Charlotte, NC – Jan. 19, 2006 – More than a few special events will take place at the Public Library of Charlotte & Mecklenburg County (PLCMC) in February – all part of the annual celebration of Black History Month. Here are some the highlights. All events are free and open to the public.

• “Margaret Garner” and Beloved. Queens University of Charlotte professor Dr. Emily Seelbinder compares the novel, Beloved, with the Opera Carolina debut production of “Margaret Garner.” Nobel Laureate Toni Morrison wrote the book and the opera libretto, both of which are based in the true story of a runaway slave who, when captured, sacrificed her children rather than see them returned to bondage. Call (704) 336-2469 for more information.
  Feb. 13, 6:30 p.m.
  Sugar Creek Branch Library, 4045 N. Tryon Street, Charlotte
  
• “The Art of Tommie L. Robinson.” A Charlotte artist for more than 30 years, Robinson showcases a variety of work – from portraits to landscapes. Call (704) 336-2074 for more information.
  Feb. 5-March 26. During regular library hours.
  Gallery L at Main Library, 310 N. Tryon St., Charlotte
  
• "Authentically Black: African-American Experience in Popular Culture.” Four award-winning documentaries. Call (704) 595-9589 for information.
  Feb. 1-22, 7-9 p.m.
  University City Regional Library, 301 E. W.T. Harris Blvd., Charlotte
  - “Chisholm ’72: Unbought and Unbossed.” Examines the run for U.S. president by the first black woman, the late, one-time Congressperson, Shirley Chisholm. Feb. 1.
  - “When We Were Kings.” A look at the famous 1974 Muhammad Ali-George Foreman fight. Feb. 8.
  - “BaadAsssss Cinema.” About the “blaxploitation” films of the 1970s. Feb. 15.
  - “We Shall Not Be Moved.” Details the pivotal role of the black church in the Civil Rights Movement. Feb. 22.
  
• “Grandmother Remembers: Reflections from a Time Past." Dramatist Alicia Williams performs the monologue, "Grandmother Remembers." Followed by a discussion and refreshments. Call (704) 336-2882 for more information.
  Feb. 14, 10:30 a.m.
  Beatties Ford Road Library, 2412 Beatties Ford Rd., Charlotte

Founded in 1903 as a Carnegie Free Library, PLCMC has become one of the premiere libraries in the country with 24 branches, 1.6 million volumes, and 28,000 videos, DVDs and CDs. The library sponsors a variety of community-based programs - from computer- and Internet-education workshops to the award-winning Novello Festival of Reading, a celebration that accentuates the fun of reading and learning. As a public library, we are dedicated to our mission of expanding minds, empowering individuals and enriching our community.