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Image for event: The Culture In the Kitchen

The Culture In the Kitchen
2026-02-21 11:00:00 2026-02-21 15:00:00 America/Chicago The Culture In the Kitchen Celebrate Black History Month through flavor and tradition with a special chef-prepared dining experience. This themed meal highlights the rich culinary contributions of Black culture, featuring dishes inspired by African and Southern roots. Main Library - 507 | Teaching Kitchen

Saturday, February 21
11:00am - 3:00pm

Add to Calendar 2026-02-21 11:00:00 2026-02-21 15:00:00 America/Chicago The Culture In the Kitchen Celebrate Black History Month through flavor and tradition with a special chef-prepared dining experience. This themed meal highlights the rich culinary contributions of Black culture, featuring dishes inspired by African and Southern roots. Main Library - 507 | Teaching Kitchen

Main Library

507 | Teaching Kitchen

Celebrate Black History Month through flavor and tradition with a special chef-prepared dining experience. This themed meal highlights the rich culinary contributions of Black culture, featuring dishes inspired by African and Southern roots.

Join us for an unforgettable Black History Month–themed dining experience curated by a private chef who brings history to life through food. This immersive meal celebrates the deep cultural roots and lasting influence of Black cuisine, tracing its journey from African traditions to Southern soul food staples.

Each dish tells a story—of heritage, survival, innovation, and community—while showcasing time-honored recipes and modern interpretations that honor the past and present. Patrons will not only enjoy a thoughtfully crafted meal but also gain insight into the historical significance of the ingredients, techniques, and cultural traditions behind each course.

This experience is more than dinner; it’s a celebration of Black excellence, resilience, and legacy, using food as a powerful connection to history, culture, and shared experience.

AGE GROUP: | Adults |

EVENT TYPE: | Food & Drink |

TAGS: | |

Main Library
Phone: 501.918.3000
Branch manager
Joe Hudak
Hours
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Main Library

Today's hours

We're open 9:00AM to 6:00PM

We're closed Monday January 19 due to MLK Day
Branch manager
Joe Hudak
Address
100 Rock Street
Little Rock, AR 72201
Tel: 501.918.3000

