The Library hosts a series of programs and activities for Women’s History Month

March is Women’s History Month. During the month, Cleveland Public Library will host programs and activities to celebrate women’s contributions to history, culture, and society.

“Throughout history, women have made extraordinary contributions to their communities. Some women are well-known; others go without little-to-no recognition. During Women’s History Month, Cleveland Public Library will celebrate all women – past and present – who have made a difference in our world,” said Twyla Turner, Director of Inclusion & Leadership Education at Cleveland Public Library.

WRITERS & READERS

In honor of strong, bold, and fearless women, the Library will host a candid conversation with New York Times bestselling and award-winning author and American Ballet Theatre principal dancer Misty Copeland on Saturday, March 19 at noon via Zoom. Attendees will receive a FREE copy of Copeland’s latest book, Black Ballerinas: My Journey to Our Legacy, which pays tribute to Black Ballerinas, who have influenced her on and off the stage. Registration is now open at cpl.org/writersandreaders. Copeland’s discussion is part of the 2022 season of Writers & Readers which engages authors and public figures in conversations surrounding the books and stories that have shaped their lives.

As a tie-in to Copeland’s virtual discussion, the Martin Luther King, Jr. Branch of Cleveland Public Library will host an Afro-Fusion and Step Dance Workshop on Saturday, March 26 at noon.  The in-person class will explore African and Western dance styles, hip hop, stepping, and HBCU dance styles. No dance experience is necessary. Participants must be 16 years of age or older and wear comfortable clothing. Space is limited. Registration is required. Sign up TODAY at cpl.org/writersandreaders.

A LONG OVERDUE CONVERSATION

Overlooked. Ignored. Misunderstood. That’s how many women feel especially in the workplace. What’s blocking their shine? Cleveland Public Library delves into the topic with a thought-provoking discussion and networking event entitled OVERDUE: The Candid Conversation Women of Color Need to Have More Often on Tuesday, March 15 from 5 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. in the Louis Stokes Wing Auditorium in downtown Cleveland. Panelists include Minda Harts, speaker and New York Times best-selling author of the The Memo: What Women of Color Need to Know to Secure a Seat at the Table, along with the creators of Project Noir and Enlightened Solutions Chinenye (“ChiChi”) Nkemere and Bethany Studenic. Registration is required. Attendees will receive a copy of The Memo and the Project Noir report.

DiverseCITY CLEVELAND SERIES

In partnership with the Cleveland Rape Crisis Center, Cleveland Public Library will host a virtual community forum to address the intersection of gender, class, and victimization on Wednesday, March 23 at 6 p.m. The discussion will define the power dynamics of gender-based$ violence and empower participants with skills to stand up on behalf of others. Registration is now open at cpl.org/diverseCITY.

TRAVELING EXHIBIT

A traveling exhibit on the life and legacy of Shirley Graham Du Bois is now on display through March 31 at the Langston Hughes Branch of Cleveland Public Library. The exhibit, in partnership with the Oberlin College Libraries, was created by students and faculty in Oberlin’s History Design Lab. Du Bois was an Anisfield-Wolf award-winning author, playwright, composer, and civil rights activist.  

Select neighborhood branches will be hosting Women’s History Month crafts, games, and other activities for the entire family. Visit cpl.org/WHM for a complete list of programs.