By Rainbow Services Librarian Hal
This year, our theme for kids summer reading is Plant a Seed, Read. Visiting the library to check out our programs, books, and kits is a great way to plant seeds of creativity, curiosity, and a love for reading.
June 1 is not only the beginning of our summer reading program—it’s also the first day of Pride Month.
Fill your garden with rainbows this summer. Here are a few ways you can participate in our summer reading program and celebrate Pride Month:
- Join us for one of our Pride events
- Read books by LGBTQ+ authors
- Check out Discovery Kits and Book Bundles
Pictured above: Artwork by Sarah Ferone.
Join us for one of our Pride events
Pride Club: DIY Rainbow Fidgets (grades 3-5)
Friday, June 12, 1 pm, Main Library
At our first Pride Club, we’ll make rainbow, Pride-themed fidgets. Choose between a trihexaflexagon folding paper fidget with a secret side, and a bead slider, or make them both! Best for grades 3-5.
Pride Club: Beaded Friendship Bracelets (grades 3-5)
Sunday, June 21, 1 pm, Main Library
Show off your Pride and style with a beaded bracelet. Make one for yourself or to give away to a friend!
Celebrate Pride: Shake, Rattle & Read + Stay & Play (ages 0-5)
Wednesday, June 24, 10 am, Main Library
Join us for a special storytime to celebrate Pride Month, and stick around after for a craft during Stay & Play.
Baby/Toddler Rainbow Nature Exploration (ages 0-5)
Tuesday, June 30, 10 am, Main Library
It’s never too early to start exploring nature! Black, brown, red, orange, yellow, green, blue, and purple: every color in the Pride flag has a different meaning. Join us for a rainbow book to learn about each color represented in the Pride flag, along with nature-based science play, perfect for babies, toddlers, and their siblings. We will meet outside the library on the plaza.
Pride Club: Button Making
Wednesday, July 15, 3:30 pm, Main Library
Drop in to design, color, and create your own buttons. Use the Pride flags for inspiration, show off your pronouns, or find your own way to express yourself!
Pride Club: Puzzle, Game & Vibe
Wednesday, August 19, 3:30 pm, Main Library
With the busy summer almost at an end, drop in to hang out and relax. We’ll provide puzzles, games, and coloring pages so you can choose which activity interests you. This is a no-pressure social meetup—come to connect with friends or just enjoy being in a space near others as you do a quiet, solo activity.
Read books by LGBTQ+ creators
Check out Discovery Kits & Book Bundles
About Hal
Hal is a children’s librarian who specializes in serving LGBTQ+ young people and their allies. He is passionate about identity exploration through collaborative storytelling and imaginative play.