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.
Events
Special Events at The Story Center
Special Events at The Story Center
View The Storytellers: Women Who Led Through Story by Kansas City artist Patricia Streeper. On view through May 1.
Literature & History
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.
An American Voice
An American Voice
Maya Angelou’s works about loss, pain, and the strength of the human spirit made her one of the most renowned and influential voices of our time. Visit Bloom’s Literature for more.
Mother of a Monster
Mother of a Monster
At just 21 years old, Mary Shelley wrote Frankenstein, a classic of modern literature and a work that many consider one of the first science fiction novels in history.
Women and Their Stories
Women and Their Stories
Browse videos, documentaries, and films, including Suffragettes (BBC) and In Their Own Words (PBS), featuring Angela Merkel, Princess Diana, and others.
In Her Own Words
In Her Own Words
Explore 400 years of letters and diaries by British and Irish women, including letters by Mary, Queen of Scots, and 200 years of American and Canadian women, including pioneers on the Oregon Trail.
Celebrate Women's History Month with Talents of Women in Art.
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Cassatt
Cassatt
Georgia O'Keeffe
Georgia O'Keeffe
Frida Kahlo
Frida Kahlo
Walk Through Walls
Walk Through Walls
After the Deluge
After the Deluge
Becoming Judy Chicago
Becoming Judy Chicago
The Brinkley Girls
The Brinkley Girls
Fierce Poise
Fierce Poise
Kusama
Kusama
Ninth Street Women
Ninth Street Women
A Bohemian Life
A Bohemian Life
Artemisia Gentileschi
Artemisia Gentileschi
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Science & Medicine
Programming Pioneer
Programming Pioneer
Ada Lovelace was an English mathematician and one of the world’s first computer programmers.
Dark Lady of DNA
Dark Lady of DNA
Rosalind Franklin provided critical evidence for unlocking the structure of DNA to help reveal the signature double helix we find in textbooks today.
Physics Figure
Physics Figure
A Nobel-winning physicist, Marie Curie’s work launched the study of modern physics and encouraged women to pursue careers in science. Use your Library card to search the Biography database for more.
Women and Wellness
Women and Wellness
Manage your health with access to books, magazines, programs, online resources, and more.
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.
Gender Advocate
Gender Advocate
When Ruth Bader Ginsburg was appointed to the Supreme Court in 1993, she had been shattering glass ceilings for decades. Find books and materials about her groundbreaking career and accomplishments.
Spymistress and Hero
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.
Historic Firsts
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.
A Rare Collection
A Rare Collection
The Gerritsen Collection: Read letters from Susan B. Anthony, discover biographies of the Brontë sisters, and explore the legacy of historical figures including Catherine the Great, as well as writings by ordinary women.
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.
Mavens of Music
Mavens of Music
Adele, Aretha, Dolly, Mariah, Madonna. These women have been some of the top-selling artists of all time. Use your Library card to download and stream their music and more for FREE.
Sports Powerhouse
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
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.