In 1987, Congress declared March National Women’s History Month. The time is set aside to shine light on contributions and accomplishments, to uncover untold stories, and to learn how perseverance, strength, and persistence prevailed in the face of discrimination. In spite of centuries of obstacles women have made a profound impact on history and continue to shape contemporary society.
These books, videos, and online resources provide an engaging look back at the women who have come before, women today, and a hopeful look forward to the possibilities of the female changemakers and leaders to come.
This year's Women's History Month theme from the National Women's History Alliance (NWHA) is "Celebrating Women Who Tell Our Stories."
"Throughout 2023, the NWHA will encourage recognition of women, past and present, who have been active in all forms of media and storytelling including print, radio, TV, stage, screen, blogs, podcasts, and more. The timely theme honors women in every community who have devoted their lives and talents to producing art, pursuing truth, and reflecting the human condition decade after decade."
This is an outstanding theme for The Library. If you want to read women telling their stories, we can help!
Recommendations from IndyPL Staff
The staff at IndyPL create booklists all year to help readers find just the right book from female entrepreneurs to politicians to information about women's heart health.
Celebrating Black Women
Black women have shaped politics, culture, art, and business over the course of American history. Browse this list of biographies and documentaries that celebrate Black women from civil rights leaders, and businesswomen to politicians, artists, entertainers and more.
Great Women Horror Writers
Horror writing is traditionally associated with men, but women have written frightening novels and stories.
Women Who Rock
Women make up less than 8% of the people inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, but women have contributed just as much to the rock and roll industry as their male counterparts. For instance, the Go-Go's were one of the first and most prominent success stories to come out of the LA punk scene of the 1970s despite most record labels rejecting them under the guise that women musicians do not sell records.
e-Books & Streaming
Several of our e-book and streaming platforms have collections specifically about women.
- OverDrive e-Book & Audiobook Collection: Women's Studies
- Hoopla Movie Category: Directed by Women
- Kanopy: Women's History Month
You can download e-books or audiobooks, stream films, documentaries, and television shows free with your IndyPL library card. Detailed information about each of our services is available on our download and stream page. If you have never used our streaming services before, directions are available:
- OverDrive app directions, browser directions, or video tutorial
- Kanopy directions and a video tutorial
- Hoopla directions and a video tutorial
Need more help? Ask a Library staff member at any of our locations or call, text or email Ask-a-Librarian.
Websites & Online Portals
If you only have a minute or if you have the whole month, you can read, watch, or listen to fascinating stories about American women online.
Indiana Women and Literature
This year’s Women’s History Month them is "Celebrating Women Who Tell Our Stories." The Encyclopedia of Indianapolis is featuring Early Indianapolis women who contributed to literature including:
- Sarah T. Bolton, poet and women's rights advocate
- Charity Dye, educator and author
- Mari Evans, poet and activist
- Janet Tyler Flanner (Genêt), Foreign correspondent and essayist
Learn more about the women that have made history in the Encyclopedia of Indianapolis!
#KnowHerStory
These quick looks at history are perfect for learning about some exceptional women in a small amount of time. #KnowHerStory is hosted by The National Women's History Museum.
Because Of Her Story
This is an online collection from the Smithsonian that includes stories and objects from women who have shaped America. Explore the online collection of artifacts and then read the stories about why the objects are significant.
Girlhood (It’s complicated)
This website is a unique look at women's history from the perspective of young girls from The National Museum of American History. It explores the concept of girlhood and how girls have changed history.
Celebrating Women's History Month
The National Poetry Foundation provides this opportunity to read poems that explore women’s history and women’s rights by several female writing icons.