The Woman’s Literary Club of Holland

Established 1898

About the Club

One of the longest-running associations in Holland, Michigan, the Woman’s Literary Club began as the Bay View Reading Circle in 1897.

More than 125 years later, the Woman’s Literary Club continues to recognize the importance of contributing to a strong Holland community that supports the quality of life for each individual.

On top of hosting monthly programs, the Club supports many local nonprofit organizations and awards yearly academic scholarships.

Join Our Upcoming Events

January 20, 2026 at 1:00pm

Hope Church – 77 W 11th St, Holland, MI 49423

Members and Guests Welcome

Deborah Noe Schakel – Local historian and Woman’s Literary Club Member

Waukazoo, Marigold Lodge and Mary Jayne Gold

Member Deborah Schakel tells of the development of Marigold Lodge on Lake Macatawa at the turn of the 20th century in what is now the Waukazoo neighborhood, located on the North Side of Holland. 

Marigold Lodge, the summer home of the Gold family from Chicago, was named after wife Margaret and daughter Mary Jayne.  Learn the remarkable story about the heroic efforts of Mary Jayne Gold, a member of the Emergency Rescue Committee in 1940 Marseilles, France, to save countless people during the Nazi occupation of France.   

To read more about Marigold Lodge, and Mary Jayne Gold, click on the links below.

February 17, 2026 at 1:00pm

Hope Church – 77 W 11th St, Holland, MI 49423

Members and Guests Welcome

Charles Elwood – Presenter

Silent Partner-Artificial Intelligence

ArtPrize artist, TEDx speaker, and founder of SoliosMatica, Charles Elwood will focus on the things only humans can do when we partner with the use of AI.

Click on the links to read about Charles Elwood the artist, watch his TEDx Talk, and learn more about technology in Michigan.

March 17, 2026 at 1:00pm

Hope Church – 77 W 11th St, Holland, MI 49423

Members and Guests Welcome

Aimee Chipman: Local Entrepreneur and Business Owner

Bluestocking Bookshop Blueprint

“In the tradition of the original bluestockings, this is how we are taking things from Salons to social media in the book world,” says Aimee Chipman, owner of the Bluestocking Bookshop, in Holland MI.  Aimee will chat about her bookshop adventure and describe the shift in how authors and the publishing industry connect with readers.  Look up the definition for ‘bluestocking’ and you will find the meaning for every woman in Woman’s Literary Club.  

Learn more about Bluestocking Bookshop, located at 12330 James St. Holland, MI 49424

Our Community Impact

Keeping with the legacy left by the Club founders, The Woman’s Literary Club is proud to donate upwards of $20,000 to the Holland community annually.

In addition, we provide scholarships for local college students and have funded several prominent landmarks around Holland.

Get Involved With the Club

Not a member? We'd love to have you join us!