by Bethany

Happy International Women’s Day, a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women! The United Nations has declared March 8, 2024, for International Women’s Day under the theme “Invest in women: Accelerate progress” aimed at tacking economic disempowerment. This important day falls during Women’s History Month, an annual March observation that highlights the contributions of women to events in history and contemporary society.

In accordance with these celebrations, the Mandel Public Library is exploring “HERstory,” or history written from a feminist perspective, emphasizing the role of women, or told from a woman’s point of view, with a lineup of exciting programs for all ages! Read on below to learn more about our upcoming programs or check out the full list of upcoming programs for all ages here. 

For Adults

Palm Beach Opera celebrates International Women’s Day with a discussion of women as characters, performers, and composers in this lecture-recital featuring PBO’s Bailey Apprentice Artists.

Jane Austen and Being a Female Writer in Her Time on Saturday, March 16 from 2:00 - 3:00 p.m.

Join The Jane Austen Society of North America as they share a HERstory about Jane Austen. Find out what it was like for Jane Austen to be a female writer in her time. Learn the hardships she had to face and how important it was for her success.

The Power of the Prima Donna in the Nineteenth Century on Monday, March 25 from 12:30 - 1:30 p.m.

The nineteenth-century prima donna was far more than mere singer. She dominated the operatic landscape, packing theaters, advising composers, and altering musical scores at will. In this presentation, Hilary Poriss—a scholar specializing in “diva studies”—will explore the power of the prima donna during these years, focusing on the practice of aria substitution, the relationships fostered between prima donnas and composers, and the business and financial acumen of a handful of the romantic era’s most stunning performers. Divas such as Giuditta Pasta, Maria Malibran, and Pauline Viardot will make appearances in this talk, as will composers like Bellini, Rossini, and Meyerbeer.

Great Jewish Women on Friday, March 29 1:30 - 2:30 p.m.

Learn some more HERstory. Local expert Andy Greenberg will share stories from Great Jewish Women. From all walks of life, Jewish women have played a major role in changing the world of comedy, art, politics, sex, theater, music, cosmetics, Journalism and so much more. Discover who they are and how they impacted your life Yesterday, Today and the Future

For Kids and Teens

For teens and tweens in grades 6-12. March is Women's History Month, so let’s celebrate by watching Captain Marvel! We’ll eat snacks and watch the most powerful Marvel superhero!

Taylor Swift Party on Tuesday, March 19 from 2:00 - 3:00 p.m.

For kids and teens ages 7-14. We’re in our library era! All young Swifties are welcome to join us for an hour of Taylor Swift themed crafts and activities. In-person sign-up required.

Girl Power Movie Sunday on Sunday, March 24 from 2:00 - 4:00 p.m.

For families with kids of all ages. In honor of Women’s History Month, join us in KidSpace to watch a fun, family-friendly movie that celebrates strong girl characters. Coloring sheets and crayons will be provided.

The library itself is chock full of books by and about women, but don’t forget to browse what’s available in our digital library as well. See our Women’s History Month picks on cloudLibrary for more fun and learning about HERstory!