News & Announcements

Santa Cruz Public Libraries is celebrating Pride Month throughout June. Discover book recommendations, join us for free events, explore illuminating resources, and much more—for all ages. Happy Pride!

About:

Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer + Pride Month (LGBTQ+ Pride Month) is celebrated annually in June to honor the 1969 Stonewall riots, and works to achieve equal justice and equal opportunity for LGBTQ+ Americans. In June of 1969, patrons and supporters of the Stonewall Inn in New York City staged an uprising to resist the police harassment and persecution to which LGBTQ+Americans were commonly subjected. This uprising marks the beginning of a movement to outlaw discriminatory laws and practices against LGBTQ+Americans.

Today, celebrations include pride parades, picnics, parties, workshops, symposia and concerts, and LGBT Pride Month events attract millions of participants around the world. Memorials are held during this month for those members of the community who have been lost to hate crimes or HIV/AIDS. The purpose of the commemorative month is to recognize the impact that LGBTQ individuals have had on history locally, nationally, and internationally.

Reading & Resources:

• LGBTQIA Fiction Adult Reading Book List
• LGBTQ+ Kids Book List for Ages 4-8
• LGBTQ+ Kids Book List for Kids 12 and under
• LGBTQ+ Teens Book List for Teens 13 and over
• United Against Hate Kids Book List
• The Diversity Center reaches approximately 10,000 individuals through their onsite programs, outreach and education events, their work with school-based Gay/Straight Alliances, and our Triangle Speakers program.
  

Events:

• May 31st - June 2nd: Pride Weekend with parades, festivals and shows. Pride Family Day at the MAH
• June 7 - This is My Body- Author Talk with Madeline Aliah at our Aptos Branch
• June 27th: Pride Storytime and Craft at the Felton Branch Library
  
• June 23rd & July 28th: Queer Gaming at the Downtown Branch Library

Santa Cruz History:

The first Santa Cruz Pride event took place in the summer of 1975 and was organized by Lesbian and Gay Men’s Union (LAGMU). This group started at Cabrillo College. The week-long celebration took place over four days and included workshops, dances, and concerts. It ended with a day of picnicking, music, poetry, in San Lorenzo Park. Since then, Santa Cruz Pride has continued to grow. Learn more here.

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