Upcoming Events

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Storytime
Fri, Jan 23, 10:30am - 11:15am
131 | Martin Children's Center
Join us for stories, songs, rhymes, and movement. Storytime is a great way to bond with your child. Storytime helps develop your child's brain, ability to focus, concentration, social skills and communication skills.
Bad Art Club
Fri, Jan 23, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
230 | Teen Center Program Room
Bad at art? So am I! Lets make some bad art together with these fun, low-pressure prompts! Events in the Chris Rice Teen Center are for ages 13-18 only.
Button Art
Fri, Jan 23, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
131 | Martin Children's Center
Make art that's cute as a button! We'll be using buttons to put together beautiful works of art.
Walk U Thru It Line Dancing
Sat, Jan 24, 11:30am - 12:25pm
504 | Adult Programming Room
It's time to line dance again at the library! Come scoot and boogie your way on down to the library for this fun line dancing class provided by Walk U Thru It Line Dancing.
Walk U Thru It Line Dancing
Sat, Jan 24, 12:30pm - 1:30pm
504 | Adult Programming Room
It's time to line dance again at the library! Come scoot and boogie your way on down to the library for this fun line dancing class provided by Walk U Thru It Line Dancing.
Rescheduled
Mending Workshop
Sat, Jan 24, 3:00pm - 6:00pm
New date Friday, February 06, 3:00pm - 6:00pm
Start the new year off with a new skill! Bring in items to mend and learn different mending techniques.
Blind International Taste Test
Mon, Jan 26, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
230 | Teen Center Program Room
Travel the globe—one bite at a time! By sampling international snacks and guessing where they came from! Events in the Chris Rice Teen Center are for ages 13-18 only.
Snowflake Slime
Mon, Jan 26, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
131 | Martin Children's Center
Stop by for a fun and festive activity where you can create your very own snowflake slime!
Drop-in Tech Help
Tue, Jan 27, 12:00pm - 4:00pm
013 | The Hatcher Agency Computer Classroom
Drop by and ask your burning technology questions, or get help with a specific problem from an expert. Feel free to bring your mobile device or laptop.
Beautiful Bookmarks
Tue, Jan 27, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
230 | Teen Center Program Room
Get ready for this year's TBR list by making these cute DIY bookmarks! Events in the Chris Rice Teen Center are for ages 13-18 only.
Taco (soup) Tuesday
Tue, Jan 27, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
131 | Martin Children's Center
It's Taco Tuesday: Soup Edition! What better way to stay warm than a cozy soup? Learn how to make this quick and delicious taco soup.
Storytime
Wed, Jan 28, 10:30am - 11:15am
131 | Martin Children's Center
Join us for stories, songs, rhymes, and movement. Storytime is a great way to bond with your child. Storytime helps develop your child's brain, ability to focus, concentration, social skills and communication skills.
Surf Secure
Wed, Jan 28, 12:00pm - 1:30pm
013 | The Hatcher Agency Computer Classroom
Protect your privacy in the digital world. You'll learn about tools like password managers and two-step verification, and best practices for online safety.
Gourmet Ramen Challenge
Wed, Jan 28, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
230 | Teen Center Program Room
Put your cooking skills to the test with this Ramen challenge! See if you have what it takes to make a gourmet snack with these different ingredients. Events in the Chris Rice Teen Center are for ages 13-18 only.
Beaded Snowflakes
Wed, Jan 28, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
131 | Martin Children's Center
Make unique snowflakes using pipe cleaners and beads.
Photo Frame Design
Thu, Jan 29, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
230 | Teen Center Program Room
Express yourself through art and words! Design your own picture frame to take home using collage materials, markers, washi tape, and recycled paper. Events in the Chris Rice Teen Center are for ages 13-18 only.
Lemon Puppy Chow
Thu, Jan 29, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
131 | Martin Children's Center
Put a zesty twist on the original "puppy chow" snack mix by adding white chocolate and lemon flavors!
Storytime
Fri, Jan 30, 10:30am - 11:15am
131 | Martin Children's Center
Join us for stories, songs, rhymes, and movement. Storytime is a great way to bond with your child. Storytime helps develop your child's brain, ability to focus, concentration, social skills and communication skills.
Decorated Disposable Cameras
Fri, Jan 30, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
230 | Teen Center Program Room
