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Gal's Guide: Women's History Library

A library dedicated women's history with community events showcasing inspiring female trailblazers

$10,290
pledged of$6,000 goal
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Project Description

Thanks to the generous support of Nickel Plate Arts in Noblesville, IN we've been able to change from raising money for a 1-month pop-up location to a 3 month+ location. Our new goal of $4,400 covers set up and the first 6 months of operations. 

 

 

Our Mission

Gal's Guide mission is to build the first independent women’s history library and research center in the United States to preserve, collect, share and champion women’s achievements and lessons learned. We will act as a catalyst to creators who utilize our resources to guide others to these amazing role models who have been waiting in the shadows of history for too long. 

 

The Problem

A majority of Americans can’t name five female scientists. (Test yourself with the image above). Our fellow Americans also struggle to name five female filmmakers, five CEO’s, etc. We are not taught half of our history because it has not been made accessible to all. Women’s history has been silenced, shelved and ignored. There is a treasure trove of knowledge waiting to be unlocked.

There are more podcasts about women’s history than there are libraries dedicated to archiving. Creative storytellers, artists, and educators will soon run out of resources because they have limited access to historical documents. We have already lost letters and books that would have cemented women in crucial moments of the world’s progress. In the United States, there are three women’s history libraries in existence and they are all limited either by student enrollment, government shutdown, or bookmobile location. 

 

The Solution 

Gal's Guide will build the first independent women’s history library with a lending-library that is a community hub as well as a destination pilgrimage for those around the world. It’s time for the first library dedicated to women’s history that is truly accessible by all.

We will provide for the community a place where men, women, and children can escape their hectic lives, where they can feel welcomed and inspired. We will combine a library and a cozy living room; a place where our “Guides” are like Cast Members from Disney World and the energy is positive and world-changing like at a Girl Scout meeting. 

UPDATE: Nickel Plate Arts found us a location! Depending on your support we can have our first location be open for three months, six months, or a year. 

The grand opening is March 6th. Visit galsguide.org for details. 

 

Why We Are Crowdfunding

Gal's Guide has collected over 1,500 women's history books, released over 150 podcast episodes, presented educational programs to thousands of people, and served thousands with our message "We care about women's history, so we share women's history."

We're are crowdfunding because history shows us that's how the libraries in America got built. The American Library Association accredited, "Women's clubs with the responsibility for initiating 75% of the public libraries now in existence in the United States." It's time to have the community come together and help fund a library dedicated to the gals who guide us.  

 

Rewards!

From Care Bears to royalty we have some awesome reward levels with exclusives for backers!

If you like stuff and want to show off your support, women's history artist, Bonnie Fillenwarth has made a custom design for you in our "Proud Mary" package of goodies. 

If you feel you don't need stuff and you want your money to do the most good the "History Maker" package is perfect.

If you want an exclusive ticket to our preview party become a "Rebel Researcher", "Galactic Glamazon" or choose our "Crown It" package.   

New Reward Added!! Bonnie Fillenwarth art postcards! 

 

Where Does The Money Go?

UPDATED INFO: refects set up and 6-month operation specifically to our Nickel Plate Studio Space.

  • Site Expenses: $2,714
  • Programing Expenses: $632
  • Rewards: $721
  • Fundraising Expenses including fees: $336

 

UPDATE: We have enough funds raised for a 3-month engagement with limited programming and a bare-bones budget. 

A fundraising goal of $4,400 will keep the library open for 6 months with monthly programing, new furniture, and equipment. 

STRETCH GOAL: Raising $6,000 will keep the library open for 1 year. 

What are the risks if we don’t raise our full amount? 

If the location contract falls through or something happens beyond our control Gal’s Guide will seek a new location for an August 2020 pop-up or a full season utilizing a nearby farmer's market. We won't give up! 

What if we raise more than our goal?  

