Women’s History Month has its roots in 1981 when Congress authorized and requested the President to declare March 7, 1982, as Women’s History Week. Over the next 5 years, a series of resolutions eventually designated the whole of March 1987 as Women’s History Month. Annually since then, presidents have proclaimed the month of March as a national celebration and recognition of the achievements of women over the course of American history.
Programs
At GPL we have events planned to help you celebrate.
Ruth Handler: The Story Behind Barbie
Wednesday, March 5, 7-8 PM • Community Room
Join Storyteller Lynn Rymarz as she portrays Ruth Handler, the creator of Barbie. Learn about Ruth’s childhood, the inspiration that led her to create Barbie, and about Mattel, the toy company she founded with her husband. Lynn will share Ruth’s autobiography, a vintage Barbie, photos, posters and more. Bring your own Barbie to share!
9to5 The Story of a Movement
Watch Virtually: Friday, March 21-Sunday, March 23 • Zoom
In-Person Watch Party: Sunday, March 23, 1:30-4:30 PM • Community Room East
The documentary 9to5: The Story of a Movement is the previously untold story of the fight that inspired a hit and changed the American workplace. Featuring interviews with 9to5’s founders, as well as actor and activist Jane Fonda. A library staff lead discussion will immediately follow the screening.
Recommended Reads
As usual, we will have a large display of books for Women’s History Month in the Library.
For your reading pleasure, here are staff-created lists featuring fiction, nonfiction, and Youth titles.
Novels about the lives and experiences of women.
Books celebrating the lives of women.
Check out these nonfiction titles about amazing women that are perfect for early elementary school readers.
One last thing...
Here’s a fun, quick read with a local connection and charming watercolor illustrations. Jane Addams was a social worker and activist, and the first American woman to win the Nobel Peace Prize. The book covers the period from her birth in Cedarville, IL in 1860 and her early life, when she knew she wanted to “find a way to fix the world,” through the establishment and growth of Hull House, a settlement house in Chicago’s Near West Side. By the 1920s Hull House was helping 9000 visitors a week and included 13 buildings. Today, the Jane Addams Hull-House Museum has many wonderful exhibits; displays include Jane’s personal diary, childhood drawings, and the Nobel Peace Prize.
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