The Orcas Library will celebrate Black History Month during February with several free events and activities. President Gerald Ford decreed Black History Month a national observance in 1976 to recognize “with admiration the impressive contributions of Black Americans to our national life and culture.”

Beginning Feb. 4, the library will have a display of important black Americans from current leaders like President Barack Obama to historical figures like Carter G. Woodson, the father of Black History Month. The library staff will feature books and multimedia from the collection in adult, young adult and children reading levels. Fun activities and bookmarks will also be available.

Join them as they recognize and “honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of Black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history” (Ford, 1976).

Check the library’s website for additional information on Black History Month: www.orcaslibrary.org.