First, we do a happy dance and thank the Goddess Seshat, Mistress of the House of Books. Second, we seek to keep the location open for a year ($6,000 goal) and make upgrades to our checkout system, our digital collection services, add more books to the collection, and/or upgrade our bookcases.  

 

Meet Our 3 Guides

Dr. Leah Leach - Founder & Executive Director

Guide Expertise - Filmmaking 

Responsible for overseeing the administration, programs and strategic plan of Gal’s Guide. Leah is the head of fundraising and community outreach programs. She leads Uhura Training Academy and is the Gal’s Guide Podcast Producer. Leah has won five awards for her work on podcasts she produced. Leah founded Gal’s Guide in 2016 after running a women’s group for three years as well as a multi-award winning film company for a decade. She is a high energy speaker and the big thinker behind Gal’s Guide. 

 

Bonnie Fillenwarth - Library Manager & Grant Director

Guide Expertise - Suffragettes & Scientists

Bonnie curates the quality of the collections that the library has to offer, seeks for diversity in the library’s stacks, creates a monthly wish list for titles for the library to acquire, sets up the borrowing and returns systems to see they run efficiently, and manages the services and facilities of the library. Bonnie also researches grants for Gal’s Guide projects. Bonnie is an acclaimed visual artist who creates colorful paintings and calendars celebrating women throughout history. Bonnie represents the state of Indiana on the Her Flag project. 

 

Katie Harris - Assistant Library Manager

Guide Expertise - Life Skills

Katie works with Bonnie and Leah in assisting in planning, implementing, and evaluating library and outreach services. Katie comes from a Vocational Service Manager’s background working with children with developmental disabilities. 

 

Let's Make History!

We are so grateful for the enthusiasm and encouragement Gal’s Guide has received since we’ve started. We realize our mission is big but we’ve also seen first hand its impact.  

It’s time to take these gals out of the shadows and into the spotlights where they will help all of us move forward, together. It’s time to give the world a reward of the Gal’s Guide Library & Research Center. 

Thank you for being with us on this journey. 

If you have any questions or would like to volunteer your time, donate your books or donate your services, feel free to email us [email protected]

Visit our website at galsguide.org

 

History Fun!

The images in our women of science graphic: Top row (left to right) Stephanie Kwolek, Jane Goodall, Gerty Cori, Chien-Shiung Wu, Lise Meitner, Barbara McClintock. Bottom row (left to right) Mildred Dresselhaus, Elizabeth Blackwell, Nettie Stevens, Marie Curie, Eva Ekeblad, Rosalind Franklin.

The painting of the librarian in our video where Leah says, "This time it's dedicated to the gals who guide us" Gratia Countryman, a famous librarian (there is such a thing). Gratia was a pioneer at the Minneapolis Public Library (1904-1936) she is also an ancestor of our founder Dr. Leah Leach. We will be creating a new library cataloging system named after her. 

The Campaign FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions:

Where will the library located? 

The library will be located in Noblesville, Indiana. The Gal's Guide Library & Research Center will be a Nickel Plate Arts Studio Space located in the Stephenson Building, 123 S. 8th Street. 

When will the library be open full-time? 

Our grand opening will be March 6, 2020. 

Gal's Guide is a nonprofit does that mean I can write off my contribution on my taxes? 

Best to check with your certified finance representative. Gal's Guide is a 501(c)3 Public, an educational charity. 

What is Gal's Guide website? 

https://galsguide.org/

What is the best way to contact Gal's Guide? 

Email is the best way to get in touch with us, [email protected] 

Where can I see what books are currently in the women's history collection? 

We have our entire collection of 1,500+ book available to view here.

How can I donate books to Gal's Guide? 

You can mail them to us or drop them off at our Noblesville HQ. Info and address is available here. 

Can I volunteer for Gal's Guide? 

Yes! We need volunteers from every corner of the Galaxy. More Info here.

