In celebration of Black History Month, the Johnson County Library will host several special events in February:

Tuesday, February 2, 4:00 p.m.
Information Safari: Civil Rights Expedition
Spring Hill Library, 109 South Webster, Spring Hill, KS (913) 592-3232
Folktales, history, science, art and so much more; come explore a world of information! Anything you want to learn about is in a non-fiction book. We'll do a hands-on project focused on civil rights. Ages 7 to 12. No registration required.

Wednesday, February 10, 7:30 p.m.
Book Discussion: Dreams From my Father
Central Resource Library, 9875 W. 87th St., Overland Park, KS (913) 495-2400
Join in the discussion of Dreams From My Father: a Story of Race and Inheritance by Barack Obama which is the 2010 Kansas Reads selection. Obama's memoir was published in 1995 before his political career began and is a reflection of his life until he entered Harvard Law School. No registration required. For mor3 information on the Kansas Reads program visit http://www.skyways.org/orgs/kcfb/dreams/index.html.

Wednesday February 10, 4:00 p.m.
Information Safari: Civil Rights Expedition
Edgerton Library, 319 E. Nelson, Edgerton, KS (913) 893-6720.
Folktales, history, science, art and so much more; come explore a world of information! Anything you want to learn about is in a non-fiction book. We'll do a hands-on project focused on civil rights. Ages 7 to 12. No registration required.

Thursday, February 11, 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.
World Village-Tales & Play-South Africa
Central Resource Library, 9875 W. 87th St., Overland Park, KS (913) 495-2400
Explore the country of South Africa with stories, crafts, food, and dance. Open to all ages. The village will open at 6:00 p.m. and remain open until 8:00 p.m.; come and leave as you please.

Saturday, February 20, 2:00 to 4:00 p.m
Art exhibit & Reception-Race-Does it Matter?
Cedar Roe Library, 5120 Cedar, Roeland Park, KS (913) 384-8590
Celebrate Black History Month with an exhibition of teen art work, poetry and prose, which explores the subject of race and its relevance in 2010. No registration required.

Tuesday, February 23, 4:00 p.m.
Information Safari: Civil Rights Expedition
Gardner Library, 137 E. Shawnee St., Gardner, KS (913)856-7223
Folktales, history, science, art and so much more; come explore a world of information! Anything you want to learn about is in a non-fiction book. We'll do a hands-on project focused on civil rights. Ages 7 to 12. No registration required.

For information about Black History and African-American authors beyond these programs, contact Johnson County Library staff who can recommend books and other resources, or visit the Library’s Web site, www.jocolibrary.org.  Johnson County Library programs are open to the public and free of charge. Interpretive services and other accommodations for those with special needs are available. Please request from library staff 48 hours or more in advance of scheduled event. For additional information on library programs visit www.jocolibrary.org or call (913) 495-2400.