Every year in February, the Arlington Public Library observes National African American History Month, which is also known as Black History Month. The following programs are made possible in part by Sam's Club and Wal-Mart.

• Black History Trivia is a contest with weekly prize drawings throughout the month of February.  Participation is available at all Arlington public libraries.
• The Arlington Public Library presents "Africa in the Americas." This exhibit is on loan from the Texas Council for the Humanities and includes pictures, paintings, artifacts, historic maps, documents and more. It will be on display February 2-20 in the foyer of the George W. Hawkes Central Library. 
• Bring your family’s information and learn how to chart your own family tree at the "The How To and Hands On Approach to Genealogy" workshop from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. on February 7 in the Community Room of the George W. Hawkes Central Library. Seating is limited. To register, call 817- 459-6900, select option 4. This half-day workshop has three sections:

Section 1: Area Genealogist Gayle Hanson will address the issues and challenges involved in collecting data on African American ancestors. This session provides a foundation in genealogical research techniques. Hanson is the president of Texas Historical and Ancestry Researchers.

Section 2: Library Advisory Board member James McMillen will provide a hands-on demonstration for researching genealogy on the web. McMillen is a volunteer genealogy instructor at the Central Library.

Section 3: Library staff will give a public tour of the Central Library's Genealogy section and lead a discussion about the resources available at the library.

• Martin High School presents a Step Dance Performance at 4 p.m. on Feb. 24 in the Community Room of the George W. Hawkes Central Library.
• African American Storytimes for Children are ongoing at all Arlington public library locations throughout February.  Contact the branch library near you for times and dates.
• The Arlington Public Library is proud to support The Barbara Jordan Historical Essay Competition.  The essay competition is open to all Texas high school students in grades 9 through 12.  Participation provides high school students the opportunity to explore history by talking with grandparents, aunts, and uncles, as well as community, business, and religious leaders about their neighborhood and community and then develop an essay related to the theme: "The African American in Texas: Past and Present."  All essays must be postmarked no later than Monday, March 8 and mailed to P.O. Box N, Austin, TX 78713-8914.  A Student Contest Guide is available at any Arlington Public Library or www.utexas.edu/world/barbarajordan.
• The winning art from the Martin Luther King Jr. "Sharing the Dream" Art Contest is on display throughout February on the first floor of the George W. Hawkes Central Library. The art contest was open to all junior high and high school students.