The new year is starting with a full slate of events at Henry County’s public libraries.

  The First Friday festivities are continuing in 2020. Rotating among the five branches, the first Friday of each month is an opportunity for families to enjoy free activities after regular operating hours.

  A Mardi Gras-themed event is scheduled for February 7 at the McDonough Library and will feature a steel drummer and a mask craft. Cochran Library will host a Night at the Petting Zoo March 6 with exotic animals including a chinchilla, a hedgehog and a giant tortoise. There will also be a dog parade and contest for which participants must sign up in advance at the Cochran Library.

  Guests can check out books and use the computers at all First Friday events, which are scheduled for 6-9 p.m.

  Percussionist and storyteller Jerry G. White will bring his performance, “Breaking Ground,” to life during Black History Month. White utilizes storytelling and music to highlight historic black Americans who broke ground to achieve greatness. Those performances are February 18 at 11 a.m. at Fairview Library, February 18 at 3 p.m. at Cochran Library, February 19 at 11 a.m. at Forston Library, and February 19 at 2 p.m. at Locust Grove Library.

  For more information on what is happening and being offered at the county’s libraries, visit henrylibraries.org