Scarborough Public Library will host half a dozen Pride Month events in June to support and celebrate the LGBTQ+ community.
“We are an institution of the First Amendment,” library Director Chip Schrader told the Leader. “We are therefore an institution of civil rights.”
He equates the importance of Pride Month to other library initiatives, such as Banned Books Week.
“Pride month is very much in line with our culture and mission of inclusiveness,” Schrader said. “I think this is one of the most important months of our existence.”
Providing resources for LGBTQ+ community members is a critical function of the library, says Elsa Rowe, community engagement manager. Contributed / Scarborough Public Library
On the last early release day of the school year, this coming Wednesday, the library’s Youth Services will host Heartstopper Hangout, focusing on Alice Oseman’s “Heartstoppers” graphic novel and TV show about the friendship and romance of teens Charlie and Nick. Fans of the series can discuss it, play trivia games about it and create Heartstoppers and Pride-related crafts. About 80 students are expected to participate.
Also at the Hangout, youth services librarian Connie Burns will discuss a number of LGBTQ+ themed books, providing insight and recommendations for those looking to explore diverse and inclusive literature.
“She loves talking about books,” said Elsa Rowe, community engagement manager at the library. “We’ll talk to kids about which ones they’ve read, which ones they might like to read, and she’s going to take note of books kids are particularly interested in.”
Providing resources for LGBTQ+ community members of all ages is a critical function of the library, Rowe said.
“Libraries help to ensure that LGBTQ+ individuals have access to resources that affirm their identities and provide vital information on topics such as health, history and rights,” she said. “Beyond our nonfiction collection, we also believe that literature should serve as ‘a door, a window, and a mirror,’ providing a door into living vicariously through another person’s experience, a window for a view to different ways of thinking and being, and a mirror to reflect your own experience back at you.”
For adults, the library has three Pride events planned.
The documentary “Gen Silent,” about the challenges faced by LGBTQ+ seniors, will be screened at noon June 10 followed by an optional discussion.
“It’s not a new movie but, sadly, it’s still relevant,” Rowe said.
On June 18, a Pride Trivia event from 5:30 to 7 p.m. June 18 will be open to anyone age 13 or older. Questions will span LGBTQ+ history, culture and milestones. Registration is required.
On June 26, renowned Maine author, academic and activist Peg Cruickshank will present a program on the history of the gay rights movement dating back to the 1890s.
“She approached me a while ago about doing a program here,” Rowe said. “I’m very much looking forward to that.”
Throughout Pride Month, families can take a story walk outside the library featuring “Grandad’s Pride” by Harry Woodgate.
For more information about the library’s Pride Month events, go to scarboroughlibrary.org or call the library at 883-4723.
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