Capture your memories of the year with your own personalized disposable camera! Events in the Chris Rice Teen Center are for ages 13-18 only.
Arctic Animal Suncatchers
Fri, Jan 30, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
131 | Martin Children's Center
What's your favorite arctic animal? A penguin? A polar bear? Whatever it may be, use it as the centerpiece for your suncatcher!
Carnival of the Animals
Sat, Jan 31, 10:30am - 2:00pm
Bring the entire family to the Main Library for an event filled with animals, music, and fun! Enjoy a special performance of Carnival of the Animals by the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra. Funding provided by the Stella Boyle Smith Trust.
Fitness Bootcamp
Sat, Jan 31, 12:00pm - 2:00pm
504 | Adult Programming Room
The Fitness Bootcamp is an energizing group workout designed to help participants build strength, improve endurance, and boost overall physical well-being in a motivating and supportive environment.
Fitness Journals
Sat, Jan 31, 3:00pm - 6:00pm
235 | Makerspace
After participating in the Fitness Bootcamp, you are invited to come to the Makerspace and create a fitness journal where you can track goals, mental wellbeing, exercises, meal plans and more.
The Great Paper Airplane Competition
Mon, Feb 02, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
131 | Martin Children's Center
Ready to put your engineering skills to the test? Join us for the library’s official Paper Airplane Competition! This isn't just about folding—it's about design, aerodynamics, and distance!
Anti-Valentines Day Paintings
Mon, Feb 02, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
230 | Teen Center Program Room
Teens can paint an Anti-Valentines Day canvas to decorate our teen lounge for Valentines Day! No love allowed! Events in the Rice Teen Center are for ages 13-18 only.
Drop-in Tech Help
Tue, Feb 03, 12:00pm - 4:00pm
013 | The Hatcher Agency Computer Classroom
Drop by and ask your burning technology questions, or get help with a specific problem from an expert. Feel free to bring your mobile device or laptop.
In the Style of...
Tue, Feb 03, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
230 | Teen Center Program Room
Let's learn about Black artists and use their art to inspire our own works in their style! Events in the Rice Teen Center are for ages 13-18 only.
Paper Heart Spinners
Tue, Feb 03, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
131 | Martin Children's Center
Valentine's Day is approaching, let's get your hearts spinning! Using paper hearts, we'll decorate and assemble them into spinners you can use for decoration or give to someone you love.
Microsoft Excel: Part 1 - The Basics
Wed, Feb 04, 9:30am - 11:30am
013 | The Hatcher Agency Computer Classroom
In Part 1 of our four-part series, get started using Microsoft Excel by learning how to enter information, format text and numbers, sort and filter, and use basic formulas.
Storytime
Wed, Feb 04, 10:30am - 11:15am
131 | Martin Children's Center
Join us for stories, songs, rhymes, and movement. Storytime is a great way to bond with your child. Storytime helps develop your child's brain, ability to focus, concentration, social skills and communication skills.
Monthly Tour of the Main Library
Wed, Feb 04, 10:30am - 11:45am
Welcome to your new Main Library! On the first Wednesday of each month, join library staff on a tour of the newly renovated Main Library.
Preserving the Voices of Blackville, Arkansas - Legacies & Lunch February 2026
Wed, Feb 04, 12:00pm - 1:00pm
529 | Fred Darragh Center for Intellectual Freedom
Join co-editors Wally G. Vaughn and Carolyn Ann Butler Cooley in conversation with Arkansas Democrat-Gazette Sunday Style editor Helaine Williams for an illuminating conversation about their book Blackville, Arkansas, Fashioned by a Former Slave.
Valentine's Day Wreaths
Wed, Feb 04, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
131 | Martin Children's Center
Get ready to Color your Hearts out with this cute and eye-catching Valentine's Wreath!
Self-Love Sugar Scrub
Wed, Feb 04, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
230 | Teen Center Program Room
Self-love is the best love! Join us for a fun and pampering program where you'll learn how to create all-natural body scrub! Indulge in self-care and discover the benefits of exfoliation. Events in the Rice Teen Center are for ages 13-18 only.
Shaving Cream Hearts
Thu, Feb 05, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
131 | Martin Children's Center
Using shaving cream, we will create lovely, marbled paper hearts that can be used as decor, or as gifts for the ones you love.
Storytime
Fri, Feb 06, 10:30am - 11:15am
131 | Martin Children's Center