 

 

 

Kate Suttles
02/13/2020
Literary Hero
$10
Joshua Young
02/13/2020
Hidden Figure
$20
02/13/2020
Rebel Researcher
$50
Molly
02/13/2020
Monetary Contribution
$50
02/13/2020
Proud Mary
$40
Super Gramma
02/13/2020
Magnificent 7
$50
Don
02/13/2020
Monetary Contribution
$20
Cortezes
02/13/2020
Literary Hero
$10
Colleen Currie
02/13/2020
Galactic Glamazon
$150
Hazel Croucher
02/13/2020
Magnificent 7
$30
5.00 USD
Care Bear

Sharing is caring. Updates in videos, pictures and the old-school written word of how the Gal’s Guide library pop-up build is going. We’ll also share your name to our website under our list of valuable supporters!

3 Supporters
Select this reward
10.00 USD
Literary Hero

Get one of our limited-edition bookmarks featuring a Louisa May Alcott quote on the front and biography on the back. Plus a handwritten thank you note from the staff at Gal’s Guide. You’ll also get all the updates in our Care Bear tier.

20 Supporters
Select this reward
20.00 USD
Hidden Figure

Secret podcast episode. That’s right! We’ll get the Gal-Pals together and make an episode just for your ears! You’ll also get everything at our Literary Hero & Care Bear tier.

13 Supporters
Select this reward
40.00 USD
Proud Mary

We’ve bundled together a rockin’ tote bag filled with goodies to show the world “I helped build a women’s history library” This exclusive design is made just for our backers! The cotton tote bag is filled with a 3” Gal's Guide Compass Sticker that is waterproof vinyl, a limited-edition bookmark, and a handwritten thank you card. You’ll also get access to the secret podcast episode, your name listed our website and updates along the way. 

24 Supporters
Select this reward
50.00 USD
Rebel Researcher

Be the first to see the library! Attend our preview party the night before the launch of the Gal’s Guide Pop-up Women’s History Library. One admission ticket is included. Travel and Accommodations to Indianapolis are not included. You’ll also get access to the secret podcast episode, a limited edition bookmark, a handwritten thank you note, your name listed our website and updates along the way. The expected launch is March 1, 2020. 

11 Supporters
Select this reward
100.00 USD
History Maker

Want your money to do the most good? Don’t need reward stuff? $100 will allow Gal’s Guide to fill an entire shelf with women’s history books. Nothing from previous tiers, just knowing you donated to a history-making mission. (If you would like something from the previous tiers, let us know.)

10 Supporters
Select this reward
150.00 USD
Galactic Glamazon

VIP preview of the Gal’s Guide Pop-up Women’s History Library. A special invite for you and a guest to attend a sneak preview event the night before the launch. Meet and greet with the founder of Gal’s Guide, Dr. Leah Leach. Plus a swag bag filled with Gals Guide goodies. Travel and Accommodations to Indianapolis are not included. You’ll also get access to the secret podcast episode, a limited edition bookmark, a handwritten thank you note, your name listed our website and updates along the way. The expected launch is March 1, 2020. 

2 Supporters
Select this reward
200.00 USD
Crown It!

You are royalty to us. Your name or organization will be etched on a glorious plaque for everyone to see. The plaque will be on display at the popup location as well as on display in the permanent library. Plus 3 VIP tickets to the preview party, meet and greet, and a swag bag. Travel and Accommodations to Indianapolis are not included. You’ll also get access to the secret podcast episode, a limited edition bookmark, a handwritten thank you note, your name listed our website, and updates along the way.

7 Supporters
Select this reward
30.00 USD
Magnificent 7

New Reward! A custom pack of 7 postcards featuring Bonnie Fillenwarth's artwork. These high-quality postcards are 4x6 and fit wonderfully in a frame. Bonnie's original artwork in this exclusive collection feature: Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Hedy Lamarr, Susan B. Anthony, Rosalind Franklin, Annie Jump Cannon, Victoria Woodhull,  and a watercolor mural of 8 gals who "Nevertheless, She Persisted." You also get access to the secret podcast episode, our limited-edition bookmark, a hand-written thank you note, updates and a supporters listing our website. 

