Join Chicago Public Library as we celebrate Women's History Month. Throughout the month of March, CPL will offer empowering events to highlight the contributions of women through literacy, education, and performing arts.
Events
See event highlights below and view all Women's History Month events.
Featured
Simone Biles presented by Mudlark Theater and You
4-5 p.m. on Thursday, March 6th at Rogers Park
6:30-7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, March 11at Edgewater
4:30-5:30 p.m. on Thursday, March 13 at Northtown
Channel your inner actor and bring history to life as we honor extraordinary women who have shaped our world! Mudlark Theater and Chicago Public Library partner to combine the magic of storytelling with the thrill of theater to celebrate Women's History Month. Discover the inspiring achievements of trailblazing women through fun, creative theater games and activities.
This session focuses on the incredible accomplishments of Simone Biles, a groundbreaking gymnast whose resilience, determination and excellence have made her a global icon. No prior performance or theater experience necessary! Snack provided.
For kids 6 to 13.
Musical Story and Instrument Petting Zoo with Musette Strings
3-4 p.m. on Saturday, March 8th at Bezazian
Come celebrate women’s achievements in music with a string quartet from Musette Strings music school. The quartet will accompany a reading of Because by Mo Willems, an inspiring story of a young girl discovering her passion for music. The musicians will also perform works by renowned women composers and talk about the stories behind their works. After the performance, children will have the opportunity to touch and strum string instruments.
For kids 3 and up.
Trailblazing Women in Dance with Movement Revolution Dance Crew
5-6 p.m. on Tuesday, March 11th at Legler Regional
Movement Revolution Dance Crew presents an exploration of women and femmes in dance history. This performance/workshop combination honors trailblazing women in the dance world, such as Judith Jameson, B-Girl Bonita and more. It also includes a Waacking showcase and Waacking workshop, highlighting this iconic queer femme dance form. The workshop is open to all levels and is accessible to diverse bodies and abilities.
For tweens and teens, ages 10 to 19.
Personal Safety Tools Workshop
6-7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, March 11th at North Pulaski
Please join us for a Personal Safety Tools (PST) workshop presented by Impact Chicago. The workshop is an introduction to Empowerment Self-Defense (ESD), and uses discussion, activities, and exercises to raise participants' awareness of basic safety principles and tools. It builds on what participants already know and emphasizes the strengths they already have to expand their range of choices - not only in threatening situations, but also in everyday life.
3-4 p.m. on Sunday, March 16
Harold Washington Library -Auditorium, Lower Level
A fervent advocate for new music and the community that surrounds and supports it, Amy Wurtz is a performer, composer, and curator of new music based in Chicago. Her recent album, Cello Dances at Night, with the Wurtz-Berger Duo, a cello-piano collaboration with Alyson Berger, features Amy’s work Songs and Dances and was commissioned by the Ear Taxi Festival. Amy has lived and worked in California, throughout the Midwest, South America and Europe. In addition to composing and curation, she is in demand as a solo pianist, chamber and choral musician, teacher, and collaborative pianist.
Women in Trades: Empowering the Future
11a.m. - 3 p.m. on Saturday March 22nd at Sulzer Regional Library
Join us for Women in Trades: Empowering the Future, a tabling event showcasing career opportunities, training programs, and resources for women in the trades. Connect with industry experts, discover new pathways, and get inspired to take the next step in a rewarding trade career.
Chicago Mini Musicians
10:15-11:15 a.m. on Monday, March 24th at Albany Park
10:15-11:15 a.m. on Wednesday, March 26th at Independence
10-11 a.m. on Saturday, March 29th at Garfield Ridge
Join the award-winning Chicago Mini Musicians for an interactive music class for young children and their families! In celebration of Women's History Month, our classes will feature engaging music and movement activities that spark creativity and connection. Led by the talented Ms. Shelby, these fun and skill-building classes bring music to life with singing, dancing, and interactive play.
Children will explore a variety of handheld instruments like shaker eggs, rhythm sticks, and sand blocks, along with colorful props such as peek-a-boo/dancing scarves and a giant parachute. Together, we’ll move, groove, and make joyful musical memories.
For ages 2 to 4.
Arts and Crafts
Upcycle Craft Club: Junk Journaling
6-7 p.m. on Thursday, March 6
Independence
Self Reflection Journaling Kits
5-6 p.m. on Tuesday, March 11
Gage Park
Celebrating Artist Alma Thomas
4:30-5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, March 12
South Shore
Carve It Up: A 3D Clay Carving Workshop
2-4 p.m. on Saturday, March 15
Harold Washington Library 8th Floor Meeting Room 8S14-15
Button Making Workshop
5-6 p.m. on Tuesday, March 18
Hall
Women's History Month Inspired Tote Bags
5-6 p.m. on Wednesday, March 19
Thurgood Marshall
Book Clubs
11 a.m. - 12 p.m. on Saturday, March 8
Near North
Oh, the Horror! Book Club: Through the Woods
1-2 p.m. on Saturday, March 15
Online Event
Graphic Novel Discussion: Woman, Life, Freedom
6-7 p.m. on Monday, March 24
Rogers Park Branch
Film Screenings
Film Screening: She Said (2023)
1:30-3:45 p.m. on Sunday, March 9
King Branch
Monday Matinee: 9 to 5 (1980)
2-4 p.m. on Monday, March 10
Edgewater Branch
Documentary Screening: The Life and Times of Frida Kahlo
1-2 p.m. on Tuesday, March 11
Vodak-East Side Branch
WTTW Chicago Stories Documentary Screening: Ida B. Wells
2-3 p.m. on Saturday, March 15
King Branch
And She Could Be Next
1:30-2:30 p.m. on Sunday, March 16
Wrightwood-Ashburn Branch
Documentary Screening: Billie (2019)
2-4:30 p.m. on Sunday, March 30
Pullman Branch
Recommended Reading
Women's History Month 2025: Books for Kids
Women's History Month 2025: Books for Teens
Women’s History Month 2025: Books for Adults
Women's History: Recent Highlights (March 2025)
Notable Chicago Women
