March is National Women’s History Month and March 8 is International Women’s Day. Bellingham Public Library offers a wide-ranging assortment of materials, including books, music and film, to bring women’s life stories to light. Specific recommendations from Library staff for adults, teens and children encourage everyone to celebrate and learn about women’s achievements and challenges past and present. Also see below for a list of local special events celebrating women.
International Women’s Day
Women’s History Nonfiction for Adults
Women are trailblazers, visionaries, mothers, doctors, politicians, activists, artists, sports figures, and much more. Their stories reflect the challenges they’ve faced throughout history, as well as their achievements and contributions.
To start your reading adventure, take a look at this recently updated list of staff recommended books on Women’s History. Then use the library catalog’s “advance search” feature to narrow down your specific needs, and to also find e-books, e-audiobooks, and audiobook CDs.
Library Staff Recommend:
Red Paint: The Ancestral Autobiography of a Coast Salish Punk by Sasha taqʷšəblu LaPointe
“Red Paint is our 2024 Whatcom READS title. This memoir by Sasha taqʷšəblu LaPointe is one woman’s deeply personal story of connecting to her Indigenous Coast Salish female ancestry and acknowledging the intergenerational trauma of colonization and displacement, as well as overcoming personal trauma with indigenous knowledge and connection to the punk ethos to reclaim our truths. We invite the community to join us in conversation with the author in a special event at Mount Baker Theatre on March 15 at 7pm.”
– Rebecca, Library Director
Where the Language Lives: Vi Hilbert and the Gift of Lushootseed by Janet Yoder
“This beautiful book honors revered Skagit tribal elder Vi Hilbert and Hilbert’s lifework to revitalize Lushootseed, the language of the Coast Salish peoples. Yoder chronicles the legacy of Vi Hilbert from the perspective of a student, friend, and mentee and includes stories, interviews, and photos of her life. Learn more about Vi Hilbert and the Lushootseed language by hearing from Janet Yoder herself at the Everson Library on March 2 as part of Whatcom READS. Did you know that Vi Hilbert is the great-grandmother of Sasha taqʷšəblu LaPointe, author of Red Paint: The Ancestral Autobiography of a Coast Salish Punk?
– Miranda, Library Events Coordinator
I Sing the Salmon Home edited by Rena Priest, local author and former WA State Poet Laureate
“Enjoy sampling Pacific Northwest themed writing from poets both young and old.”
– Suzanne, Adult Services Librarian
“Once upon a time (in the 16th century), a girl from Ukraine was captured by slavers and sold to the household of the Turkish sultan – a commonplace story. What happened after that was almost unbelievable.”
– Karen, Public Services Clerk
Amazons, Abolitionists, and Activists by Mikki Kendall and A. D’Amico
“Zip through history with a group of young women as they learn about the hard-won rights their predecessors fought for and their contemporaries continue to struggle toward. Beautifully illustrated and easy to read, what this book lacks in depth, it makes up for in breadth and inspiration. ‘What will YOU do: donate, volunteer, campaign? YOU have to create the future you want to see.’“
– Katrina, Head of Public Services
Women’s History Fiction for Adults
Library Staff Recommend:
The Refrigerator Monologues by Catherynne Valente
“If you’ve ever found yourself utterly incensed by the treatment of women in comic books and superhero movies, this is the book for you.”
– Lorena, Library Assistant
“This riveting body horror/coming-of-age mashup follows the internal life of competitive young swimmer Ren Yu as she navigates the pressures of the sport and yearns for a fantastical mermaid form that will bring her closer to the water.”
– Miles, Public Services Clerk
A History of What Comes Next by Sylvain Neuvel
“An alternate history and fantasy novel about the role one woman and her 98 ancestors had in shaping world events, and the progress of science, toward their desired end. Neuvel portrays the bravery and vulnerability of these brilliant and fierce women as they fight against tyranny, discover the perils of love, and try to understand their place in the world. Mostly set in WWII Germany and the Cold War Soviet Union, but reaching far back and even further away, this book will take you on a journey and leave you wondering what comes next? Luckily, there are two more books in the series!”
“This lovely retelling of Circe’s story rips history and myth out of the hands of traditional male writers and gives them new roots in a fertile imagination. Madeline Miller portraits a rebellious yet vulnerable goddess who refuses to follow the follies of her fellow gods. She learns to embrace her connection to nature, her power, and her flaws, and ultimately decides her own fate.”
Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus
“Garmus has synthesized a composition that precipitates a mixture of reactions. She had me combusting with laughter, fuming with anger, and bubbling with hope. Her main character, Elizabeth Zot, has a solution-based, no-nonsense approach to life and refuses to compromise her pragmatic idealism, despite the explosive reactions she receives. This book is an inspiring ode to a not-so-distant past and makes me appreciate all the women who have struggled to get us to where we are today.”
– Katrina, Head of Public Services
Women’s History Books for Teens
Teen books are, of course, geared toward the 13-18 year old audience, but are frequently enjoyed by readers of all ages. We encourage you to take a look at this great list of titles and staff recommendations whether you’re a teen or an adult.
Library Staff Recommend:
Blood Water Paint by Joy McCullough
“This fictionalized account of the life of Renaissance painter Artemisia Gentileschi combines the true details of the artist’s young life, including her assault by a painting tutor and the atrocities she was subjected to by the church, with biblical accounts of various women in the Old Testament, drawing on their stories of strength to get through her own trials. It is a vivid account of a strong woman who overcame giant obstacles to become one of the most celebrated painters of her time.”
