March is Women’s History Month!
Beginning as an unofficial week-long holiday in 1978 that coincided with International Women’s Day, celebrated each year on March 8th, National Women’s History Week became an official holiday in 1980 when President Jimmy Carter issued a Presidential Proclamation.
“From the first settlers who came to our shores, from the first American Indian families who befriended them, men and women have worked together to build this nation. Too often the women were unsung and sometimes their contributions went unnoticed. But the achievements, leadership, courage, strength and love of the women who built America was as vital as that of the men whose names we know so well”.
President Jimmy Carter
In 1987, Congress designated March as Women’s History Month. Each March, the extensive contributions of women are highlighted and celebrated throughout the United States, Australia, the United Kingdom, and Germany.
A new theme is announced each year, and schools, libraries, museums, and many other advocacy organizations create programs and educational materials around that theme. The 2026 Women’s History Month theme is: “Leading the Change: Women Shaping a Sustainable Future”.
To celebrate this year’s Women’s History Month, here are a few female authors and artists you might not know:
Robin Wall Kimmerer is a Potawatomi author and botanist who writes about environmentalism and how people can take small steps to protect and preserve the Earth for future generations.
Marley Dias is a young activist who started a literacy campaign at age 11 called #1000BlackGirlBooks to highlight children’s books with Black female main characters. Marley is 21 today and continues to raise awareness for reading and representation.
Jordan Casteel is a painter who creates artwork about the people in her community to highlight the individual contributions and uniqueness of those who are often overlooked in society. She also has lupus and raises awareness for those dealing with autoimmune disorders.
Nathalie Miebach is a visual artist who uses scientific data to make playful and interactive artwork that raises awareness about the weather, oceans, and ecology. Some of her sculptures also incorporate musical elements. This Women’s History Month, celebrate the women in your life and learn about many of the important and amazing contributions women have made throughout history and continue to make every day!
For more resources, check out the Women’s History Month book display in the Teen Lounge and ask the DKPL librarians for book recommendations. You can find books by these and other authors in the Teen Lounge. You can use your free DKPL library card to check out physical copies of books at DKPL. Many books can also be downloaded to your phone, tablet, or computer as e-books or audiobooks. Stop by the Teen Room with any questions or contact the Teen Services Staff at (815) 756-9568 ext. 2450 or by email at [email protected].