Black History Month

Pages through History: African Samurai--The True Story of Yasuke

Wednesday, February 22, 2023, 7:00 pm

This book explores the true history of Yasuke, a legendary Black warrior in feudal Japan.

For hundreds of years, Yasuke was a figure of folklore. But in the 16th Century, the man the Japanese called "Yasuke"--enslaved, brought thousands of miles from his homeland, his true name unrecorded--really did become a samurai and high-ranking retainer of the "Great Unifier" Oda Nobunaga. Piecing together his remarkable life sheds light on a key chapter in Japan's history, and on the dark side of the European "Age of Discovery."

This book is available in print format. 

This is a hybrid event with the option to participate in person or on Zoom. Online participants will receive the Zoom link in their confirmation email.

If you have questions about this event after registration has closed, please email the events team or call the library at 847-673-7774. Limited to 12 in-person participants.

Hebru Brantley Art Exploration

Monday, February 20, 2023, 2:30 pm

Explore the creative work of dynamic artist Hebru Brantley through hands-on creation. Drop-in event designed for elementary-age children. Limited to 12 children at a time.

Family Book Club: 'Your Name Is a Song' by Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow

Saturday, February 18, 2023, 1:30 pm

In this book discussion for kids in grades 1-3 and an accompanying grown-up, we'll read and discuss our book and then play a book-related game or create a craft together.

Frustrated by a day full of teachers and classmates mispronouncing her beautiful name, a little girl tells her mother she never wants to go back to school.

In response, the girl's mother teaches her about the musicality of African, Asian, Black-American, Latinx, and Middle Eastern names on their lyrical walk home through the city. Empowered by this newfound understanding, the young girl is ready to return the next day to share her knowledge with her class.

Your Name Is a Song is a celebration to remind all of us about the beauty, history, and magic behind names.

Talking Books Discussion Group: The Measure of a Man

Wednesday, February 15, 2023, 1:30 pm

In this memoir, Sidney Poitier reflects on the values, ethics, and integrity that sustain him.

In this "spiritual autobiography," Sidney Poitier, the first African American actor to win an Oscar, recalls his idyllic childhood in the Bahamas, his move to Florida at age 15, his early struggles to establish an acting career, and his later successes.

This is a hybrid event with the option to participate remotely on Zoom.

Limited to 20 in-person participants. If you are interested in participating on Zoom, indicate your interest in the registration form and we will email the Zoom event link after registration has closed.

Registration closes at 10 am the day of the event. If you have questions about this event after registration has closed, please email the events team or call the library at 847-673-7774.

Find The Measure of a Man in the library catalog.

Find films and other materials featuring Sidney Poitier in the library catalog.

Be the Scientist: Who Invented the Potato Chip

Tuesday, February 14, 2023, 4:30 pm

Build your understanding of scientific concepts with experiments and activities. Limited to eight kids in grades 3-5.

This month, we're learning about potato chips.

Adventure Club: Egypt

Tuesday, February 7, 2023, 4:30 pm

Learn about Egypt's culture, traditions, foods, and fun.

Limited to 10 kids in grades K-3 accompanied by an adult.