Camas Public Library Honors Women’s History Month with Traveling Exhibit

In honor of Women's History Month, the Camas Public Library will host a traveling exhibition from the National Library of Medicine titled Confronting Violence: Improving Women’s Lives, guest curated by historian and educator Catherine Jacquet, Ph.D. (Louisiana State University).

The traveling exhibition and companion website tell the story of nurses working to reform the medical profession that failed to acknowledge domestic violence as a health issue and not solely a legal matter. Beginning in the late 1970s, these nurses were at the forefront as they pushed the larger medical community to identify victims, adequately respond to their needs, and work toward the prevention of domestic violence.

“This is a little-known part of history, and we are grateful to the National Library of Medicine for allowing us to share with the community,” said Connie Urquhart, Library Director.

This exhibit will be located in the Library’s Adult Nonfiction section and will have an accompanying book display which will tie into women’s health and history. The exhibit will be displayed March 14 - April 20, before it is installed at its next venue.

For this exhibition, the Library is also partnering with a group of local students from Discovery High School who are working on an independent project to support a local women’s shelter. During the time of the exhibition, there will be a drop box located at the 4th Ave Library entrance where patrons can donate items for the women’s shelter. This student effort is called Project Phoenix.