Women’s History Month
March is National Women's History Month, a time to pay tribute to the generations of women who changed the face of society through courage and activism.
The National Women’s History Alliance designates a yearly theme for Women’s History Month. The 2024 theme is “Women Who Advocate for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion.”
Sonoma County Library celebrates National Women’s History Month with events, displays, and resources, such as those highlighted below. Help us share in this annual tribute by celebrating and learning about the generations of women who influenced and enriched our nation and society.
Did you know that the Women’s History Month began in Sonoma County?
The National Women’s History Alliance, was founded in Sonoma County. In 1978, the Education Task Force of the Sonoma County Commission on the Status of Women initiated the first-ever “Women's History Week” celebration. The weeklong celebration included school programs, speakers, an essay contest, and a parade held in downtown Santa Rosa.
Hearing of the success of the Sonoma County program, several prominent women’s groups began lobbying for a national celebration—and in 1980, President Carter issued a Presidential Proclamation declaring the first-ever “Women's History Week” in early March of that year. In 1987, Congress declared March as National Women’s History Month in perpetuity.
Books and More!
Check out these recommended book lists our librarians have created for you:
- Adults: Fiction, Non-Fiction, Women in California & Sonoma County History
- Teens
- Children: ages 0-7, ages 8-12
Women’s Stories and Experiences in eBooks, Streaming Media, and more:
- Audiobooks (Libby) (Hoopla)
- eBooks (Libby) (ZORA Canon on Libby)
- Cinema (Hoopla) (Kanopy)
(Great Female Voices on The Shelf),
(Women on Stage on The Shelf) - Music (Freegal)
Events and Activities:
Everyone is invited to attend free library events and workshops.
* Registration required for select events.
Petaluma
Join Erica Ambrin, Kayatta, and Eki Shola as they weave a soulful tapestry of music and conversation about amplifying Black artists in Sonoma County.
Central Santa Rosa Library
Join us for a discussion, led by author Janna Barkin, featuring panelists who will share their experience and perspectives as transgender women.
In-Person Author Talk:
Jeane Slone - Historical Novels*
Healdsburg and Sonoma Valley
Caro Pierotto
Sambalismo – Brazilian Music
Guerneville, Sebastopol, and Rincon Valley
Mirelle Ortega:
Story & Art Workshop for Kids
Healdsburg, Windsor, and Cloverdale
Join author/illustrator Mirelle Ortega for a special reading of her book Magic: Once Upon a Faraway Land and a draw-along art demo.
Meet the Winning Illustrator
Raissa Figueroa
Virtual *
Meet Raissa Figueroa, illustrator of this year’s Mock Caldecott winner, Oona in the Arctic! Learn about her artistic journey and draw along with a mini-illustration demo.
Author Talk with
NPR's Nina Totenberg
Virtual *
More Special Events!
Virtual Queer Book Club:
The Call-Out by Cat Fitzpatrick
Virtual *
A fast-paced, debut tragicomedy of manners written in verse about queer (mostly trans) women that is funny, literary, philosophical, witty, sometimes bitchy and sometimes heartbreaking.
Women's History Month Class Collection - Streaming video tutorials from leading artists who share their stories, their creativity and advice on what it means to preserver. Watch, get inspired, and start making!
Call (707) 755-2050 to listen to a recording of your children’s librarians reading storybooks in both English and Spanish. This Month’s titles will include books about courageous women and more.
Games and Activities
Select branches will offer games, puzzles, coloring sheets, or other activities, including Guess Who: Wonderful Women Version and Inspirational Women Puzzle.
