Women’s History Month 2025

March 1 marks the beginning of Women’s History Month, and the library is offering several programs to commemorate the occasion. Attend a book discussion or film, explore the work of female musicians, artists, and writers, and discover history makers from Virginia and beyond. Read on to learn more about all of our upcoming Women's History Month programs.

In addition to the programs below, we invite you to explore HCPL’s Notable Henricoans database to learn about trailblazing women from Henrico County. The Virginia Women in History program created by the Library of Virginia is another great place to learn more about the impact of women from our state.

Plus, what better way is there to end Women’s History Month than with bestselling author Ruth Reichl, a prominent female voice in the culinary world who has worked as a chef, restaurant owner, and food critic for the New York and Los Angeles Times. Check out our recent interview with Ruth and hear more from her in-person at All Henrico Reads where we’ll discuss her latest book, The Paris Novel.

PROGRAMS

• The Women in Poe’s Life and Literature
  • Saturday, March 8, 2:30-3:30PM at North Park
  • Saturday, March 15, 2-3PM at Tuckahoe
  • For Adults. The most important people in Edgar Allan Poe’s life were a select group of women who loved, supported, inspired, and challenged him. While we might remember some of them as the inspirations for his most heartfelt poetry, there is much more to these remarkable women than first meets the eye. The Poe Museum will help you get to know them in this illustrated talk.

• Feel Good Films
  • Monday, March 10, 10AM – 1PM at Twin Hickory
  • For Adults. Queen of Katwe(2016, PG, 124 min.) This vibrant true story starring Lupita Nyong'o and David Oyelowo is a biopic of Ugandan chess prodigy Phiona Mutesi. Director Mira Nair traces the journey from the slums of Katwe, where Phiona is forced to abandon her schooling at age nine, to the upper echelons of the chess world after she develops an interest in the game at a youth outreach program.

• Gayton Afternoon Book Discussion
  • Monday, March 10, 1-2PM at Gayton
  • For Adults. When Irene Woodward joins the Clubmobile Corps in 1943, she joins a sisterhood of women (nicknamed "Donut Dollies") whose accomplishments and service are often overlooked in the history of World War II. Join our discussion of Good Night, Irene by Luis Alberto Urrea.

• Historically Speaking: A Tale of Two Spies
  • Thursday, March 13, 3 – 4PM at Gayton
  • For Adults. Rose O'Neal Greenhow, of Washington, D.C., and Elizabeth Van Lew, of Richmond, each used their position in society to conduct clandestine activities behind enemy lines during the American Civil War. Historian Lisa Denton will present a comparative biography exploring the successes and failures of their wartime activities and examine how their espionage activities impacted their personal lives. This program is held in partnership with Henrico County Recreation & Parks, History Division.

• Women Writers of Virginia
  • Saturday, March 15, 2-3PM at Libbie Mill
  • For Adults and Teens. A Pulitzer Prize winner, the first woman to top the bestseller lists in the twentieth century, and an important figure in the Harlem Renaissance. Historian, Gallaudet University English professor, and author of Women Writers Buried in Virginia, Sharon Pajka, will explore the lives and work of these writers and others who have lived, died, and been buried in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Books will be available for purchase and signing. Sponsored by the Friends of HCPL.

• Teen Art Studio: Inspirational Women Artists
  • Tuesday, March 18, 6-8PM at Varina
  • For Teens and Tweens. For this Teen Art Studio edition and in honor of Women’s History Month, join us for a creative exploration of the impact and achievements of women artists throughout history. From Frida Kahlo’s bold self-expression to Georgia O’Keeffe’s stunning landscapes and Kara Walker's historic storytelling through bold silhouettes, this program will explore the lives and works of trailblazing figures who transformed the art world. Teens will create their own artwork inspired by these visionary artists, using a variety of techniques and mediums. Whether it’s painting, drawing, or mixed media, this is your chance to express your creativity while celebrating the contributions of women who’ve shaped our world. All skill levels are welcome, and materials will be provided.

• Berthe Morisot and the Impressionist Image of Women
  • Wednesday, March 19, 3-4PM at Tuckahoe
  • For Adults and Teens. In this featured All Henrico Reads and Women’s History Month event, Jeffrey Allison from the VMFA will highlight the extraordinary talents of Berthe Morisot who carved a career for herself out of the male-dominated world of 19th century Paris. She was one of only a few women who exhibited with both the Paris Salon and the highly influential and innovative Impressionists. Through Morisot's depictions of the world of the French bourgeoisie, modern viewers will experience the daily lives of the rising middle class in 19th century Paris. This program is supported in part by the Paul Mellon Endowment and the Jean Stafford Camp Memorial Fund. Sponsored by the Friends of Henrico County Public Library.

• Gift a Playlist
  • Wednesday, March 19, 6:30-8PM at Fairfield
  • For Teens. Highlight your favorite women musicians by making a QR code playlist. As a throwback to gifting mixtapes, we’ll design cassette-tape-inspired cards to attach your QR codes to using Canva so you, your friends, and loved ones can celebrate women’s voices.

• Small Business Administration: Women-Owned Small Business Federal Contract Program
  • Wednesday, March 26, 12-1PM at Fairfield
  • For Adults. Learn what you need to apply to the Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB) program and resources on how to assist you to complete the application. If you are looking at a first step into government contracting, you will want to attend this very informative session. Presented by the Small Business Administration.