Three Avenues Bookshop Story Times to Celebrate Black Children's Book Week
2026-02-28 10:30 - 11:30 (America/New_York) | Three Avenues Bookshop, 3009 N Southport Ave, Chicago, IL, 60657, United States
Join us at Three Avenues as owner Jordan leads story times centering Black children’s books by some of our favorite authors & illustrators!
Join us at Three Avenues as owner Jordan leads story times centering Black children’s books by some of our favorite authors & illustrators! Black Children’s Book Week runs from February 22 – 28 this year, and we’re celebrating with some kids lit story times at the beginning and end of the week of celebration.
Our owner Jordan will lead each story time, which will include bubbles, a welcome song, an interactive reading of a children’s book, and a hands-on activity that complements the story to follow. RSVP to join us in this celebration!
When
Sunday, February 22 at 10:30 am — Book: The Band in Our Basement
Saturday, February 28 at 10:30 am — Book: I’m So Happy You’re Here: A Celebration of Library Joy
Where
Three Avenues Bookshop
3009 N Southport Ave
Chicago, IL 60657
About the Book — The Band in Our Basement written by Kelly J. Baptist and illustrated by Jenin Mohammed
In this rollicking, rhyming picture book, a pair of siblings who are supposed to be in bed discover a jazz band playing in their basement
After hearing Daddy’s band practicing in the basement, a brother and sister can’t resist sneaking out of bed to watch them play. Careful, careful, can’t be caught. Tiptoe past the squeaky spot!
They long to join in the fun, but can’t be seen out of bed–until the discovery of a surprise band member turns the jam session into a family affair.
With an energetic, lyrical text from award-winning author Kelly J. Baptist and exuberant illustrations from Jenin Mohammed, The Band in Our Basement will have readers feeling the beat–right before settling back down for bedtime.
The sounds downstairs are funky
and we start to wiggle toes.
We flip-flop and we giggle
with sheets up to the nose.
The rhythm’s steady, the trumpet’s sweet.
Before too long, we’re on our feet!
About the Book — I’m So Happy You’re Here: A Celebration of Library Joy written by Mychal Threets and illustrated by Lorraine Nam
NATIONAL BESTSELLER • Dubbed “the Internet’s librarian”— and now host of the relaunched Reading Rainbow — Mychal Threets invites all to take a look and find themselves at the library! Perfect for little readers who are regular visitors and those who might be stepping into the stacks for the first time.
Welcome to the library!
It’s a place just for you! There are activities, movies, games, and SO. MANY. STORIES. Best of all, it’s a place where you will always belong.
Take a tour of the library with the internet’s favorite librarian, Mychal Threets! This heartwarming debut picture book from Mychal extends an invitation to anyone who could use a little library joy and a reminder that libraries are for everyone.

Brown Babies n’ Books Freedom Braids
2026-02-28 11:00 - 13:00 (America/New_York) | Gladys Books & Wine, 306 Malcolm X Boulevard, Brooklyn, NY, 11233, United States
501(c)(3) Brooklyn Non Profit Empowering BIPOC Families in NYC through reading children’s books by black/brown voices.

Join Brown Babies n’ Books for a joyful and culturally rooted storytime and book signing featuring author Monique Duncan and her beautiful children’s book, Freedom Braids.
This special gathering celebrates Black hair, self-expression, ancestral pride, and the power of storytelling. Families will enjoy a live read-aloud by Monique Duncan, followed by a book signing and a live djembe drum performance by Wula Drums, bringing rhythm, movement, and joy to the space.
This event is in celebration of Black Children’s Book Week, uplifting Black authors, stories, and the communities that nurture young readers.

CELEBRATE WE GULLAH GEECHEE: Book Launch, Mural Unveiling, Arts & Literacy! Celebrating BLACK CHILDREN'S BOOK WEEK
2026-02-28 11:00 - 13:00 (America/New_York) | Nsoromma House, 2021 Cosgrove Avenue, North Charleston, SC, 29405, United States
BEE Collective’s Spring 2026 Series continues! BOOK LAUNCH! Celebrate We Gullah Geechee with author, Yvette R. Murray

SPRING 2026 Artist-in-Residence Season at Nsoromma House
Artist: Yvette R. Murray, Author and Storyteller
CELEBRATE WE GULLAH GEECHEE: Book Launch, Mural Unveiling, Arts & Literacy!
Celebrating BLACK CHILDREN’S BOOK WEEK
Saturday, Feb 28, 2026 | 11 AM–1 PM
Location: Nsoromma House, 2021 Cosgrove Avenue, North Charleston, SC 29405
Age Range: Youth & Adults, ALL AGES WELCOME
Cost: FREE
Please email adrienne@beecollective.co for information on future events or follow @beecollectivesc on Instagram and Facebook for the most up-to-date information.
Thank you for your support!
beecollective.co

Book Signing
2026-02-28 11:00 - 14:00 (America/New_York) | Laila’s Place, 1300 Main St., New, SC, 29108, United States
The book signing will take place at a local bakery and cafe. Guest will be able purchase a book at the event. Guest may bring an already purchased book to be signed.

Black Children's Book Week Celebration
2026-02-28 11:00 - 14:00 (America/New_York) | White Rock Missionary Baptist Church, 480 East Utica Street, Buffalo, NY, 14208, United States
Join us for a joyful day celebrating stories that reflect, inspire, and uplift our children.
✨ What to Expect:
📖 Live book readings by featured Black authors
✍🏾 Meet the authors & purchase signed books
🎲 Fun games & activities for kids
🍽 Lunch provided
🎁 Door prizes throughout the event
🎉 Free Entry | Fun for the Whole Family
Come explore powerful stories, support Black authors, and celebrate the magic of reading together!

