Upcoming Events
18th Annual Durham Black History Month
Saturday, February 1 from 4-9 p.m.
J. Clarke Richardson High School.
Drop-in.
This year's theme is The Next 10: Preparing the Next Generation celebrating a new decade for CHANGE and recognition of the Black experience by nurturing the next generation through cultural engagement.
For more information and to register, visit durhamblackhistorymonth.com.
Youth Poetry Contest: The Next 10
Open February 1–28, 2025
Express yourself for Black History Month! Young writers of Ajax are invited to submit a poem based on the Black History Month 2025 theme, “The Next Ten Years.” One winner will be chosen from each grade category.
Grade Categories:
Grades 4–6
Grades 7–8
Grades 9–12
Winning entries will be recognized at the International Day to Eliminate Racial Discrimination event on March 21, 2025.
Download an entry form, or pick one up at any branch. Full contest details are on the entry form.
Black Girls Empowerment STEM Club
Hosted at Audley Branch, advanced registration required.
Grades 7-10: Thursdays, February 6 to 20, 5-6:30 p.m.
Grades 3-5: Wednesdays, March 19-April 2, 4:30-6 p.m.
BlackLit Durham: Hear the Youth Speak! A Black History Month Showcase
Wednesday, February 19, 7-9 p.m.
St. Francis Centre, advanced registration required.
Celebrate Black Canadian literary voices of all genres at a night of amazing performances and Q&A with the artists. Sign-ups for open mic starts at 6:30 p.m.—poetry and prose are welcome!
Read & Learn
Explore books on Black History and books by Black authors across different reading levels:
- Kids & Families
- Teen / Young Adult
- Adults
- Black Voices Collection on OverDrive
- Download the YA Book List flyer
Watch Anytime
Teen Advisory Committee (TAC) Videos
Ajax Public Library’s Teen Advisory Council highlighted local history connections for Black Canadians as part of Black History Month celebrations in 2024. Members selected, researched, and designed presentations on prominent Black Canadian women, who are featured in this video series.
Watch Past Year's video series! You can also see previous video series from 2021 to 2023 on our YouTube page at youtube.com/AjaxLibrary.