Celebrate Women’s History Month at Haringey Libraries 2026

Key Points

• Haringey residents can celebrate Women’s History Month (WHM) throughout March 2026 at local libraries with a variety of free events and activities.
• Events include author talks, craft workshops, film screenings, reading groups, and special displays highlighting women’s achievements.
• Activities are designed for all ages, from children’s storytelling sessions to adult discussions on suffrage and modern feminism.
• Libraries involved are Hornsey, Highgate, Marcus Garvey, Wood Green, and Bruce Castle Museum Library.
• All events are free, drop-in unless specified, and aim to educate, inspire, and foster community engagement.
• Highlights feature guest speakers like local authors and historians, plus themed crafts such as suffragette sashes and feminist bookmarks.
• Programming aligns with WHM’s global focus on recognising women’s contributions across history, culture, and society.
• No booking required for most sessions; check Haringey Council website for updates.

Haringey, London (North London News) March 3, 2026 – Haringey Council has announced a comprehensive lineup of events at its local libraries for residents to celebrate Women’s History Month (WHM) throughout March. The initiative offers free activities including author talks, workshops, and screenings across five venues, encouraging community participation in honouring women’s historical and contemporary contributions.​

What Events Are Planned for Women’s History Month in Haringey Libraries?

As reported by the Haringey Council communications team in their official release on haringey.gov.uk, libraries will host diverse programming tailored to all ages. Hornsey Library kicks off with a “Suffragette Craft Workshop” on March 6, where participants create replica sashes and banners inspired by the women’s suffrage movement.

Highgate Library follows with an author talk by local writer Aisha Rahman on March 10, discussing her book Hidden Voices: Women of North London.

Marcus Garvey Library features a family-friendly film screening of Hidden Figures on March 13, highlighting African-American women’s roles in NASA. Wood Green Library hosts a “Feminist Book Club” discussion on March 17, focusing on Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s We Should All Be Feminists.

Bruce Castle Museum Library rounds out mid-month with a historical display and talk on March 20 by curator Elena Patel about Haringey’s unsung female heroes from the Victorian era.​

These events build on WHM’s tradition, observed annually in March since 1987 in the UK, to spotlight women’s achievements amid ongoing equality campaigns.

Which Libraries in Haringey Are Hosting WHM Activities?

Haringey’s five key libraries serve as hubs for the celebrations, each offering unique events suited to their communities. Hornsey Library, located at 206 Haringey Park, N8 9ES, specialises in crafts and children’s activities, including a “Storytime for Girls” session on March 27 with tales of trailblazing women.

Highgate Library on 128 Highgate Hill, N6 5HE, emphasises literary events, with poetry readings by female North London poets on March 24.

Marcus Garvey Library in Northumberland Park, N17 0QD, caters to families with interactive workshops like “Make Your Own Heroine Comic” on March 22.

Wood Green Library at 9 Wood Green High Road, N22 8EY, focuses on discussions and debates, including a panel on women in local politics on March 29. Bruce Castle Museum Library, Tottenham, N17 8JB, provides archival exhibits, such as letters from Haringey suffragettes, viewable from March 1 to 31.​

Accessibility is prioritised, with all venues wheelchair-friendly and events promoted via Haringey Council’s social media and library noticeboards.

Who Are the Key Figures and Speakers Involved?

Guest speakers add authenticity and inspiration to the lineup. Local author Aisha Rahman, known for her North London-focused histories, leads the Highgate talk, stating as quoted in the council announcement:

“These events empower residents to connect with women’s stories right here in Haringey.”

Historian Elena Patel at Bruce Castle shares insights from the museum’s collection, noting:

“Haringey women shaped our borough’s history, from factory workers to activists.”​

Children’s storyteller Maya Choudhury fronts Hornsey’s sessions, bringing interactive narratives of figures like Malala Yousafzai and Ada Lovelace. The Wood Green panel includes Councillor Sarah Mbelu, Haringey’s cabinet member for culture, who remarked:

“WHM is a vital reminder of progress made and battles still to fight.”