Storytime with Ms. Leah!
2026-02-28 12:00 - 12:30 (America/New_York)
Enjoy a virtual storytime with Ms. Leah of Ell Jam! She will be reading 3 musical black stories while highlighting the musical concepts in the books.

"Turn the Page, Start the Adventure" Story Fest
2026-02-28 12:00 - 15:30 (America/New_York) | Esperanza Acosta Moreno Branch, Library, 12480 Pebble Hills Blvd, El Paso, TX 79938, El Paso, TX, 79938, United States
Free Event for Families

Coordinated by Colorful Chapters Bookstore, the Story Fest will be held on Saturday, February 28th, 2026, at the Esperanza Acosta Morena Library, 12480 Pebble Hills. This joyous occasion invites families to come together from 12 PM to 3:30 PM for an afternoon filled with stories, creativity, and the power of reading.

Event Highlights

The Story Fest is a free event designed for families. Highlights of the event include:

Puppet Show: Immerse yourself in the magic of storytelling with a delightful puppet show that will captivate audiences of all ages.
Special Readings: Delight in engaging readings from local authors and community leaders, sharing tales that inspire and entertain.
Book Giveaways: Attendees will have the opportunity to receive free books, fostering a love for reading and showcasing diverse narratives.
Mascots and Snacks: Don’t forget, mascots will be present, along with tasty snacks for everyone to enjoy!

The “Turn the Page, Start the Adventure” Story Fest is more than just an event; it is a celebration of the rich tapestry of cultures within the El Paso community. By participating, families will be supporting the mission of Black Children’s Book Week to enhance representation and bring diverse stories to the forefront.

Join us in making this a memorable day for families across the city. For more information, please contact Colorful Chapters Bookstore or visit our website.

Author’d: A Black Children’s Book Week Author Meet & Greet
2026-02-28 12:00 - 16:00 (America/New_York) | ELife Restaurant, 9033 Central Ave, Capitol Heights, MD, 20743, United States
Author’d is an intentional literary gathering created in celebration of Black Children’s Book Week. It brings together Black authors, young readers, and families for an afternoon centered on storytelling, imagination, and community.
Author’d is a curated space designed for connection, where young people can meet real authors, explore books, ask questions, and see what’s possible when stories are written by people who look like them.
The event is especially meaningful for youth ages 9–14, a pivotal time when imagination and identity are taking shape.

Magandang Araw! Good Day! Celebrating Black Children's Book Week with Filipino Flavor
2026-02-28 13:00 - 14:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Online Event
Magandang Araw! Good Day!
Join us as we celebrate Black Children’s Book Week with a big serving of Filipino flavor. This special gathering honors stories that reflect culture(s), courage, and community – where young readers can see themselves, their families, and their futures in every page.
Come share in storytelling, heritage(s), and the simple magic of reading together. ✨📚

Celebrations & Traditions of Kwanzaa
2026-02-28 13:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York) | Newburgh Free Library, 124 Grand Street, Newburgh, NY, 12550, United States
Come learn about Kwanzaa and the founding principles for celebration. Ujima, the third principle of Kwanzaa, represents Collective Work and Responsibility. Join us for performances of dance, art and story from community agencies and organizations.
Program is presented in conjunction with Ujima: A Children’s Literacy Program, hosted by the Newburgh Free Library and presented by Malinda Ware, which celebrates art, culture, history, and story telling through the work of African American authors and illustrators in a children’s literature program designed for children ages 5-8 and their families.

Black Education Expo
2026-02-28 13:30 - 14:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | West Los Angeles College, 9000 Overland, Culver City, CA, 90230, United States
Black Education Expo (BEE) returns Saturday, February 28, 2026 | 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM at West Los Angeles College – Graduation Lawn. This FREE, outdoor K–12 community event brings together students, families, educators, and community partners for a vibrant day of connection and access. Enjoy the BEE Exhibitor Village, free books, face painting, interactive activities, and resources that support academic success, literacy, and workforce pathways across Greater Los Angeles. Register via www.blackeducationexpo.com and follow us on social media @blackeducationexpo

Celebrating Black Children's Book Week
2026-03-01 12:00 - 15:00 (America/Phoenix)
Celebrating Black Children’s Book Week Returns to Phoenix for Its Second Annual CelebrationFebruary 22 – March 1, 2026 | Phoenix, Arizona
Phoenix, AZ — The power of stories, culture, and community will take center stage as Celebrating Black Children’s Book Week returns to Phoenix for its second annual celebration, running February 22 through March 1, 2026. This week-long community event is dedicated to uplifting Black children’s literature, amplifying diverse voices, and fostering a lifelong love of reading among young people.
This year’s celebration will feature 13 Black children’s book authors, offering families the opportunity to experience live book readings, author meet-and-greets, and interactive literacy activities designed especially for children. The event creates a welcoming space where kids can see themselves reflected in stories and where parents, educators, and community members can connect around the importance of representation in literature.
In addition to literary programming, the event will include family-friendly social experiences, such as a mobile barber, reinforcing the event’s mission to blend literacy, culture, and community wellness in meaningful and engaging ways.
The 2026 celebration proudly partners with The Great Arizona Puppet Theater, bringing imaginative storytelling to life through puppetry, and Project Humanity, whose involvement underscores the event’s commitment to empowerment, education, and community connection.
“Celebrating Black Children’s Book Week is more than an event—it’s a movement,” organizers shared. “By highlighting Black authors and stories, we’re planting seeds of confidence, curiosity, and creativity in our children while strengthening community bonds.”
The event is open to families, educators, caregivers, and community supporters across the Phoenix metro area. Additional event details, schedules, and locations will be announced closer to the event dates.
Please click the sway page link for more details and and photos.
