Honoring the Black Community’s Legacy & Innovation through the Arts at the Library District

Use Your Library Card to Explore Live Concerts, Art Exhibits & Author Appearances— Plus 24/7 Access to Black History Collections All Year Long!

LAS VEGAS (January 28, 2026) – In celebration of Black History Month, the Las Vegas-Clark County Library District is hosting a powerful and educational lineup of FREE events and programs for all ages throughout February. The community is invited to explore the rich tapestry of Black history and culture through live musical journeys, literary expos, hands-on STEAM workshops and compelling gallery exhibitions across the Library District’s 25 unique branches.

Below is a partial list of events and activities planned for Black History Month. Visit the Library District’s 2026 Black History Month blog page for a full list of events, gallery exhibits, videos, and recommended reading. All events are free and open to the public. Seating at some events may be limited, and will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. Events subject to cancellation without notice. Please view individual event descriptions for complete details.

  • Join us for a special screening of the celebrated documentary film “Are You a Librarian: The Untold Story of Black Librarians” at West Las Vegas Library on Feb. 3 and at Whitney Library on Feb. 4. The powerful documentary explores the rich, complex, and often overlooked history of Black librarianship in the United States. Through personal narratives, historical context, and lived experiences, the film highlights the resilience, leadership, and cultural impact of Black librarians who have shaped access to knowledge, literacy, and community empowerment for generations. The film features interviews with Las Vegas-Clark County Library District staff, including Executive Director Kelvin Watson, and Whitney Library’s Branch Manager Billy Allen, Assistant Branch Manager Desmond London, and Adult Services Librarian Faith Barrow-Waheed. The screening at Whitney Library will include an appearance with the film’s producer Rodney Freeman. 
  • Whitney Library’s Second Annual Black Author Expo (Teens – Adults) - In celebration of Black History Month, this dynamic event will feature local and national authors of color.   
  • Art as Resistance – Significant Figures and Events in Black History & Resin Art (Teens) – Attendees will learn about the power of visual art throughout history and create their own resin art.   
  • Bach to Beyonce – Presented by Vegas City Opera (Adults) – Attendees will embark on a vocal journey through the Beyonce songbook inspired by classical music.   
  • Teens Celebrating Black History Month (Teens) – Attendees will learn about NASA’s “Hidden Figures” Dorothy Vaughan, Katherine Johnson, Mary Jackson and Christine Darden, along with their groundbreaking work.   
  • Stella’s Stellar Hair (Teens – Adults) - An out of this world Black History Month storytime for school aged children.   
  • Exploring the Origins of Black History Month - Local, National, and International (Teens - Adults) – Attendees will enjoy Professor Tyler D. Parry exploration of Black History Month’s dynamic origins.   
  • From History to Hip Hop – A Musical Journey with Jonathan Blanchard and His Band (Adults) – Attendees will enjoy an interactive musical history performance that brings the past to life.   
  • Black History Month – Local, National, and International (Teens – Adults) - Attendees will enjoy UNLV Professor Tyler D. Parry’s exploration of Black History Month’s dynamic origins.   
  • Story Quilts (Kids – Tweens) – Grades K-5 will learn about artist and author Faith Ringgold, who was famous for her narrative quilts.   
  • Black History Month Poetry Showcase - Presented by Spotlight Poetry (Adults) – Spotlight Poetry presents a celebration of Black poets whose voices honor legacy and illuminate the brilliance of Black history through the power of poetry.   
  • “Obsidian & Neon: Building Black Life and Identity in Las Vegas” Gallery Exhibit (All Ages) – Attendees can observe images that honor community leaders who are actively shaping identity and cultivating Black life in Las Vegas.   
    • Now through March 1 West Las Vegas Library 
  • The West Las Vegas Library permanently features a Tuskegee Airmen tribute on the first floor honoring the first African-American military aviators in the U.S. Armed Forces; and a historic timeline spanning the first and second floors that traces the evolution of the Historic Westside alongside global events. 
  • “Black History Month is a vital time to honor the profound contributions and enduring resilience of the Black community,” said Las Vegas-Clark County Executive Director Kelvin Watson. “Our Free to Be mission comes to life this month as we offer spaces for residents to explore their heritage and find inspiration in the stories of leaders, artists and innovators who have shaped our world.”

About the Las Vegas-Clark County Library District

The award-winning Las Vegas-Clark County Library District is an independent taxing entity that serves a diverse community across 8,000 square miles. Through its 25 branches and website, the Library District offers a collection of 3.6 million items, including books, movies, music (including streaming and downloadable), online resources, and free programs for all ages. The Library District’s new Free To Be public education campaign demonstrates the vital and vibrant role that the library plays in Las Vegas, offering unexpected experiences; limitless learning; business and career advancement; government and social services support; and best of all, a place where customers find a sense of culture and community. For more information, and to support Library District programs, please visit TheLibraryDistrict.org.