Happy Pride Month, DeKalb!
Every June, communities around the world come together to celebrate Pride: honoring the history, achievements, diverse identities, and resilience of the LGBTQIA+ community. Here at DeKalb Public Library, Pride is an opportunity to showcase our deliberately curated collection and our willingness to champion people of all identities! We firmly believe that every great library belongs to everyone who enters it. Our doors, our resources, and our hearts are open to every member of our community, exactly as they are. Whether you are searching for a safe space to study, a place to connect with neighbors, or stories that reflect your own lived experiences, you have a home here. We are incredibly proud to serve as a vibrant, welcoming space where everyone, can feel secure, valued, and celebrated. We look forward to upholding these standards this June (and beyond) to help create a more welcoming and compassionate DeKalb!
To help you celebrate, reflect, and learn this month, we’ve put together a special collection of book recommendations, both fiction and non-fiction, listed below. These titles feature LGBTQIA+ authors, histories, and stories that will inspire, educate, and resonate with readers of all backgrounds.
Vicious and Immoral by John Gilbert McCurdy
Mothers and Sons by Adam Haslett
A Place of Our Own by June Thomas
Every Step She Takes by Alison Cochrum
Queer & Christian by Brandan Robertson
Night Night Fawn by Jordy Rosenberg
The T in LGBT+ by Jamie Raines
Last First Kiss by Julian Winters
The Mental Health Guide for Cis and Trans Queer Guys by Rahim Thawer
Zoe Brennan, First Crush by Laura Piper Lee
Marsha by Tourmaline
The South by Tash Aw
In addition to these fantastic reads, check out the upcoming events listed below! Each of these thoughtfully-planned programs celebrates you exactly as you are.
Gender Affirming Clothing Swap
- June 2, 6:30- 8:00 PM, Yusunas Meeting Room
- If you can’t make it to this event, please consider visiting our upcoming Sustainability Swaps on July 2, September 3, and November 5 from 5:30- 7:00 PM to swap gently-used clothing and house plants you are ready to part with!
Romance Book Club (A Dash of Salt and Pepper by Kosoko Jackson)
- June 8, 7:00- 8:00 PM, Nancy D. Castle Collaboration Studio
- Stuck between a stove and a hot place, Logan and Xavier discover an unexpected connection. But when the heat between them threatens to top the Scoville scale, they’ll have to decide if they can make their relationship work or if life has seasoned them too differently.
Visit us at DeKalb Pride Fest!
- June 20, 4:00- 7:00 PM, Downtown DeKalb
- DKPL will be at the event distributing library information and offering a FREE customizable fan! Come say “hi” and pick up a fan to keep you cool!
- June 23, 6:00- 8:00 PM, Yusunas Meeting Room
We invite you to come create, collaborate, and grow with us at DeKalb Public Library! If you have questions about our building, services, or materials, or any suggestions, please reach out to us at [email protected] or 815-756-9568 ext. 2150, or stop by and see us during our open hours. We are always happy to help!