On March 3, Author ReShonda Tate Billingsley gives a talk on her latest novel, Miss Pearly’s Girls, a captivating family drama about four estranged sisters. As the national bestselling author of more than 53 books, ReShonda Tate has the credentials, and the passion, to bring stories to life. Her sophomore novel, Let the Church Say Amen, was made into a film directed by actress Regina King, and produced by TD Jakes and Queen Latifah. She is also an award-winning journalist, who is the Managing Editor of The Defender.  

On March 8, “Celebrating International Women’s Day,” highlights two of Houston’s leading business leaders in the performing arts. Guest speakers Irma La Paloma, co-founder of Solero Flamenco and co-Director of the Houston Flamenco Festival, and Lavanya Rajagopalan, Co-Founder of Silambam Houston, share their experiences as women entrepreneurs, artists, and immigrants in Houston. The community is invited to enjoy performances after the discussion.

For “Reading Local” on March 22, Gwendolyn Zepeda and Michelle Hillen Klump sit in conversation about their books. Former Houston Poet Laureate Zepeda re-visits her first novel, Houston, We Have a Problema, and debut author Klump introduces a tale about a Houston-reporter turned mixologist in A Dash of Death. 

In addition to the author and artist-related events, those interested in genealogy can look to the Family History Research Center at the Clayton Library for a presentation on March 11 titled, “Women’s Work: Tracing Your Ancestor’s Occupations and Volunteer Work.”

“We are proud to host these and other exciting and informative events and learning opportunities that celebrate the vast achievements of women,” states Houston Public Library Director Dr. Rhea Brown Lawson. “HPL recognizes the contributions and accomplishments of women throughout the year and especially during Women’s History Month.”

For more information or to register for HPL’s Women’s History Month events and programs, visit houstonlibrary.org/events or call 832-393-1313.