Pride Month

In June, we are celebrating Pride month with special events and programs, book displays, booklists, and more! 

PRIDE EVENTS

-Teens ages 13-18 are invited to celebrate Pride Month by picking up one of our Rainbow Connection Teen Loot Bags! Each loot bag will come with a colourful array of 2SLGBTQIA+ themed YA books (checked out to your library account), rainbow treats, colourful crafts, and a quiz that will recommend your next great 2SLGBTQIA+ read AND enter you to win $20 Downtown Dollars!   The Rainbow Connections Teen Loot Bags have all been signed out but you can still complete the Personality Quiz Contest until Friday, June 27.

-Get ready to slay the night away at Drag Queen Bingo with the fabulous Haus of Devereaux! Join us at the Library on Friday, June 6 for an unforgettable evening packed with glitz, giggles, and gorgeous games. Doors open at 7:30 p.m., show starts at 8 p.m., and trust us folks- this is not your grandma’s bingo! Your $15 ticket gets you six fierce rounds of Bingo (cards and dabbers included) plus light snacks, plenty of prizes,  and a cash bar to keep things extra fun. This 19+ event is serving adult content and high camp realness, so grab your friends and your fiercest fits! *This event is now SOLD OUT.

-Fierte Simcoe Pride (FSP) is holding its monthly creative gathering in the Library Program Room on Tuesday, June 10 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. This monthly drop-in social is for all ages (including youth and families) who are looking for a supportive space to explore their identity, express themselves, and build community. Each month will feature a new activity/game/craft to do together while chatting about life and getting to know one another. These events are open to all members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community and allies within Simcoe County and beyond. This month's craft is friendship bracelets and all materials are provided , including light snacks and drinks. Registration is not required. Contact M (they/them) at m@fiertesimcoepride.com for more information. 

-Youth ages 12-19, who are looking for a supportive space to explore their identity and build community, are invited to the Gilbert Centre Teen OUTreach monthly drop-in group being held this month on Wednesday, June 11 from 3-5 p.m. in Library Program Room 2.  Each month features a new activity to do together while chatting and getting to know one another.  Light snacks and drinks will be provided.  Registration is not required.  For more information about this group, email: Kat - katb@gilbertcentre.ca or Silas - silasf@gilbertcentre.ca or call: 249-535-0585. 

-Coming to the Lake Country Pride March on Saturday, June 14 at 1 p.m.?  Visit the 2nd floor of the Library from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and create some rainbow signs to take with you!  Then take your photo against our colourful backdrop.  Bristol board provided, while supplies last.  

-Also on Saturday, June 14, stop by the OPL booth at the Lake Country Pride Gathering and BBQ beginning at 2 p.m. for crafts and stories.  You'll find us near the Couchiching Beach Park Large Pavilion.

-The Family Dept. is showing their pride all month long with their giant rainbow window mural.  Stop by and help us add to our paper chain heart!

PRIDE MONTH BOOKLISTS

We're celebrating inclusivity with staff-curated booklists!

-Pride Picture Books for Kids: Celebrate Pride with one of these picture books featuring 2SLGBTQIA+ characters and themes, then explore the rest of our collection for even more books filled with pride.

-Read With Pride - YA Fiction: Celebrate Pride with one of these Young Adult fiction books about 2SLGBTQIA+ characters and themes!

-Celebrate Pride - Life Stories: Check out these inspiring biographies and memoirs from 2SLGBTQIA+ authors

OPL is committed to creating more inclusive services and spaces for 2SLGBTQIA+ communities. At the Library you will find representation and allyship among our staff, and a variety of resources and programming inclusive of the 2SLGBTQIA+ experience.