By Hal, Rainbow Services Librarian
This year, our theme for kids summer reading is Adventure Begins at Your Library. Reading books, trying out something new in a Discovery Kit, or attending a library event can all be adventures. I think the best adventures teach us more about ourselves and those around us.
June 1 is not only the beginning of our summer reading program–it’s also the first day of Pride Month. Here are a few ways you can celebrate Pride and summer reading adventure:
- Join us for one of our Pride events and checking out our display in the Idea Box,
- Participate in Pride Bingo,
- Read books by LGBTQIA+ authors, and
- Check out Discovery Kits and Book Bundles.
Pride events
Grandad’s Pride Parade & Craft
Monday, June 17, 11 am, Main Library
Join us for a story, parade, and craft to celebrate Pride month! In Grandad’s Pride by Harry Woodgate, Grandad and Milly help their town organize a Pride parade. Beginning at the plaza outside the Main Library, we’ll go on a journey with Grandad and Milly around Scoville Park. As we read their story, we’ll collect ribbons to make rainbow wands, and then we’ll parade together back to the library for a treat! Best for ages 3+ with a caregiver. Register now »
The Rainbow Around Us
Friday, June 28, 10 am, Main Library
Black, brown, red, orange, yellow, green, blue, and purple! Every color in the Pride flag has a different meaning. Join us for a seek-and-find stroll. Beginning at the plaza outside the Main Library and wandering through Scoville Park, we’ll read Our Rainbow to learn about each color represented in the Pride flag, and then search for hidden scarves that match them. At the end, every seek-and-find adventurer will get to take home a prize. Best for ages 2+ with a caregiver. Register now »
Pride Bingo
All month long, the Oak Park Public Library and the Collaboration for Early Childhood invite families to participate in PRIDE BINGO! Stop by the service desk in the Main Library’s Children’s Services area to pick up a bingo card and read the books celebrating Pride with your children. Read at least three of the books during your library visit—you can check them out too—and return to the service desk for a prize!
Read the rainbow
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.
