A trip to New Mexico in the 19th century

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Get to know 9-year-old Josefina Montoya of the American Girls book series and travel back in time with her to 19th-century New Mexico. You can meet her tonight at the Bel Air Branch Library.

Josefina's story begins with the death of her mother and the troubles she and her three older sisters face trying to help run their father's ranch. When their grandfather shows up with their aunt from Mexico City, things begin to get easier for the girls, and the book's focus shifts to illustrating the life of Mexican-Americans in 1824 New Mexico.

Brave women are taken captive by raiding Spaniards; settlers arrive in red, white and blue wagons; and there's a flash flood to contend with. But the overriding theme is women and girls finding ways to adapt to change while retaining the best parts of their past.

Costumes are welcome at the event, 4 p.m. and 7 p.m., 100 E. Pennsylvania Ave., 410-638-4800. The Fallston/Jarrettsville branch repeats the program at 2 p.m. Saturday, 1461 Fallston Road, 410-638-3003.