Gather your friends and family and come to the Library for our free public events!
March 9, 2 PM: “She Persisted” with Chelsea Clinton, Rita Williams-Garcia and Meg Medina
As part of this month’s Family Day, celebrate Women’s History Month with Chelsea Clinton, bestselling author of the “She Persisted” picture book series; Rita Williams-Garcia, celebrated author of novels for young adults and middle grade readers, including the “She Persisted: Florence Griffith Joyner” chapter book; and Meg Medina, current National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature. Book signing to follow. All ages are welcome. Free tickets are required. Register here.
March 14, 7 PM: Live! at the Library: First Ladies: Historical Fiction About Pioneering Black Women
In honor of Women’s History Month, three novelists with new historical fiction about pioneering Black women reveal their characters’ stories and how they came to write about them. Free tickets are required. Register here.
Victoria Christopher Murray’s latest novel (written with Marie Benedict), “The First Ladies,” brings to life the extraordinary partnership between First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt and civil rights activist Mary McLeod Bethune; Joshunda Sanders’ debut novel “Women of the Post” is based on the real-life 6888th Central Postal Battalion, the only unit of Black women to serve overseas during WWII. And Ruth P. Watson’s “A Right Worthy Woman” is about Maggie Lena Walker, the daughter of a formerly enslaved woman who became the first Black woman to run a bank in the United States. Moderated by CBS News’ Nikole Killion. Book signing to follow.
The pioneering Black women in these novels are driven by a strong sense of civic responsibility to their communities and a desire to improve the lives of those around them and future generations. Join us to explore these stories of incredible women who persevered in face of adversity, made lifelong female friendships, and invested what they could into their communities.
March 23, all day: Japanese Culture Day featuring author Misa Sugiura
In connection with Japanese Culture Day, Japanese-American author Misa Sugiura will present a book talk about her series “Momo Arashima,” with focus on her research and incorporation of Japanese folklore, mythology, and legends into her middle grade fantasy novel. All ages are welcome; recommended for ages 7 and older. Book signing to follow.
Other activities of the day include:
- Japanese Storytelling at 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.
- Additional author talks with Misa Sugiura at 11:15 a.m. and 1:15 p.m.
- Japanese Drum Performance by Eissa Club, Okinawa kai of Washington, D.C.
- Japanese Dance Performance by Onoe Ryu Dance Enterprises.
- Other activities throughout the day, such as origami, Japanese woodblock printing, kimono try-ons, and more.