
February is Black History Month, with the 2025 theme of African Americans and Labor. Join us this month in learning key stories of Black people's often invisible labor and their time, energy, and talent that has changed the course of history. We are excited to celebrate Black stories and elevate Black voices by pointing Cromaine patrons to Library materials and resources centered around Black history and culture.
Read about Black experiences and learn about amazing changemakers in history by perusing the Cromaine shelves! Here are some books curated by our Adult Services department that focus on Black History and the theme of African Americans and Labor:
- Hidden Figures: The American Dream and the Untold Story of the Black Women Mathematicians Who Helped Win the Space Race by Margot Lee Shetterly
- Half American: The Epic Story of African Americans Fighting World War II at Home and Abroad by Matthew F. Delmont
- Footnotes: The Black Artists Who Rewrote the Rules of the Great White Way by Caseen Gaines
- Of Blood and Sweat: Black Lives and the Making of White Power and Wealth by Clyde W. Ford
- Black Firsts: Groundbreaking Events in African American History by Jessie Carney Smith
Here are some books curated by our Youth Services department to celebrate Black History Month, focused on the central theme of African Americans and Labor:
- A Black Woman Did That by Malaika Adero
- Black Trailblazers by Bijan Bayne
- Changing the Equation by Tonya Bolden
- Wonderful Hair by Eve Nadel Catarevas
- O.W. Gurley by J.P. Miller
- The Sole Man by Shana Keller
- Blast Off Into Space Like Mae Jemison by Caroline Moss
- Whoosh! by Chris Barton
Below are books centered on Black joy and Black stories!
- Black Boy Joy, edited by Kwame Mbalia
- Crown: An Ode to a Fresh Cut by Derrick Barnes
- Hair Love by Matthew A. Cherry
- Mia Mayhem is a Superhero by Kara West
- Simon B. Rhymin by Dwayne Reed
- Black Girl Power, edited by Leah Johnson
Looking for more learning material this month? Stream a documentary or film on Kanopy! Enjoy titles such as Selma, Moonlight, The Black Candle, and more with this amazing free resource. Use your Cromaine Library card to access a curated list of videos celebrating Black History Month on Kanopy Video Streaming here.

We are excited to celebrate Black History Month with our community this year. There is always something new to learn about Black history and culture, and always something to celebrate in Black joy! However you are looking to engage with Black History Month this year, your Cromaine Library staff are always happy to help you find what you're looking for. Please stop by our reference desks if there is something in particular that we can help you find!

Learn more about Black History Month, and the many ways you can celebrate and learn, from the National Museum of African American History and Culture!
The National Museum of African American History and Culture celebrates this year's theme of Black History Month: African Americans and Labor. Learn about the many Black laborers who offered their time, energy, and talent to change history by visiting the NMAAHC website.