Palatine Library celebrates with Pride with programs

Palatine Library is celebrating Pride all month long with various programs, crafts, and book displays that honor the experiences of the LGBTQIA+ community and amplify their voices.

As an organization that values diversity and supports community connections, the library hopes that these Pride month activities foster a welcoming atmosphere of learning and understanding.

The month kicks off Wednesday, June 1, with the Show Your Pride Kit, which is full of surprises and teaches kids about Pride and its history through various crafts and activities. Children of all ages can drop by the Elementary Space all day for their own Show Your Pride Kit.

Older library members can join on Tuesdays, June 7 and 14, from 4-6 p.m. in The Workshop Lab for an afternoon of embroidery by creating Pride Patches on the new embroidery machines.

Celebrate different groups within the LGBTQIA+ community and create patches to take home and sew on backpacks or clothes. Signup for this activity begins Tuesday, May 31, and is open to all members ages 11 and older.

Educate yourself on topics related to the transgender identity with a virtual discussion presented by award-winning consultant and speaker Nikk Cochran Selik. During Transgender 101 on Tuesday, June 14 from 7-8:15 p.m., Selik talks about key concepts and terminology on the transgender identity.

Participants can gain practical tools to become a supportive ally and get their questions answered in a judgment-free zone. Signup for this program is open Tuesday, May 31.

There is also a plethora of books, television shows, movies and other resources that represent and amplify LGBTQIA+ voices. Visit any library location to find titles or get recommendations from librarians at the first floor Youth and Teen Desk, or at the second floor Information Desk.