For 2026, the National Women’s History Alliance (NWHA) proudly presents the theme: “Leading the Change: Women Shaping a Sustainable Future.” This theme honors the women who have and are reimagining and rebuilding systems to ensure long-term sustainability - environmental, economic, educational and societal. It recognizes the powerful leadership of women in creating a future that is rooted in equity, justice and opportunity for all. From environmental advocacy to financial reform, from community organizing to policy innovation, women are at the forefront of driving holistic change.
Their leadership is not only addressing today’s most urgent challenges - it is laying the foundation for a more resilient and inclusive tomorrow.
For more information and to register for programs, visit the events calendar @ slpl.org. All programs are subject to change to a virtual format.
WEAVING WOMEN’S HISTORY
March 3 / 3:30 p.m. / Walnut Park Library
Discover the connection between weaving and computers through the life of Ada Lovelace. Kids can craft at three different stations and make a woven bookmark or potholder. Kids
LEADING THE CHANGE: WOMEN SHAPING A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE
March 3 / 6 p.m. / Buder Library
Join us for an engaging Women’s History Month panel discussion exploring current issues and celebrating women driving positive change in our community. Panelists will share their experiences, insights and strategies for creating a more sustainable future. Attendees will also have the opportunity to ask questions. Adults
PANELISTS: Maggie Farrell, Moderator Emily Stoinski, Community Education Coordinator, Safe Connections Lauren Lauer, Volunteer & Community Engagement Coordinator, Rung for Women Beth Barton, Co-Founder, Missouri Women In Trades Kristy Bourgeois, Board President, Women’s Foundation of Greater St. Louis
ROOTED IN CHANGE: WOMEN, SUSTAINABILITY & THE FUTURE OF FARMING
March 7 / 1 p.m. / Walnut Park Library
Join us for an inspiring conversation with Maddie Earnest, local author, co-owner of Local Harvest Grocery and passionate advocate for sustainable agriculture. Maddie will explore the evolving landscape of agriculture, provide examples of sustainable and resilient food systems and how women play a critical role now and in the future. Registration required. Adults
WHAT’S THE TEA? KIDS BOOK CLUB
March 10 / 4:30 p.m. / Carpenter Library
Sip tea and sprawl on the cushions during a reading from your next favorite book. During each themed meeting, you’ll have a chance to share books of your own and play some games–and learn something about the world we live in too! See if you can collect all the exclusive badges by coming to every meeting! For Women’s History Month, we’ll read from “Tear This Down” by Barbara Dee, and grapple with memorials to problematic figures. Kids
FROM GARDEN TO TABLE:TOMATO HISTORY PRESENTATION:MARIANNA’S PEACE
March 14 / 1 p.m. / Central Library
Join SLPL for a special presentation on the history of the heirloom tomato seeds we will be growing as part of our Garden to Table program! We will be planting Marianna’s Peace tomato seeds, while learning about the amazing story of this tomato variety and the woman who saved it. Registration required. Adults
TEA & ROBOTS BOOK CLUB
March 16 / 6 p.m. / Divoll Library
Have an appetite for science fiction but don’t have time to delve into another space opera? Join us every third Monday of the month to discuss the novellas and short story collections of award-winning sci-fi authors. For Women’s History Month, participants will read the Hugo and Nebula Award-winning novella “Binti” by author
Nnedi Okorafor, the first book in a series following the adventures of the eponymous heroine. Registration required. Adults
TEEN ART CLUB: ABSTRACT COLLAGE
March 17 / 4 p.m. / Carpenter Library
In this special edition, we’ll be looking at the work of painter Gillian Ayres and attempting to recreate her style through a medium she never used – craft foam! We’ll discuss abstraction and form, learn about other artists and make our own masterpieces. Teens
BEHIND THE NEEDLE: THE WOMEN SHAPING THE TATTOO INDUSTRY
March 18 / 6 p.m. / The Heavy Anchor, 5226 Gravois
Join us for a panel discussion of the intersection of women and the tattoo industry. Moderated by veteran tattoo artist + professional storyteller Fox Smith, the panel will feature: Chelsea Holloway, Alchemy Tattoo Collective Jessie Langs, Dead Sure Studio Emma Holmes, Allstar Tattoo Hailey Alara, Glitter & Spice Tattoo Studio Participation is restricted to adults aged 21+. A physical ID will be required. No purchase necessary for participation. A special thank you to The Heavy Anchor for hosting a Buder’s Women’s History Month program two years in a row.
