Quartet Performance
Mar 18th | 6:30pm - 7:30pm
Celebrate Women's History Month with an evening of musical fun with Four Harmony's Sake Quartet.
She Creates, She Inspires | Inspirational Women
Discover the brilliance of women artists! Explore powerful stories, songs, and films by women on hoopla.
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.
Feminist Rage and Passion in Music
Listen to these Feminist and Feminist-Coded music choices for a reflection on women's lived experiences.
Four Harmony's Sake: Quartet Performance
Mar 18th | 6:30pm - 7:30pm
Celebrate Women's History Month with an evening of musical fun with Four Harmony's Sake Quartet.
She Creates, She Inspires | Inspirational Women
Discover the brilliance of women artists! Explore powerful stories, songs, and films by women on hoopla.
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.
Feminist Rage and Passion in Music
Listen to these Feminist and Feminist-Coded music choices for a reflection on women's lived experiences.
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.
