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.
Kansas City Women of Independent Minds
March 30 | 7:00 p.m.
South Independence Branch
Meet women who were integral to Kansas City and Jackson County including Mme. Chouteau, Loula Long Combs, Lucile Bluford, and Mattie Rhodes, and discover Kansas City’s "herstory."
Nelly Don: A Stitch in Time
This program will be presented in March 2023. Browse our online catalog to learn more about Nelly Don.
Nelly Don created a fashion empire in Kansas City and went on to become one of the wealthiest and most celebrated women in American business.
Elizabeth Wallace Truman, Her Times and Her Family
This program will be presented in March 2023. Browse our online catalog to learn more about Bess Truman.
Elizabeth "Bess" Wallace Truman was the First Lady of America, but that wasn't a job she particularly wanted. Learn about her life, family, and the often uncomfortable fame she endured.
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.
Spymistress and Hero
Vera Atkins served in the British Intelligence during World War II, but her work continued well after the fighting ended. Her mission to investigate agents who never returned earned her national recognition.
Show Your Colors
April 19 | 10:00 a.m.
Dearborn
May 1 | 6:30 p.m.
Colbern Road
Suffragists encouraged supporters to “show your colors” by wearing yellow ribbons, buttons, and sashes. Hear stories of the struggle for women’s suffrage.
Historic Firsts
As the first female, first Black, and first Asian American elected to be Vice President, Kamala Harris’ life has been filled with historic firsts. Find books about her childhood, career, and journey to the White House.
Sports & 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.
The History of Carole King
This program will be presented in March 2023. Browse our online catalog to learn more about Carole King.
This program tells the amazing story of a young, earnest songwriter whose mix of gently rocking pop, folk, and soul music touched and warmed us all.
Sports Powerhouse
Serena Williams is one of the most dominant players on the tennis court and off. As an athlete, mother, and businesswoman, her landmark career broke both records and barriers.
Silver Screen Stars
In the past century, women have fought for equal roles and equal pay in the movies. Visit this list of films and tv shows featuring strong, independent women.
Celebrating Women's History Month
View all >
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