No external media coverage was noted in initial reports, but the council invites journalists to attend.​

How Can Residents Participate in These Free Events?

Participation is straightforward, with most events operating on a drop-in basis—no tickets needed. Residents should arrive 10 minutes early for popular sessions, as spaces are limited to 20-30 per event.

Full schedules are listed on haringey.gov.uk/libraries, with email alerts available via subscription. Libraries remain open standard hours: Monday to Thursday 9am-7pm, Friday-Saturday 9am-5pm.

For families, Wood Green’s comic workshop requires parental supervision for under-12s. Highgate’s book club suggests bringing a favourite feminist text. As per Haringey Council guidelines, face coverings are optional, but hand sanitiser stations are provided. Updates on weather-related changes or cancellations will post on library Twitter handles.​

Why Is Women’s History Month Important in Haringey?

WHM resonates deeply in diverse Haringey, home to over 270,000 residents including significant Black, Asian, and minority ethnic communities.

The council’s programme addresses local relevance, spotlighting figures like Claudia Jones, the Trinidadian activist who organised the 1958 Notting Hill Carnival and ties to Haringey’s Caribbean heritage. Events foster inclusivity, countering gender disparities in borough stats: women comprise 75% of Haringey’s social care workforce yet earn 18% less on average, per recent council reports.

Councillor Mbelu emphasised:

“By celebrating WHM, we inspire the next generation of Haringey women leaders.”

Libraries serve as neutral, accessible spaces amid budget strains on public services, reinforcing their role in community education. Similar UK-wide initiatives, like those in neighbouring Enfield, underscore growing momentum for gender equity programming.​

What Themes Will the Events Cover?

Themes span suffrage, science, literature, and activism. Early March focuses on historical milestones—the Hornsey workshop recreates 1913 Pankhurst rallies. Mid-month shifts to modern icons via Hidden Figures and Adichie’s works.

Late events tackle intersectionality, with Wood Green’s panel exploring race, class, and feminism in local politics.

Bruce Castle’s display includes artefacts from Haringey’s first female mayor, Councillor Grace Stone (1972), alongside global stories.

Crafts encourage creativity: participants at Marcus Garvey design comics featuring diverse heroines. Readings at Highgate cover poets like Grace Nichols, reflecting Haringey’s multicultural fabric. All tie back to WHM’s ethos of visibility for overlooked narratives.​

Are There Activities for Children and Families?

Family engagement is central, with age-specific sessions ensuring broad appeal. Hornsey’s “Storytime for Girls” (ages 4-8) on March 27 features empowering tales, followed by badge-making. Marcus Garvey’s comic workshop (ages 7+) on March 22 lets children invent characters inspired by real women like Rosalind Franklin.

Hidden Figures screening at Marcus Garvey suits all ages, with post-film Q&A. Wood Green offers teen debates on March 29 about social media influencers versus historical figures. Parents praise the non-commercial focus: no sales, just learning. These build on libraries’ post-pandemic recovery, boosting footfall by 15% last year.​

How Does This Fit into Haringey Council’s Broader Goals?

This WHM programme aligns with Haringey’s 2025-2030 Cultural Strategy, prioritising inclusive events amid £20m savings demands. Libraries, facing closure threats in past years, now thrive as community anchors—WHM sustains this momentum. Partnerships with local groups like Haringey Women’s Centre amplify reach.

As noted by the council:

“Libraries are for everyone, celebrating all voices.”

Metrics track success via attendance logs and feedback forms, informing future programming. Comparable efforts in Barnet and Waltham Forest suggest regional trends in public-sector gender initiatives.​

What Should Residents Do Next?

Check haringey.gov.uk/news/20260303/celebrate-womens-history-month-your-haringey-library for the latest schedule and venue maps. Follow @HaringeyCouncil on X (formerly Twitter) for live updates. Contact libraries directly: Hornsey 020 8489 2210; Highgate 020 8341 9690. Share experiences with #HaringeyWHM to build online buzz.

In a borough where women head 52% of households, these events matter doubly. Haringey Council urges: “Join us—history is happening now.” No prior knowledge needed; enthusiasm suffices.​