Women must try to do things as men have tried. When they fail, their failure must be but a challenge to others. – Amelia Earhart
History is filled with intelligent, powerful, and inspirational women who have been pioneers for women’s rights and defined the worlds of entertainment, science, sports, and literature.
This month, we celebrate the fearless women who broke the rules—the teachers, scientists, leaders, politicians, mathematicians, authors, and artists—and inspired generations to come.
Use your MCPL Access Pass (Library Card) to explore these materials and resources or apply for a free card today.
History Programs
The person, be it gentleman or lady, who has not pleasure in a good novel, must be intolerably stupid. —Jane Austen
Women have created literature and history for centuries. Whether the fictional tales of marriage and status, the inspired and profound prose of a poet, or the letters of real women entailing their struggles and hopes, their stories are the stories of human existence.
Cathay Williams: Buffalo Soldier
Cathay Williams: Buffalo Soldier
This program is being offered at multiple branches.
Discover the story of Cathay Williams, the only documented female Buffalo Soldier, and learn about her service in the 38th U.S. Infantry from 1866 to 1868.
Bertha Benz and the History of the German Automobile
Bertha Benz and the History of the German Automobile
Thursday, March 20 | 6:30 p.m.
Zoom
Did you know this German automobile's origin is largely due to Bertha Benz, who became the first person to drive an automobile over a long distance?
Women Painters of the Impressionists
Women Painters of the Impressionists
Wednesday, March 5 | 6:30 p.m.
Zoom
Explore the varied lives of four women who were part of the Impressionism movement in the late 19th century and contributed to this avant-garde style in their own unique way.
Rights & Equality
I tell my story not because it is unique, but because it is the story of many girls. – Malala Yousafzai
Known around the world by just her first name, Malala’s story has inspired millions. Celebrate her and other women who made their mark through their intelligence and integrity, as well as their intrepid spirits.
Celebrate Women's History Month
Celebrate Women's History Month
Celebrate remarkable women in history by reading one of these great books.
Gender Studies
Gender Studies
Gender Studies provides balanced coverage of this significant aspect of culture and society. The database offers access to scholarly journals and magazines covering topics including gender studies, family and marital issues, and more.
Gerritsen Collection of Aletta H. Jacobs
Gerritsen Collection of Aletta H. Jacobs
The Gerritsen Collection is a women's history collection of periodicals, books, pamphlets, and more. Much of this collection is primary source material otherwise available only in a few rare book rooms around the world.
Art & Entertainment
We all require and want respect, man or woman, black or white. It's our basic human right. –Aretha Franklin
Whether the queen of soul or the queen of the court, women have made their mark on the world of sports and entertainment.
Hedy Lamarr: The Beauty and the Inventor
Hedy Lamarr: The Beauty and the Inventor
Thursday, March 27 | 6:30 p.m.
Zoom
Hedy Lamarr starred in such hit films as Algiers, Lady of the Tropics, Boom Town, and Samson and Delilah. She was also an inventor who created technology that is still used in Bluetooth and Wi-Fi systems today.
Giving Voice to Clem!: The Kansas Icon that Chronicled How America Eats
Giving Voice to Clem!: The Kansas Icon that Chronicled How America Eats
This program is being offered at multiple branches.
Kansan Clementine Paddleford traveled the world as one of America’s preeminent food editors. Spend some time with “Clem” as she shares stories of her life and the food.
The Women Who Built Hollywood
The Women Who Built Hollywood
Wednesday, March 12 | 7:00 p.m.
Zoom
Join film historian Dr. Annette Bochenek for a look at the lives and legacies of some of classic Hollywood’s incredible female directors and stars.
Celebrating Women's History Month
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Sensational
Sensational
Female Innovators Who Changed Our World
Female Innovators Who Changed Our World
Susan, Linda, Nina, & Cokie
Susan, Linda, Nina, & Cokie
The Girls Who Stepped Out of Line
The Girls Who Stepped Out of Line
Firsts
Firsts
The Girl Explorers
The Girl Explorers
Renegade Women in Film & TV
Renegade Women in Film & TV
Come Fly the World
Come Fly the World
A Woman's Place
A Woman's Place
Good Girls Don't Make History
Good Girls Don't Make History
The Agitators
The Agitators
Vanguard
Vanguard
Southern Women
Southern Women
In Praise of Difficult Women
In Praise of Difficult Women
