Black History, Women's History month events at the Schaumburg Library

The late Nelson Mandela said "For to be free is not merely to cast off one's chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others." He would know. Despite beatings, imprisonment and threats to himself and loved ones, he persevered, achieving human rights successes that proved the merit of his philosophy.

Roughly 100 years prior, Susan B. Anthony, outspoken social reformer and anti-slavery activist, said "Trust me that as I ignore all law to help the slave, so will I ignore it all to protect an enslaved woman."

The attitudes and actions of these two historical game-changers, and others who risked everything for rights which should have been inherent, are celebrated at the Schaumburg Township District Library during Black History Month in February and Women's History Month in March. All are invited to the following programs, which are sure to be as enlightening as they are entertaining.

To honor important African-American people and events, the library welcomes adults to hear fascinating stories of risky, ingenious escapes that led slaves to freedom, while children can have fun and learn with an African stage show. Historical novelist Doug Peterson will present "A Thousand Miles to Freedom" from 7-8:30 p.m., Monday, Feb. 16, in the Rasmussen South Room on the central library's second floor. His Underground Railroad stories will include Henry "Box" Brown, who mailed himself to freedom in a wooden box. He will also share the intriguing tale of William and Ellen Craft, who escaped by Ellen posing as a white man, while her husband pretended to be her slave. Peterson recounts both compelling stories in his books, "The Vanishing Woman" and "The Disappearing Man," which will be available for purchase and signing following his presentation.

Children ages 4 and up are invited to Hot Silk Productions' high-energy performance of "African Village Folktales" from 4-4:45 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 17, in the Rasmussen Room. Storytelling, movement, music and comedy will bring to life the rich legacy of African folklore in a fun and modern way. Free limited tickets will be available in the kids Zone at 3:40 p.m. Call (847) 923-3439 with questions.

For Women's History Month, the library will feature famous women who overcame great obstacles to attain success. Come and "meet" beautician and cosmetics executive Estee Lauder, portrayed by dramatist Leslie Goddard, in a program scheduled from 7-8:30 p.m., Monday, March 9, in the Rasmussen North Room. Discover how she launched a beauty company, then used her marketing skills to grow a billion-dollar-a-year business.

Feeling creative? Recreate a painting from a famous female artist during the "O'Keefe, Kahlo and Cassatt Drawing Workshop" from 7-9 p.m., Thursday, March 12, in the Rasmussen North Room.

Later in March, hear the exciting, history-making adventures of Bertha Benze who became the first person to drive an automobile long distance in "Berha Benz and the History of the German Automobile." This free program is scheduled from 7-8:30 p.m., Wednesday, March 18, in the Rasmussen South Room.

To register for any of the aforementioned programs, except the children's program, visit the Information Desk on the library's second floor or call (847) 923-3347.