Even though women gained the right to vote in August of 1920, the legislators who proposed that Congress establish a Women's History Week (the precursor to Women's History Month) in 1980 chose a week in March. Taking into account the heat of August, they envisioned March's cooler weather and cherry blossoms for their marches. Also in March's favor was the existence in March of International Women's Day, celebrated since 1910. The founders' image of marching especially resonates with the theme of this year's commemorative month, “Moving Forward Together! Women Educating & Inspiring Generations.” Though women helped found and build our country, history books don't always include their contributions, an omission that the commemorative Week and later Month (established by Congress in 1987) have sought to correct. This Women's History Month celebrates their leadership and inspirational influence to generations.
Here at the White Plains Library, we're excited to offer many ways to help you celebrate the accomplishments of women. Starting on March 3rd, our book discussion group Future is Female, will discuss a novel with a female protagonist, The Lion Women of Tehran. On March 7th, join us to socialize with League of Women Voters members and friends and our Director Laura Eckley over your lunch hour. On March 11th, get inspired and renew your mindset with Life Coach Adrienne Adair. On March 18th, explore works by women in the National Gallery of Art. And finally, on March 26th, children and families can attend a storytime of the book Dress Like a Girl, in which girl characters dress according to their dreams – in police uniforms, space suits and laboratory coats – proving that girls can be anything they want.
What else to read? There are so many compelling women's stories. We're sure you'll gain inspiration from our displays, browsing our Biographies section, or visiting us at the Hub Desk. Here are a few recent releases in our collection to get you started:
Connie: A Memoir by Connie ChungTrailblazer Connie Chung broke barriers for both women and Asian Americans as co-anchor of the CBS Evening News. Through her work, she inspired countless women to go into broadcast journalism.
Lovely One by Ketanji Brown JacksonThis fascinating memoir tells the story of Ketanji Brown Jackson, the first Black woman to be appointed to the U.S. Supreme Court.
Traveling: On the Path of Joni Mitchell by Ann PowersMusic critic Ann Powers describes the music and life of the intimate but elusive singer-songwriter Joni Mitchell.
Survival is a Promise: The Eternal Life of Audre Lorde by Alexis Pauline GumbsThis book uses the poetry of poet-activist Audre Lorde to tell her story and is written by fellow poet-activist Alexis Pauline Gumbs.
The Women by Kristin HannahThis historical novel gives voice to the experience of many U.S. nurses who served in the Vietnam War.
Frozen River by Ariel LawhonFrozen River is a historical novel inspired by 18th-century midwife-healer Martha Ballard and will be the novel discussed by our Future is Female book discussion group in May. Read and join us!
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