by Jessica S.

Happy Pride, y’all! Since 1970s first Pride march in New York City on the one-year anniversary of the Stonewall Uprising, LGBTQ+ community members and allies have turned an incident of brutality and discrimination into an annual celebration that honors the past and works toward a more inclusive and equitable future. Whether you fit somewhere under the LGBTQ+ umbrella or are a supportive ally, we’ve got you!

When you aren’t sure where to start, you can begin with the Rainbow Reads booklists for adults, teens, and kids that are curated by our instructors to make sure everyone is represented. You’re bound to find a title or two that makes you feel seen or opens a window on a different life experience, building empathy and understanding.

Now that you’ve read some new titles, the best way to cement your thoughts is to talk about them with some like-minded souls. Although all our book discussion groups are inclusive and new attendees are always welcome, Central Branch has a perfect fit for LGBTQ+ adults and allies with Reads of Acceptance. Join this group to talk about titles of interest in a safe space for social support, personal growth, and intergenerational learning.

If self-direction is more your jam, the Equity Resource Center housed at Central Branch is a great place for you to spend some time browsing our large collection of titles on LGBTQ+ topics, race, religion, and more. Safely explore the many treasures in this collection and hang out to read – without having to spend a dime. Even if you don’t visit the ERC, library branches are a safe space to chill, read, work on schoolwork, use a computer, or meet up with friends – all are welcome here!

Sometimes we’d all rather celebrate Pride from the comfort of home, and you don’t have to leave the house if you have a library card in hand. OverDrive (and its app, Libby) provides access to e-books, e-audiobooks, and magazines including Out, The Advocate, Gay Times, and Transliving International. The Netflix of libraries, Kanopy offers streaming movies like Oscar-winner Moonlight (2016), Filipino horror-comedy Remington and the Curse of the Zombadings (2013), or the uplifting coming-of-age drama Hearts Beat Loud (2018).

Look for us at Howard County Pride, which takes place in October! And if you are interested in celebrating Pride with something a bit more low-key than a march that still gets you out of the house, check out upcoming library classes and events.

Author Works: Tonee Moll
For adults. Register here.
Tonee Moll reads from and discusses their award-winning book of poetry, You Cannot Save Here, this work is queer, it’s punk, and it uses cultural allusion to address how we live our lives when it feels like the world is ending.
Sat, Jun 17 | 3 – 4 pm
Savage Branch

Films that Connect Us
For adults. Register here.
How do films shape and connect us? Join our film discussion. Please watch the film prior to the discussion date. The film for June is And Then We Danced (available on Kanopy).
Mon, Jun 5 | 4 – 5 pm
online

Pride Button Making
Ages 11-18 and adults. Register here.
Celebrate LGBTQIA+ Pride month by creating your own rainbow or pronoun buttons to wear or share. In this class, you learn about the different types of pride flags, learn about pronouns, and make a rainbow or pronoun button.
Sat, Jun 17 | 1 – 2:30 pm
Savage Branch

Stick to Being You – Creating Pride Stickers with the Cricut
Teens and adults. Register here.
Celebrate Pride Month at the Glenwood Branch + Makerspace and learn how to create custom stickers with the Cricut maker.
Wed, Jun 21 | 6 – 8 pm
Glenwood Brabch

Rainbow Pride
Ages 8-11. Ticketed.
Celebrate LGBTQIA+ Pride month with related reads, activities, and a rainbow craft!
Wed, Jun 14 | 2 – 2:45 pm | Central Branch
Thu, Jun 15 | 2 – 2:45 pm | Elkridge Brach
Wed, Jun 21 | 2 – 2:45 pm | Savage Branch

Craft Pop-Up Shop: Rainbow Pride Edition
Ages 4 and up. Allow 15 minutes. Drop in.
Pop-in and make a rainbow craft!
Mon, Jun 12 | 3 – 4:30 pm
Miller Branch

Films with Humans: Moonlight
For adults. Register here.
Watch a film about humans, since all great stories involve great characters, followed by a discussion with fellow humans. The movie is available on DVD and via Kanopy. Watch the movie at the library on June 29 or view it in advance.
Thu, Jun 29 | 6 – 8:30 pm
Elkridge Branch

Jessica is an Instructor & Research Specialist at HCLS Savage Branch. She likes comics, anime, all things science fiction, and horror movies. She’s currently learning about 3D Printing and AI.