NYPL's Essential Reads on Feminism
As the 19th Amendment turns 100, The New York Public Library reflects on the history of suffrage and feminism with the publication of NYPL’s Essential Reads on Feminism for adults, teens, and kids.
Discover the list and explore the Library's resources on feminism through its Digital Collections, research guides, online databases, and huge catalog of books, e-books, and more.
The 19th Amendment at 100
One hundred years after the 19th Amendment to the Constitution was ratified, making some American women eligible to vote under federal law, The New York Public Library presents its list of Essential Reads on Feminism. The list includes first-hand accounts and histories of the suffrage movement that chronicle both its successes and its limitations—particularly for women of color—as well as contemporary essays on how feminism intersects with race, class, education, and LGBTQ+ activism. From personal memoirs to historical overviews, featuring writing by seminal figures and lesser-known pioneers, the list traces the development of the feminist ideas that have powered the campaign for gender equality, in all its complexity and boldness. While far from complete, the list nevertheless provides a starting point for learning about the history of feminism and for exploring the issues and challenges that many women face today.
The New York Public Library offers a range of ways to engage with historical materials about suffrage as well as contemporary works of feminism. Explore our Library Guides on how to research Black feminist movements and discover the history of suffrage in your local area—and possibly your own family. Browse the Digital Collections for papers, correspondence, and photos relating to feminist movements around the world. And don’t miss our special events commemorating the passage of the 19th Amendment.
Special Storytime with U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand
Tuesday, August 18, 2020 | 10 AM
In a special Library storytime, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand talks about the groundbreaking women in her family and reads from her book Bold & Brave: Ten Heroes Who Won Women the Right to Vote, with art by Maira Kalman. Bold & Brave features on NYPL's Essential Reads on Feminism for Kids.
Doc Chat: Forgotten Feminist "Militant Maud Malone"
In this Doc Chat, the curators of the Library's upcoming exhibition Her Vote, Her Voice: The Fight for Women's Equality will examine items from The New York Public Library's collections for clues about why “Militant Maud Malone,” an NYPL librarian and pioneering suffragist, has been largely overlooked by history.
Access NYPL's Essential Reads on Feminism with SimplyE
Download NYPL's Essential Reads on Feminism
These books offer a glimpse of the diversity of ideas that have characterized and continue to power feminist movements both in the US and around the world. From first-hand accounts of the suffrage movement to contemporary intersectional thinking, this is a starting point for learning about the history of feminism and for exploring the issues and challenges that many women face today.
100 Years of the 19th Amendment at The New York Public Library Shop
Support the Library by exploring this new collection commemorating 100 years of the 19th Amendment, based on historical artifacts from The New York Public Library's research collections. Find apparel featuring the iconic slogan "Votes for Women," which suffragists proudly displayed during their fight to vote, plus mugs and other items based on archival material from the movement, and books for all ages that explain the complex history and legacy of women's suffrage in America. All purchases support The New York Public Library.
Black Feminism Introductory Research Guide
The Black Feminism Introductory Research Guide highlights works by Black women both in the collections of the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture and elsewhere in The New York Public Library. These works engage with the Black feminist tradition of working towards the inclusion of Black female narratives and highlight Black women's involvement in Black liberation and gender equality movements. The Black feminist tradition looks to examine the experiences of being both Black and a woman.
Were Your Ancestors Suffragists?
This new guide, How To Find Your Suffragist / Suffragette Ancestors, prepared by the Library's Milstein Division of United States History, Local History and Genealogy, will help bring history alive for readers everywhere. It contains a variety of resources to help you trace personal and local connections to the suffrage movement, while expanding upon traditional narratives and highlighting the experiences of suffragists whose contributions have often been overlooked by history, including African American, immigrant, and working class suffragists. Find out if you're related to any suffragists—or anti-suffragists—and whether you live near any historic suffragist meeting spots.
Explore Suffrage and Feminism in NYPL's Digital Collections
White House Conference Group of the National Women's Council (Mary McLeod Bethune, center; Mary Church Terrell, to her right), 1938. Photographs and Prints Division, Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture, The New York Public Library.
1 of 16 Slides
"March On!": Art & Activism Storytime
Join authors Lucy Lang and Grace Lang for this special read-aloud of their book, March On!, to spark inspiring conversations about the 19th Amendment and voting rights with the young readers in your life.
Resources for Kids & Teens
Discover a range of resources for kids, teens, and educators about women's suffrage, the passage of the 19th Amendment, and more with this resource guide created by NYPL's School Outreach team.
Census 2020: Be Counted!
As we reflect on the 19th Amendment at 100 and the importance of representation in government, it’s more important than ever to make sure that everyone's voice can be heard. The deadline to fill out the 2020 Census has been moved up to September 30. Take the Census today online or by calling (844) 330-2020.
Engaging with Women's History
Find out how you can use the Library's Digital Collections, research guides, blog posts, and databases to discover more about women's history—and check out crowdsourcing projects that will allow you to contribute to that history directly.
Contemporary Feminist Fiction
Discover contemporary fiction with feminist themes with this collection of titles selected by one of our branch librarians.
125 Years of The New York Public Library
The Library turns 125 during an unprecedented moment for both New York City and the world. Despite the current challenges, our lions, Patience and Fortitude, remain a steadfast symbol for all that The New York Public Library represents: a source of inspiration and strength for all.
Support the Library's Free and Essential Programming
The New York Public Library's free services and resources are made possible thanks to the support of the Friends of the Library. Join this group of Library lovers today and take advantage of special membership benefits, like invitations to members-only events, discounts at the Library Shop, and more.
