Let’s talk about bodies & puberty: Books, Discovery Kits & web resources for grade schoolers & caregivers

Kid looking at anatomy on tablet

By Hal, Rainbow Services Librarian Developing accurate and affirming language to name the parts of our bodies and understanding how bodies change as we age is an important skill for young people to learn. Not only is it a matter of physical health, but it also provides young people with better tools to advocate for … Read more

Programs to help you better understand gender identities & be an ally

Hand holding a rainbow

In November, please join us for two adult programs focused on trans and nonbinary identities. As a Library for Everyone, we believe that offering programs like these are a necessary component of us striving to be an anti-racist and equitable organization. Trans & Non-Binary 101 & Allyship Workshop Do you want to better understand trans … Read more

Celebrating Pride Month: Books, learning experiences & more

A collage of book covers

Your public library is here to connect you with books, learning experiences, events, and online resources that celebrate the LGBTQ+ community in June and all year long. On this page, you can: Browse titles we suggest Just for kids From your digital library Ebooks, audiobooks & movies Magazines Join us for upcoming events Celebrate Pride: … Read more

Preparing for Pride Month: Books for kids

Book icon on a rainbow background

By Hal, Rainbow Services Librarian As the summer approaches, so does Pride Month. In the United States and many other countries around the world, we celebrate Pride during June in honor of the Stonewall Uprising of 1969. Nowadays, communities throughout the world celebrate Pride Month with parades of rainbows and glitter. These parades began as … Read more

Transgender Day of Visibility: Books, virtual tutorials & more resources

Transgender Day of Visibility text with a blue, pink, and white striped flag in the background

By Rainbow Services Librarian Hal (adult and teen titles curated by Collection Management Librarian Dontaná) Held each year on March 31, Transgender Day of Visibility (TDoV) celebrates the lives and accomplishments of transgender and nonbinary people. Trans advocate Rachel Crandall founded TDoV in 2010 because stories in the media about transgender and nonbinary people so … Read more

LGBTQ+ people & history: Books, a new trivia game & resources to share with grade schoolers

Pride flag overlayed with a rainbow of colors

By Hal, Rainbow Services Librarian Did you know? Illinois is one of only six states with an inclusive curriculum bill that ensures students in public schools learn about LGBTQ+ and their contributions as part of their history curriculum. In their most recent published survey results (pdf), GLSEN found that inclusive curriculums have a positive impact … Read more

Books & resources for Transgender Day of Visibility

Transgender Day of Visibility

March 31 is Transgender Day of Visibility (TDoV). Founded in 2009 by Rachel Crandall, Transgender Day of Visibility celebrates the resilience and accomplishments of transgender and nonbinary people. The title suggestions below are an invitation to learn about trans identities and experience the lives of trans people and their families. Plus, you’ll find books about … Read more

Transgender Day of Visibility: Books for early learners & grade schoolers

Book covers

By Hal, Rainbow Services Librarian March 31 is Transgender Day of Visibility (TDoV). Founded in 2009 by Rachel Crandall, Transgender Day of Visibility celebrates the resilience and accomplishments of transgender and nonbinary people. Back in November, we shared books and resources about gender identity. This time, in honor of TDoV, let’s explore some books written … Read more

Discover & explore for grade schoolers: Gender identity

Transgender spelled out on cubes

By Hal, Rainbow Services Librarian It’s Transgender Awareness Week, an annual event dedicated to educating our communities about the lives of transgender people. Transgender Awareness Week is celebrated every year during the week leading up to Transgender Day of Remembrance (November 20), a day set aside to recognize each life lost during the year to … Read more