In celebration of Women’s History Month, what better way to honor the contributions and achievements of our sheroes than by visiting Alameda County Library! Whether you visit us in one of our Community Libraries, at our Mobile Library stops, or virtually through our eLibrary, you can learn about the inspiring women from today or yesteryear that positively shaped the world through bold vision, perseverance, and kindness. Attend events celebrating the contributions of women, like the screening of My Love Affair with the Brain, the award-winning documentary about Dr. Marian Diamond, one of the founders of modern neuroscience, or a Book Talk w/ Dr. Danielle Terrazas Williams, author of The Capital of Free Women: Race, Legitimacy, and Liberty in Colonial Mexico.
From books to audiobooks and eResources, the Library offers a wealth of resources to learn about trailblazers from various cultural backgrounds, religions, ages, and abilities. Read about your favorite shero – or discover someone new! Chances are, you will feel inspired, whether that be in your personal life or on a global level to take on change – empowered women empower women.
Fun fact: did you know Women’s History Month started here in the Bay Area? The first celebration was led in 1980 by the Education Task Force of Sonoma County in Santa Rosa to celebrate women's contributions to various fields throughout American history. In 1980, a consortium of women’s groups and historians lobbied for recognition on a national level and weeks later, then-President Jimmy Carter issued the first Presidential Proclamation declaring the week of March 8, 1980, as National Women’s History Week. In 1987, Congress passed Public Law 100-9, designating the month of March as Women's History Month in the United States.
Women’s History Month is more than just a month – thanks to our sheroes, their leadership and resiliency continue to pave the way towards a life of justice, inclusion, and equity for all. And I also cannot express my gratitude without recognizing the dedicated and pioneering women who work each day to make Alameda County Library a welcoming space where authenticity and creativity are possible.
Next time you visit the Library, which woman trailblazer do you plan to read in their honor? Take a look at our book list in honor of Women’s History Month for a compilation of books of women who ground us, inspire us, and empower us.
Essential Reads of books by and about women who ground us, inspire us, and give us courage.