Join us for stories, songs, rhymes, and movement. Storytime is a great way to bond with your child. Storytime helps develop your child's brain, ability to focus, concentration, social skills and communication skills.
Mending Workshop
Fri, Feb 06, 3:00pm - 6:00pm
235 | Makerspace
Start the new year off with a new skill! Bring in items to mend and learn different mending techniques.
This event is full
History and the Making: Stewed Okra
Fri, Feb 06, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
131 | Martin Children's Center
A snack and a history lesson! Join us as we explore the history of foods that have become staples in the black community.
Artistic Accessories: Button Bracelets
Fri, Feb 06, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
230 | Teen Center Program Room
Upgrade your looks with your own handcrafted accessories! Events in the Rice Teen Center are for ages 13-18 only.
2026 Black Family Expo
Sat, Feb 07, 11:00am - 2:00pm
Learn about families with strong ties to Central Arkansas’s Black history and explore CALS’s resources for preserving your own family history. Giveaways will be happening all day, so stop by and celebrate Black History Month with the CALS team!
Video for the Web
Mon, Feb 09, 9:30am - 11:30am
013 | The Hatcher Agency Computer Classroom
Find out how to make videos that break the internet--without breaking the bank. We'll focus on editing, but also touch on best practices for shooting and uploading your content.
DIY Love Potion
Mon, Feb 09, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
131 | Martin Children's Center
Step into our Potion Master's workshop! In this creative program, you'll learn to layer, mix, and bottle your own shimmering love potion to take home.
Drop-in Tech Help
Tue, Feb 10, 12:00pm - 4:00pm
013 | The Hatcher Agency Computer Classroom
Drop by and ask your burning technology questions, or get help with a specific problem from an expert. Feel free to bring your mobile device or laptop.
Papercraft Palooza: Victorian Heart Cards
Tue, Feb 10, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
230 | Teen Center Program Room
Let's make some artistic creations by playing with paper! Events in the Rice Teen Center are for ages 13-18 only.
DIY Conversation Hearts
Tue, Feb 10, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
131 | Martin Children's Center
What's Valentine's Day without conversation hearts? We'll create hearts using glue that you can then color and write a personalized sweet note for yourself or a loved one.
Microsoft Excel: Part 2 - Formulas and Charts
Wed, Feb 11, 9:30am - 11:30am
013 | The Hatcher Agency Computer Classroom
Build on your basic Excel skills to make your data easier to manage and understand. In Part 2, you’ll learn to let Excel do the math; use copy, paste, and AutoFill; avoid common formula problems; and create eye-catching charts with your data.
Storytime
Wed, Feb 11, 10:30am - 11:15am
131 | Martin Children's Center
Join us for stories, songs, rhymes, and movement. Storytime is a great way to bond with your child. Storytime helps develop your child's brain, ability to focus, concentration, social skills and communication skills.
Love At First Dip
Wed, Feb 11, 12:00pm - 2:00pm
507 | Teaching Kitchen
Join us for a sweet and hands-on experience as we host a Chocolate-Covered Strawberries Class! Patrons will learn the basics of melting, dipping, and decorating strawberries while creating their own delicious treats to take home.
Crafting with Creativebug - Creating a Valentine's Zine
Wed, Feb 11, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
012 | Arvest Computer Classroom
Make your own Valentine themed Zine!
Hydro-Dipped Pencils
Wed, Feb 11, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
131 | Martin Children's Center
Add some color to your school days! Today we will be Using water and paint/nail polish, to create colorful pencils!
Taste of Tanghulu
Wed, Feb 11, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
230 | Teen Center Program Room
Join us for a sweet and cultural adventure! Learn about the delicious Chinese treat called Tanghulu, and enjoy a variety of fresh candied fruit. Events in the Rice Teen Center are for ages 13-18 only.
Anti–Valentine’s Day: “No Love Lost Party”
Thu, Feb 12, 9:00am - 10:00am
230 | Teen Center Program Room
A fun and humorous celebration of no love! Join us in some breakup karaoke, heartbreak cookie decorating, DIY Love stinks button crafting, and a shred your ex-stress relief session. Events in the Rice Center are for ages 13-18 only.
DIY Valentine's Day Cards and Boxes
Thu, Feb 12, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
131 | Martin Children's Center
Need last minute Valentine's Day cards for friends or family or boxes to hold your own goodies? Today we will be creating our own cards and/or Boxes!
Storytime
Fri, Feb 13, 10:30am - 11:15am
131 | Martin Children's Center
