Black Country Day is being marked in four Dudley Libraries with free special events aimed at celebrating the region’s rich cultural heritage, fascinating history and continuous evolution.

On Monday 14 July at 2pm in Dudley Library, well-known Black Country Bloke John Homer will talk about what makes the Black Country unique. Light refreshments will be available, and booking is essential. Call 01384 815560 to reserve a place.

On Tuesday 15 July at 2pm in Halesowen Library, Black Country Radio and Busketeers Tim Martin and Billy Spakemon will perform songs from the area. Audience participation in singalongs is encouraged, and refreshments are available. To book, call 01384 812983.

On Wednesday 16 July at 2pm in Stourbridge Library, author and local historian Ned Williams will give an illustrated talk entitled ‘Stourbridge on Wheels’, focusing on how road and rail transport have served Stourbridge over the years. Refreshments are available and places can be booked by calling 01384 812945.

The fourth and final event also takes place on Wednesday 16 July at 2pm – this time at Brierley Hill Library. Kevin Goodman, known as the Time Travelling Medicine Man, will explore the deadly diseases that affected the Black Country during the Victorian 1890-1900 era. Call Brierley Hill Library on 01384 812874 to book and refreshments are available.

“Black Country Day is part of the month-long Black Country Festival, and we’re delighted to be playing our part in the celebrations,” said GLL Library Manager Sharon Whitehouse, “All the events are free, and booking is strongly recommended.”

Councillor Damian Corfield, cabinet member for communities said: “Black Country Day has firmly become part of the events calendar and it’s great to see our libraries getting involved with these fascinating events about some of the area’s lesser known history.”

Operating under the Better brand, GLL is the staff-owned charitable social enterprise that runs Dudley Libraries on behalf of the council.