SERVICE UPDATE: Due to electrical and network upgrades, the following will not be available at the Eastside Branch on Monday, March 9 & Tuesday, March 10: public computers, 3D printers, all printing services and the photocopier.

Celebrating Black History Month 2026

Jan 26, 2026 - Waterloo Public Library
Read / Watch List
Special Day or Month of Significance

Each February, Black History Month invites us to celebrate, reflect, and learn. It’s a time to honour the achievements, stories, and lasting contributions of Black communities in Waterloo Region, across Canada, and around the world.

It’s also an opportunity to deepen our understanding of Black history and culture — past and present — and to recognize the brilliance, resilience, and creativity that continue to shape our communities today.

Explore events, reading lists, and curated resources below, and join us in celebrating Black history all year long.

Reading List

I'm From
Gary R. Gray Jr.; illustrated by Oge Mora
In the Light of Dawn: The History and Legacy of a Black Canadian Community
Marie Carter
The Antiracist Kitchen: 21 Stories (and Recipes)
Nadia L. Hohn; illustrated by Roza Nozari
As the Earth Dreams: Black Canadian Speculative Stories
Edited by Terese Mason Pierre
The Shape of Lost Things
Sarah Everett
Black Boy, Black Boy
Angela Bowden; art by Ibe Ananaba
What I Mean to Say: Remaking Conversation in Our Time
Ian Williams
Gamerville
Johnnie Christmas
Pride and Joy
Louisa Onomé
I Am Big
Itah Sadu; illustrated by Marley Berot
Belly Full: Exploring Caribbean Cuisine Through 11 Fundamental Ingredients and Over 100 Recipes
Lesley Enston
The Trailblazing Life of Viola Desmond: A Civil Rights Icon
Rachel Kehoe with Wanda Robson; illustrated by Chelsea Charles
Lost Ark Dreaming
Suyi Davies Okungbowa
The Last Two Crayons
Leah Freeman-Haskin; pictures by Shantala Robinson
Black Boys Like Me
Matthew R. Morris
A Recipe for Rhyme and Rescue
Wanda Taylor
We Rip the World Apart
Charlene Carr
When It All Syncs Up
Maya Ameyaw
Blackness is a Gift I Can Give Her; On Race, Community, and Black Women in Hockey
R. Renee Hess
The Kids Book of Black history in Canada
Rosemary Sadlier; illustrated by Arden Taylor
Code Noir: Metamorphoses
Canisia Lubrin
The Hoop and the Harm
Jawara Pedican

Programs & Events

Learning Resources

KW Caribbean Association Local History Collection blog card image

Local History Collection: KW Caribbean Canadian Cultural Association

Discover our Local History collection featuring the KW Caribbean Canadian Cultural Association's photos, flyers and other documents, spanning from 1975 to 2015.

Artists drawing of two black hands intertwined with Canada logo in bottom right corner

Black History Month in Canada

Learn about the history, significance, and official themes of Black History Month in Canada on the Government of Canada’s Black History Month site.
eBooks & eAudiobooks with Libby for Black History Month

eBooks & eAudiobooks with downloadLibrary & Libby

Find a selection of eBooks and eAudiobooks celebrating Black Voices from downloadLibrary and the Libby app.
Kanopy

Kanopy: Black History Month Films

Stream films by Black filmmakers and about the Black experience with Kanopy.
Kanopy Kids - Diversity & Equality for Kids blog card image

Kanopy Kids: Diversity & Equality for Kids Collection

Explore movies, tv shows and read-along storybooks to help teach kids about Black History.
Anansi and Di Snowstorm Performance with Ujima: Black History Month & Beyond @UW

Anansi and Di Snowstorm Performance

Featuring an original story by Dr. Clive Forrester from the Department of English Language and Literature at the University of Waterloo and performance by Letna Allen-Rowe aka "Miss Letna".

Community Events & Resources

  • African Women Alliance of Waterloo Region

    The African Women’s Alliance of Waterloo Region is a non-profit community organization founded in 1995. Their mission is to promote African culture and heritage to members of the African community and the general populace in Waterloo Region through educational and social activities.

    Learn More
  • Caribbean Canadian Association of Waterloo Region

    The Caribbean Canadian Association of Waterloo Region (CCAWR) is a non-profit organization serving Waterloo Region’s Caribbean community. Organized in 1975, they are committed to strengthening and enhancing the quality of life of families and individuals by providing culturally sensitive programs, support, resources, education and training.

    Plus, check out their Black History Month Event Calendar.

    Learn More
  • Guelph Black Heritage Society

    The Guelph Black Heritage Society (GBHS) was founded to preserve the historical significance of the The Guelph BME (British Methodist Episcopal) Church at 83 Essex Street in Guelph, which was built by formerly enslaved Black individuals and their descendants who arrived in the area via the Underground Railroad.

    Plus, browse their Black History Month events.

    Learn More
  • Kitchener Public Library

    Check out the Kitchener Public Library’s Black History Month programs and events, including guest speakers and more.

    Browse Programs
  • Ontario Black History Society

    Founded in 1978, the Ontario Black History Society (OBHS), is at the forefront in the celebration of Black history and heritage with a demonstrated record in the study, preservation and promotion of Black history in Ontario.

    Learn More
  • Ontario Heritage Trust

    The Ontario Heritage Trust offers a variety of resources to learn more about Black Heritage in Ontario.

    Learn More
  • Rhythm & Blues Cambridge

    Rhythm & Blues Cambridge is a hub for community and engagement that supports and showcases the Black community in Cambridge. It promotes and appreciates the Black experience by building partnerships, sharing and develop vital resources for our community.

    Plus, check out their Events Page for upcoming programs and events.

    Learn More
  • University of Waterloo

    The University of Waterloo celebrates the diversity of people of African descent in Canada and their importance to the history and prosperity of this country; discover events, the Black history of UW, stories and more on their Black History Month page.

    Learn More
  • Wilfrid Laurier University

    Throughout Black History Month and the rest of the year, Wilfrid Laurier University invites you to learn about their inspiring Black student leaders, exceptional faculty and staff members and their impactful alumni through the stories, events and learning opportunities featured.

    Learn More
Waterloo Public Library

WPL’s Check It Out blog is your go-to destination for all things literary, curated with care by your trusted library staff. With insightful book reviews, reading suggestions, helpful resources and more, we’re here to inspire and guide you on your journey through all that the library has to offer.

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