In 2024, Women's History Month celebrates "Women Who Advocate for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion." The theme recognizes women throughout the country who understand that, for a positive future, we need to eliminate bias and discrimination from our lives and institutions. By actively highlighting women's experiences and achievements in historical narratives, we ensure that their stories are remembered and celebrated. This collection of books showcases how women have courageously challenged societal norms, delved into intricate topics and provided a platform for unheard perspectives.
Click here to take a look at the booklist.
You can also click here to look at more reading recommendations on cloudLibrary.
Programs and Events
Sunday Musicale: Klesis Chamber Ensemble
Sunday, March 3, 2-3 p.m. / Hendrickson Room / Register
Join us for an afternoon with Klesis Chamber Ensemble, an eccentric chamber music group with a unique blend of violin, cello, piano and flute. Together, they deliver a distinct sound that interweaves each musician's style. They will perform a special program entitled "Harmony of Spring: Celebrating Women Musicians." Sponsored by the Friends of the Library.
ESL: International Women's Day Celebration
Friday, March 8, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. / Cardinal Room / Register
Join other adult learners for an inspiring community conversation in celebration of International Women's Day. This program is designed for adult English language learners, and everyone is welcome to participate and celebrate.
Mix & Mingle: A Celebration of Arlington Heights Women
Friday, March 15, 7-9 p.m. / Makerplace, 112 N. Belmont Ave. / Register
Women are a key part of the Arlington Heights community. All are welcome to join us for this social event in honor of Women's History Month. Network and mingle with the women making things happen and shaking things up across and beyond our village. Leaders from women-led Arlington Heights businesses and organizations will be in attendance including Representative Mary Beth Canty, TEDxArlington Heights Founder and Head Curator Donna Marie Post, and staff from Connections to Care, FamilyForward, Northwest Center Against Sexual Assault (NWCASA), and Good Neighbors Network. Enjoy refreshments, including appetizers from Scratchboard Kitchen’s Executive Chef Grace Goudie and desserts from Sweet T’s Bakery.
Ruth E: Carter: Interweaving Tradition and Imagination through Costume Design
Wednesday, March 20, 7-8 p.m. / Zoom / Register
Two-time Academy Award-winning costume designer Ruth E. Carter will be joined in conversation with Aisha Harris, co-host of NPR's Pop Culture Happy Hour and author of Wannabe. Carter made history as the first Black person to win the Academy Award for Best Costume Design, winning an Academy Award for her work on Black Panther. She received a second Academy Award for Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. Carter is known for her work ranging from Spike Lee's films to period ensemble films such as Lee Daniels' The Butler, Selma and Marshall. This event is made possible by Illinois Libraries Present.
Book Discussion: A Fever in the Heartland: The Ku Klux Klan's Plot to Take Over America, and the Woman Who Stopped Them by Timothy Egan
Wednesday, March 20, 7-8 p.m. / Eddie's Restaurant, 10 E. Northwest Hwy. / Register
This historical thriller tells the riveting story of the Klan's rise to power in the 1920s, the cunning con man who drove that rise and the woman who stopped them. This page-turner is a harrowing look at a forgotten chapter of American history.
Leslie Goddard as Lady Bird Johnson
Monday, March 25, 7-8 p.m. / Hendrickson Room / Register
It is 1969 and Lady Bird Johnson has just returned to Texas at the end of her husband's presidency. As she welcomes visitors to her home, she reminisces about her years in Washington, the life-changing experiences that brought her to the White House and how she forged her own path as first lady as an advocate for the environment, civil rights and her husband. In this humorous and insightful historical portrayal, actress and historian Leslie Goddard brings Lady Bird to life. Presented in partnership with Arlington Heights Garden Club.