Audiobook on CD
– Jennifer, Teen Services Librarian
Brazen: Rebel Ladies Who Rocked the World by Pénélope Bagieu
“This fantastic graphic novel includes profiles of some of the boldest and bravest women in history. This book includes plenty of women you’ve probably heard about, like Hedy Lamarr, Mae Jemison, and Josephine Baker—as well women you may not have read about before, like actress and activist Christine Jorgensen, Apache warrior and prophet Loxen, and Queen Nzinga of Ndongo and Matamba.”
Recommended for ages 12 and up
– Miles, Public Services Clerk
Brooms by Jasmine Walls and Teo Duvall
“Brooms imagines an alternate 1930s Mississippi where marginalized witches and magic practitioners participate in illegal broom races and chase a more just, equitable future. This graphic novel is a fascinating fantasy world, reflection of real historical injustices, and a tribute to historical underground queer and BIPOC communities.”
Teen Graphic Novel. Recommended for ages 14 and up
– Miles, Public Services Clerk
A Study in Drowning by Ava Reid
“A dark, gothic horror-romance dealing with themes of sexism, trauma, narrative control, and women stepping out of the shadows and into their power. Well written and lush!”
Recommended for ages 17 and up
– Rosalie, Public Services Clerk
Women’s History Books for Children
Enjoy stories featuring strong, smart, courageous and mighty girls.
Mighty Girls! List for Children
Library Staff Recommend:
The Girl Who Built an Ocean by Jess Keating
“With gorgeous illustrations and bright colors, this is a wonderful introduction to the life and science of Jeanne Villepreux-Power and the invention of the modern aquarium!”
Children’s Nonfiction. Recommended for ages 4 – 8 years
– Rosalie, Public Services Clerk
Rachel Carson by Birdie Willis
“This is a beautiful tribute to the courageous environmental activism of Rachel Carson. Inspirational and moving, I could not put this book down until I had finished it!”
Children’s Graphic Novel. Recommended for ages 6 and up.
– Siena, Public Services Clerk
The Important Thing About Margaret Wise Brown by Mac Barnett
“This short and sweet biography (great for introducing the genre to kids!) covers the full and fascinating life of radical Goodnight Moon author Margaret Wise Brown.”
Children’s Nonfiction. Recommended for ages 6 and up.
– Miles, Public Services Clerk
Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls by Elena Favilli and Francesca Cavallo
“A brief review of 100 famous and infamous girls and women from around the world who questioned the roles they were expected to play and pushed back. The tales of how these girls were inspired to find their voice, overcome their fears, and honed their skills to become rebels (with a cause) may just help you, and the girls in your life, to dream your own big dreams!”
Children’s Nonfiction. Recommended for all ages
– Katrina, Head of Public Services
“Did you know the space shuttle is covered in blankets? Each heat-protective panel was hand-crafted by NASA’s team of 18 seamstresses! I was absolutely delighted to learn about all the sewing that goes into space travel!”
Children’s Nonfiction. Recommended for all ages.
– Lorena, Library Assistant
“The legacy of the Radium Girls can’t be understated. Their case was among the first in which a company was held responsible for the health and safety of its employees, and it led to a variety of government reforms.”
Children’s Nonfiction. Recommend for ages 8 and up
– Mandee, Children’s Specialist
Finish the Fight! by Veronica Chambers
“A beautifully illustrated and comprehensive overview of the long road to women’s suffrage, including a lot of really awesome women you probably haven’t heard of yet.”
Children’s Nonfiction. Recommended for middle grades and up.
– Lorena, Library Assistant
Women’s History Films and Documentaries
Browse the Library shelves or search the online catalog to find films and documentaries featuring the lives of women and their stories.
To find eFilms and eDocumentaries, use your library card to sign up with Kanopy, the Library’s source for free online videos. Access them on your computer, mobile device or TV.
Historically, the contributions of women have often been underrepresented. As part of Women’s History Month, Kanopy has curated a collection of films that feature female innovators, pioneers, and trailblazers. To explore these titles, visit Kanopy #WomensHistoryMonth
Library Staff Recommend..
Persepolis directed by Vincent Paronnaud (Winshluss), Marjane Satrapi
“Growing up is hard. Marji is sent to live with relatives in a foreign country when her life in 1970s Iran is disrupted by revolution and radicalism. This is a vibrant, rebellious look at the trials of youth and identity in a constantly changing world.” Adult DVD. Recommended for ages 13 and up.
– Siena, Public Services Clerk
Spotlight on Women in Music: featuring Classical Women Composers Collection
Bellingham Public Library is home to a Classical Women Composers collection, as well as great music and books by or about female musicians. Whether you love classical, country, hip hop or punk rock, we’ve got something for you.
Classical Women Composers List
Purchased with a generous donation from library patron Catherine Rae Sheldon, so that others may discover and enjoy the many overlooked works by women composers of classical music, this special music collection is definitely one to enjoy during Women’s History Month and all year long.
Read more about female composers and the Classical Women Composers collection here.
Women in Music Playlist on Freegal
Use your library card to access Freegal and stream music for free anytime. BPL’s Women in Music playlist is full of great songs by incredible female artists throughout the years. Click the link above to give it a listen.
Book Club Kits with a Focus on Women’s History
Do you participate in a local book group? The Bellingham Public Library has 190 book club kits for your group to choose from, including memoirs and biographies featuring girls and women throughout history as well as fictional stories. A book club kit contains 10 copies of the same title, and a reading guide that contains information about the book, the author, and questions for your group to discuss. Visit KitKeeper to browse the list of kit titles and make a reservation using your Bellingham Public Library or Whatcom County Library card!
Local Women in Action
League of Women Voters of Bellingham/Whatcom County
BellingHistory with the Good Time Girls
Links for More Information
National Women’s History Museum
National Archives – Women’s History Month
National Women’s History Alliance
History Channel – Women’s History Month