Celebrate Women’s History Month 2025 with CHPL

By Kennedy McPherson, Public Relations Specialist, Downtown Main Library

The Library celebrates Women’s History Month this March with impactful women in history, special events and exhibits, and books recommended by CHPL's expert librarians.

Celebrating Legendary Women

Marian Spencer was a Cincinnati civil rights activist and politician who became the first African American female elected to Cincinnati City Council and served as Vice Mayor in 1983. Spencer spent seven decades in activism, including integrating Coney Island and the YWCA, becoming the first and only female president of the NAACP Cincinnati branch, and serving as a member of the University of Cincinnati's Board of Trustees.

Doris Day was a celebrated actress, singer, and animal welfare activist from Cincinnati. Day’s acting and music career gained prominence during the golden age of Hollywood, starring in movies like Pillow Talk (1959) and recording songs, including 1945’s “Sentimental Journey,” which became an anthem for soldiers returning home from WWII. Outside of the studio and silver screen, Day dedicated her life to the welfare of animals and founded the Doris Day Animal Foundation. Day is also the first musical artist featured on the Downtown Main Library's Social Stairs.

First Lieutenant Cordelia E. “Betty” Cook was a pioneering registered nurse from Northern Kentucky who provided critical care to wounded soldiers during WWII. While in service, Cook became the first woman in the U.S. Army Nurse Corps to receive the Bronze Star Medal and the Purple Heart. After the war, Cook was a strong advocate for the professional development of nurses, advancing the standard of nursing practices.

Featured Event: Women's Health Fair 2025

In honor of Women’s History Month, CHPL will host the 6th annual Women’s Health Fair at the Downtown Main Library on March 1, from 12- 4 p.m. The Health Fair will focus on female-identified individuals' physical, mental, and emotional health and well-being. All ages are welcome!

The fair will include events that you can register for below:

Health & Fitness Classes:

Webinar Viewing and Live Q&A:

The Library will welcome over a dozen organizations that offer a wide range of health and well-being services to our communities. Participating partners include: Airrosti, American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, Anthem, Cancer Justice Network, Caracole, Christ Hospital, Council on Aging, Dedicated Medical Centers Cincinnati, Equitas Health, Findlay Market, Freestore Foodbank - Get Covered Ohio, Hamilton County Commission on Women & Girls, Hoxworth, NAMI, Sisters of the Heart Network, Planned Parenthood, Trans Advocacy Council, TriHealth Women's Nurse Navigators, and UC Cancer Research.

More Library Events

What’s your Roman Empire? On March 12, the Greenhills Branch will host the Livia: Rome's First Empress. This presentation by the University of Cincinnati Classics Department will explore Livia, Augustus’ empress, and the powerful women who surrounded her.

Classic stories with a twist! The Children's Theatre Presents: Jacqueline and the Beanstalk at the Downtown Main Library on March 24. Follow Jackie up the beanstalk as she shatters the stigma to discover that it wasn’t because she was less capable but because she was made to believe so. This show invites the whole family and is especially suited for Pre-K through 4th grade.

Featured Library Collection

The American Gold Star Mothers organization originated in 1928 for mothers who lost sons and daughters in battle and sought solace by continuing to serve the military community. They wear a gold star as a symbol to honor their children's courageous sacrifice in service.

Learn more about Gold Star Mothers and the Veterans History Project in CHPL’s Digital Library.

Who are you celebrating for Women’s History Month? Share in the comments below!