Join us for stories, songs, rhymes, and movement. Storytime is a great way to bond with your child. Storytime helps develop your child's brain, ability to focus, concentration, social skills and communication skills.
Pom-pom Love Bugs
Fri, Feb 13, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
131 | Martin Children's Center
If you don't catch the love bug, you can make one! Using yarn made pom poms, we'll create cute little critters that you'll love forever.
Self-Love Zine
Fri, Feb 13, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
230 | Teen Center Program Room
Be your own valentine this year and celebrate yourself with a DIY zine all about you! Events in the Rice Teen Center are for ages 13-18 only.
Valentine's Day Cards
Sat, Feb 14, 3:00pm - 5:00pm
235 | Makerspace
Make your own Valentine in the Makerspace! We will be using elements cut out with the Cricut.
Drop-in Tech Help
Tue, Feb 17, 12:00pm - 4:00pm
013 | The Hatcher Agency Computer Classroom
Drop by and ask your burning technology questions, or get help with a specific problem from an expert. Feel free to bring your mobile device or laptop.
Lunar New Year Paper Lanterns
Tue, Feb 17, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
131 | Martin Children's Center
It's the Lunar New Year! To celebrate, we're creating paper lanterns similar to the ones traditionally used during Lunar New Year celebrations.
In the Style of...
Tue, Feb 17, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
230 | Teen Center Program Room
Let's learn about Black artists and use their art to inspire our own works in their style! Events in the Rice Teen Center are for ages 13-18 only.
Microsoft Excel: Part 3 - Color-Coding, Logic, and More
Wed, Feb 18, 9:30am - 11:30am
013 | The Hatcher Agency Computer Classroom
In Part 3, sharpen your Excel skills by learning to color-code your data automatically, protect your work from accidental changes, check your entries using Data Validation, remove duplicate information, write amazing formulas with logic, and more!
Storytime
Wed, Feb 18, 10:30am - 11:15am
131 | Martin Children's Center
Join us for stories, songs, rhymes, and movement. Storytime is a great way to bond with your child. Storytime helps develop your child's brain, ability to focus, concentration, social skills and communication skills.
DIY Paper Cup Mobiles
Wed, Feb 18, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
131 | Martin Children's Center
Using simple paper cups, we will create hanging mobiles that will add character to any space!
CALS Cypher
Wed, Feb 18, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
230 | Teen Center Program Room
Do you have lyrics floating around in your head or a tune you keep humming? This Teen Songwriting Workshop is your chance to turn your ideas, feelings, and stories into finished songs! Events in the Rice Teen Center are for ages 13-18 only.
Paint Sample Bookmarks
Thu, Feb 19, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
131 | Martin Children's Center
Need a free art project to keep the kids entertained? Learn how to use free hardware store paint samples to create adorable bookmarks!
Storytime
Fri, Feb 20, 10:30am - 11:15am
131 | Martin Children's Center
Join us for stories, songs, rhymes, and movement. Storytime is a great way to bond with your child. Storytime helps develop your child's brain, ability to focus, concentration, social skills and communication skills.
Lunchtime Craft: Weaving
Fri, Feb 20, 12:00pm - 2:00pm
235 | Makerspace
Join us in the Makerspace for a simple craft during lunchtime! This week we will be doing small cardboard weavings!
History and the Making: Cornbread
Fri, Feb 20, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
131 | Martin Children's Center
A snack and a history lesson! Join us as we explore the history of foods that have become staples in the black community.
Artistic Accessories: Shrinky-Dink Earrings
Fri, Feb 20, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
230 | Teen Center Program Room
Upgrade your looks with your own handcrafted accessories! Events in the Rice Teen Center are for ages 13-18 only.
Rhythm & Rhyme Adventure Time
Sat, Feb 21, 10:30am - 11:15am
131 | Martin Children's Center
Get ready to wiggle, jump, and sing! This high-energy class is designed for our youngest library visitors and their caregivers. We'll use music, scarves, shakers, and simple instruments to explore rhythm, gross motor skills, and creative movement.
The Culture In the Kitchen
Sat, Feb 21, 11:00am - 3:00pm
507 | Teaching Kitchen
Celebrate Black History Month through flavor and tradition with a special chef-prepared dining experience. This themed meal highlights the rich culinary contributions of Black culture, featuring dishes inspired by African and Southern roots.
See all events