YOUTH READATHON
March 19 / 2 p.m. / Central Library, Chapter Book Room
From Sandra Boynton to Angie Thomas, celebrate your favorite authors with a cozy read-in! Whether you prefer reading on your own or with others, all are welcome!
Kids, Families
EMPOWERED, BRILLIANT & BRAVE: GREAT WOMEN OF BLACK HISTORY
March 19 / 6:30 p.m. / Central Library Auditorium
Learn about some of Black History’s most inspiring female figures in this special show that highlights some of the world’s most amazing women. Crunch some hidden figures with Dorothy Vaughan. Follow along the Underground Railroad with Harriet Tubman. Celebrate the Jazz Age with Ella Fitzgerald. Plus incredible groundbreakers
like Michelle Obama, Sojourner Truth, Serena Williams and many, many more amazing women from Black History! Registration required. All Ages
WHAT DID YOU DO IN THE WAR, GRANNY?
Presented by Annette Burke Lyttle
March 21 / 10 a.m. / Online or Central Library’s Genealogy Room
Thousands of women served in and with the military in the Great War, and over 150,000 women served in the Army in World War II. Women’s military service in both wars helped change expectations and perceptions about women’s role outside the home, as they performed essential jobs and served in dangerous locations. Learn about their pioneering wartime service and how to find records for the women in your family who served. Registration required. Adults
This is a virtual program and local attendees are invited to join us in the Genealogy Room to watch the presentation on a projection screen.
WOMEN & THE PLANET: CRAFTING UPCYCLED TOTE BAGS
March 21 / 11 a.m. / Barr Library
Join our tote bag-making workshop where we’ll use recycled and upcycled materials to craft unique, ecofriendly bags. We’ll provide all the materials you need, but feel free to bring your own fabric or items to add a personal flair. It’s a fun, hands-on way to honor women’s contributions to art and fashion and support the planet.
Plus, you’ll leave with a stylish, reusable tote perfect for everyday use! Registration required. Teens/Adults
HISTORY OF THE WELDON SPRING SITE: ENVIRONMENTAL AWARENESS FOR THE FUTURE
March 21 / 1 p.m. / Walnut Park Library
Environmental awareness, past and present, creates a strong foundation for our environmental future. The Weldon Spring Site, operated by the U.S. Department of Energy Office of Legacy Management, has played a vital role in the history of our nation and the St. Charles region for several decades. Now you can learn more about the site’s unique history, the impact of women and world events on the site, and the work being done at the Weldon Spring Site and its interpretive center.
Registration required. Adults
WOMEN IN AGRICULTURE WITH EARTHDANCE
March 21 / 1 p.m. / Schlafly Library
Join EarthDance Organic Farm School to celebrate women in history that made invaluable contributions to agriculture and sustainability. Learn about their contributions to food production, preservation, processing, storing and much more through an engaging presentation and family friendly activities. Take home your very own starter kit to get your spring garden started. Kids
INK & IMPACT: CELEBRATING WOMEN IN HISTORY THROUGH PRINTMAKING
March 21 / 2 p.m. / Schlafly Library
Join designer and illustrator Natashna Anderson (known creatively as natashNa A.) for this 90-minute printmaking workshop in celebration of Women’s History Month.
You’ll design, carve and print your own stamp featuring an inspiring woman from history—or one who inspires you. Natashna will guide you step-by-step, from sketching your figure to carving your stamp and transferring it to paper. Learn a new artistic skill while honoring women who
helped shape the world. Natashna Anderson is an interdisciplinary designer and illustrator based in St. Louis. Her work focuses on known and unknown narratives within blackness, typography and fairytales. Follow her on Instagram at @natash.naa. Registration required. Adults Teens
WOMEN’S CAREER FAIR
March 28 / 10 a.m. / Buder Library
Celebrate Women’s History Month with this special career fair about women at work. Early Childhood, Kids, Teens, Families
CREATIVITY & COURAGE: CELEBRATING WOMEN IN HISTORY THROUGH STICKERS
March 28 / 2 p.m. / Central Library
Join us as we celebrate Women’s History Month with hand-drawn stickers! Local artist Natashna Anderson will guide participants through the creative process of drawing, coloring and cutting out stickers based on major figures in women’s history. Registration required. Adults