Book club features women in history and literature

FREMONT — Local readers interested in the history of women are invited to a new book club that will meet starting this fall at the Hayes Presidential Library and Museums.The book club ties into the "Finding Her Voice" series of exhibits and events taking place at the Hayes Library and will include books about women who raced airplanes in the 1920s and 1930s and who helped crack Nazi codes during World War II.The presenters at the book club meetings will be members of the Hayes staff."Our staff members all chose the books. They are all in their areas of interest," said Kristina Smith, a spokeswoman for the Hayes Library.Although the books are all about women in history, men can come, too."It's open to everyone. Anyone is welcome," Smith said.Here is the schedule for the book club. All meetings will be from noon to 2 p.m. at the Hayes Presidential Library. For updates, visit rbhayes.org.• Sept. 18 – "The Fly Girls" by Keith O'Brien. The untold story of women who competed against men in high-stakes national air races. In 1936, one of them won. Kevin Moore, associate curator of artifacts, will lead the discussion.• Nov. 13 – "The Debs of Bletchley Park" by Michael Smith. About women who worked in England's code-breaking program to read secret Nazi messages in World War II. Joan Eckermann, special events and volunteer coordinator, will lead the meeting.• Dec. 4 – "Jane Eyre" by Charlotte Bronte. The classic novel. Featuring Christie Weininger, executive director of the Hayes Presidential Library.• Jan. 29, 2020 – "The Women's Suffrage Movement" by Sally Roesch Wagner. Historic writings from women who fought for the right to vote, including famous figures such as Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Susan B. Anthony, and interesting leaders sometimes overlooked because of their race. Led by curator Dustin McLochlin.• March 18, 2020 – "The Hello Girls" by Elizabeth Cobbs. The story of the first official U.S. Army female officers, who worked for the U.S. Army Signal Corps in France in World War I. They joined the army at the same time suffragettes were lobbying for the right to vote. Joan Eardly, education coordinator, leads this discussion.The first book to be discussed in a new book club at the Hayes Presidential Library & Museums is "Fly Girls," about women aviators of the 1920s and 1930s.