8 Supporters
Select this reward

About the Entrepreneur

Noblesville, IN
Created 1 Campaign
Social Good

Rewards

5.00 USD
Care Bear

Sharing is caring. Updates in videos, pictures and the old-school written word of how the Gal’s Guide library pop-up build is going. We’ll also share your name to our website under our list of valuable supporters!

3 Supporters
Select this reward
10.00 USD
Literary Hero

Get one of our limited-edition bookmarks featuring a Louisa May Alcott quote on the front and biography on the back. Plus a handwritten thank you note from the staff at Gal’s Guide. You’ll also get all the updates in our Care Bear tier.

20 Supporters
Select this reward
20.00 USD
Hidden Figure

Secret podcast episode. That’s right! We’ll get the Gal-Pals together and make an episode just for your ears! You’ll also get everything at our Literary Hero & Care Bear tier.

13 Supporters
Select this reward
40.00 USD
Proud Mary

We’ve bundled together a rockin’ tote bag filled with goodies to show the world “I helped build a women’s history library” This exclusive design is made just for our backers! The cotton tote bag is filled with a 3” Gal's Guide Compass Sticker that is waterproof vinyl, a limited-edition bookmark, and a handwritten thank you card. You’ll also get access to the secret podcast episode, your name listed our website and updates along the way. 

24 Supporters
Select this reward
50.00 USD
Rebel Researcher

Be the first to see the library! Attend our preview party the night before the launch of the Gal’s Guide Pop-up Women’s History Library. One admission ticket is included. Travel and Accommodations to Indianapolis are not included. You’ll also get access to the secret podcast episode, a limited edition bookmark, a handwritten thank you note, your name listed our website and updates along the way. The expected launch is March 1, 2020. 

11 Supporters
Select this reward
100.00 USD
History Maker

Want your money to do the most good? Don’t need reward stuff? $100 will allow Gal’s Guide to fill an entire shelf with women’s history books. Nothing from previous tiers, just knowing you donated to a history-making mission. (If you would like something from the previous tiers, let us know.)

10 Supporters
Select this reward
150.00 USD
Galactic Glamazon

VIP preview of the Gal’s Guide Pop-up Women’s History Library. A special invite for you and a guest to attend a sneak preview event the night before the launch. Meet and greet with the founder of Gal’s Guide, Dr. Leah Leach. Plus a swag bag filled with Gals Guide goodies. Travel and Accommodations to Indianapolis are not included. You’ll also get access to the secret podcast episode, a limited edition bookmark, a handwritten thank you note, your name listed our website and updates along the way. The expected launch is March 1, 2020. 

2 Supporters
Select this reward
200.00 USD
Crown It!

You are royalty to us. Your name or organization will be etched on a glorious plaque for everyone to see. The plaque will be on display at the popup location as well as on display in the permanent library. Plus 3 VIP tickets to the preview party, meet and greet, and a swag bag. Travel and Accommodations to Indianapolis are not included. You’ll also get access to the secret podcast episode, a limited edition bookmark, a handwritten thank you note, your name listed our website, and updates along the way.

7 Supporters
Select this reward
30.00 USD
Magnificent 7

New Reward! A custom pack of 7 postcards featuring Bonnie Fillenwarth's artwork. These high-quality postcards are 4x6 and fit wonderfully in a frame. Bonnie's original artwork in this exclusive collection feature: Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Hedy Lamarr, Susan B. Anthony, Rosalind Franklin, Annie Jump Cannon, Victoria Woodhull,  and a watercolor mural of 8 gals who "Nevertheless, She Persisted." You also get access to the secret podcast episode, our limited-edition bookmark, a hand-written thank you note, updates and a supporters listing our website. 

8 Supporters
Select this reward