Celebrating Women Who Tell Our Stories

Celebrate women’s history at the Crawfordsville District Public Library. We have a vast collection of reading materials about women. We strive to document our local women in our Genealogy and Local History department and work diligently to provide a vast array of materials about national and international superstars.

The celebration of women’s history began in 1911 with the first International Women’s Day, but was nearly forgotten until the feminist movements of the 1960s. It was given attention again when activist Laura X organized a march on International Women’s Day on March 8, 1969, in Berkeley California. Over a decade later, former president Jimmy Carter issued a presidential proclamation declaring the second week of March to be recognized as Women’s History Week. In 1987, the National Women’s History Alliance (NWHA) led the way by successfully lobbying Congress to recognize that women’s history was important enough to be acknowledged. The first official Women’s History Month celebrated the “Generations of Courage, Compassion, and Conviction” and this tradition has continued because it has been adopted by libraries and schools across the nation. Knowledge is power.

Meet fifty “Women Who Changed the World” (DVD 920 Wom) and hear how they conquered obstacles to bring change to their lives. Step into the shoes of the late Associate Justice of the Supreme Court Ruth Bader Ginsburg in her book “My Own Words” (921 Ginsburg, R.), or watch her discuss her journey in “Ruth: Justice Ginsburg in her own Words” (DVD 921 Ginsburg, R.). Unearth the story of one of the greatest women in American sports in “All In: An Autobiography” (LP 921 KING, B.) by Billie Jean King.

Examine the innovations and discoveries of the leading ladies of science. Begin with Rachel Swaby’s anthology “Headstrong: 52 Women Who Changed Science and the World” (920 Swa) as she presents fundamental female visionaries in science, technology, engineering, and math. Plunge into the heart and soul of Marie Curie’s life in “Radioactive: Marie & Pierre Curie, A Tale of Love & Fallout” (540.92 Red) by Lauren Redniss. Reach for the stars with “Rocket Girl: The Story of Mary Sherman Morgan, America’s First Female Rocket Scientist” (921 Morgan, M.) by George D. Morgan.

If you love the glamour of the red carpet, pick up “A Passion for Life: The Biography of Elizabeth Taylor” (LP 921 Taylor, E.) by Donald Spoto. Dive into the mind of the most devoted fans in Jackie Huba’s “Monster Loyalty: How Lady Gaga Turns Followers into Fanatics” (658.8 Hub). If you are “Crazy for Madonna” (DVD 921 Madonna), sit back and enjoy the show.

For the visual learner, we have an interesting collection of Non-Fiction Graphic Novels and extensively illustrated books. Learn about the hidden realities of doctor “Mendel’s Daughter” (GN 940.53 Lem) by Gusta Lemelman. Check out “Brazen: Rebel Ladies Who Rocked the World” (GN 920.72 Bag) by Pénélope Bagieu, who uses a twist of humor to tell uncommon true stories. Expand your creative mind and find inspiration in the full-colored book “Women Artists: An Illustrated History” (759 Hel) by Nancy Heller.

Stop by the Reference Desk on the 2nd floor for assistance with finding these books or others. Take a moment to appreciate our extensive collection of historic reading materials. If you are interested in acquiring a CDPL library card, searching our catalog in advance, or learning about our genealogical research options, please visit our website at www.cdpl.lib.in.us or call us at 765-362-2242. CDPL is open Monday-Thursday 9a-9p, Friday-Saturday 9a-5p, and Sunday 1-5p.