For Immediate Release: Friday, January 13

Children's Programs Celebrate
African American History Month @ the Library

For Adult/Teen events, link here.
For AAMLO events, link here.

(Oakland, CA) African American History Month is time to dance, sing, listen and learn when Oakland Public Library hosts the following free, educational programs celebrating a few of the traditions and contributions of African Americans.

"The Kalimba King" Carl Winters Plays the African Thumb Piano
The kalimba, or African thumb piano, is a small, sweet sounding instrument that comes alive in the hands of Carl Winters, "The Kalimba King." Carl can play jazz, gospel, blues, rhythm and blues, and pop songs on the kalimba, and he will share the kalimba's history and use in African society, especially in Zimbabwe. These interactive assemblies encourage audiences to join in with dancing, singing, and chanting. Learn more at www.kalimbaking.com
All ages are welcome at each of these branch appearances:

Wednesday, February 1
10:30 am, Elmhurst Branch, 1427 88th Avenue , (510) 615-5727
3:30 pm, César E. Chávez Branch, 3301 East 12th St., Ste. 271, (510) 535-5620

Thursday, February 2
10:30 am, Dimond Branch, 3565 Fruitvale Avenue , (510) 482-7844
1 pm, Brookfield Branch, 9255 Edes Avenue , (510) 615-5725
3:30 pm, Martin Luther King, Jr. Br., 6833 International Blvd. , 615-5728

Tuesday, February 7
10 am, West Oakland Branch, 1801 Adeline Street , (510) 238-7352
1 pm, Temescal Branch, 5205 Telegraph Avenue , (510) 597-5049

Tuesday, February 28
7 pm, Rockridge Branch, 5366 College Avenue , (510) 597-5017

J.P. Myrick Performs as the Great Singer Ella Fitzgerald
J.P. Myrick Historical Productions presents the experience of a live concert by the incredible Ella Fitzgerald. Learn more about this legendary vocal artist who battled poverty and discrimination to become one of the greatest singers and vocal improvisers of all time. Learn more at www.jpmyrick.com.

Thursday, February 16, 3:30 pm, Golden Gate Branch, 5606 San Pablo Avenue , (510) 597-5023
Tuesday, February 21, 10:30 am, Main Library Children's Room, 125 14th Street , (510)238-3615
Thursday, February 23, 10:30 am, Lakeview Branch, 550 El Embarcadero, (510) 238-7344

Storyteller Yolanda Rhodes
Yolanda draws from a rich collection of stories in the African American tradition, including Southern folktales and stories from the Caribbean, in this fun and educational program for children of all ages.

Thursday, February 16
10:30 am, Piedmont Ave. Branch, 160 41st Street, (510) 597-5011
1:30 pm, Montclair Branch, 1687 Mountain Blvd., (510) 482-7810

For more information, call (510) 238-3134, or see the Library's Web site: www.oaklandlibrary.org. Please refrain from wearing scented products to library events. To request sign interpretation, or other accommodation, call the number above or (510) 834-7446 (TTY) at least five working days prior to the event. The Oakland Public Library is a department of the City of Oakland .

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