Written by Clarity Amrein, Library Customer Advisor, St. Bernard Branch
Although Cincinnati’s Pride Festival was canceled this year, the Cincinnati & Hamilton County Public Library is celebrating the members of the LGBTQIA+ community all throughout June's Pride month. CHPL is thrilled to offer safe, in-person programming and branches are participating in Pride celebrations with events, Take & Make crafts, and virtual Pride storytimes.
Attend an Art Exhibit and Poetry Reading
The newly renovated and expanded Price Hill Branch Library is hosting an art exhibit of self-portraits by transgender individuals with accompanying responsive poems by Greater Cincinnati poets titled "InsideOut: An Affirming Epiphany." This exhibit is on display to the public during library hours through July 3.
The public is invited to meet the participating visual artists and poets from 2-5 p.m. Saturday, June 12, as well as to attend the book launch of InsideOut by editors and curators Jay Defazio and Saad Goshn, followed by poetry readings.
Paint in Our Garden
The Downtown Main Library is hosting two Paint in the Garden parties on Saturday, June 12. "Paint with Pride: Learning to Paint Using Symbolism" will be held at11 a.m.-1 p.m. and 3-5 p.m. Guest instructor Heather Chandler is teaching the basics of painting using contemporary symbolism and vivid colors. Participants are creating an acrylic creation to take home. If you’re a pop art, street art, or Keith Haring fan, you won't want to miss this event! Space is limited, so register online today or at the nearest library location.
Attend a Community Panel
The Price Hill Branch is also hosting a panel discussion titled LGBTQIA+ Personal, Social, and Legal Considerations from 2-5 p.m. Saturday, June 26. The panel discussion features community speakers attorney Scott Knox, archivist Phebe Beiser of the Ohio Lesbian Archives, and poet and storyteller Ashton Michael Lee.
Also of note:
- The Pleasant Ridge Branch Library is hosting a Color Party from 3-4 p.m. Monday, June 28, to continue Pride festivities.
- The Clifton Branch Library is offering a Take & Make craft called “Peace & Pride.” Youth and adults can decorate their own peace sign foam finger to display or wear to an event.
- Other Take & Make crafts are offered at CHPL branch libraries and special Pride buttons are available to take home for free.
- Pride-themed storytime videos are available to view all year long on the Cincinnati & Hamilton County Public Library YouTube channel, opens a new window.
The Cincinnati & Hamilton County Public Library celebrates minds of all kinds and encourages the members of the LGBTQIA+ community and their loved ones to be who they are. See our staff-generated books and materials lists that reflect your experiences or help you to better relate to the LGBTQIA+ individuals in your life on our brand-new LGBTQIA+ resource page.
Visit our online events calendar to sign up for these Pride events or visit your local branch to take home a Take & Make kit. Happy Pride month!
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