Pride Month at BPL
In June, Burlington Public Library proudly joins the 2SLGBTQIA+ community to “raise the Rainbow” for Pride Month. This annual observance commemorates the Stonewall Uprising in June 1969 in New York City, which sparked the Gay Rights Movement. Public libraries are safe and welcoming spaces for everyone. Inclusion is one of our core values at BPL. So, we’re excited to unite with the community as a proud ally to celebrate diversity and the freedom to be yourself.
What's On
This year we celebrate Pride Month with an inspiring author talk, a critically acclaimed movie, and a special Family Storytime. At Central, pick up a button at our MakerSpace and show your Pride!
Afternoon at the Movies: Carol - June 11
An adaptation of Patricia Highsmith's seminal novel, The Price of Salt, Carol is the story of two women from very different backgrounds who find themselves in an unexpected love affair in 1950s New York. As conventional norms of the time challenge their undeniable attraction, an honest story emerges to reveal the resilience of the heart in the face of change. Carol, starring Cate Blanchett and Rooney Mara, garnered over 100 awards and accolades and was named the best LGBT film of all time by the British Film Institute. Join us for this screening of Carol on Tuesday, June 11, 1-3pm.
All movies are shown in Centennial Hall, Central Branch. No need to register, but please plan to arrive 15 minutes before showtime.
A History of Pride with Author Michael Rowe - June 16
As Toronto marks the 50th year of its first gay rights march, Burlington Public Library welcomes Michael Rowe on Sunday, June 16, 2:30-3:30pm, to discuss Pride, a celebration of those who march with pride.
Toronto’s first Gay Pride March started when a hundred people gathered to march from Allan Gardens to Queen’s Park, calling on lawmakers to include sexual orientation in the Ontario Human Rights Code. This march helped lay the groundwork for what has become one of the largest gay pride festivals in the world.
In Pride, Lambda-award-winning writer Michael Rowe brings this history—and the challenges the gay community has faced since—into sharp focus, while Toronto photographer Angel Guerra captures his city’s pride parade, shining a light on moments of joy, strength, ferocity, resilience, and love. At a time when 2SLGBTQI+ rights are under renewed threat throughout the world, Guerra and Rowe’s work captures the power of a movement that contains multitudes.
Rainbow Storytimes – All Branches
It’s fun for the whole family! Read, write, talk, sing, and play along while our storyteller shares inclusive stories featuring members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. This program is geared to kids ages five and younger. You don't need to register, but please arrive early to secure your spot. Check all dates and times.
Read with Pride!
Read to discover, read to understand, read for pleasure—explore our collection of Staff Picks Pride booklists with reads for all ages.
Inclusion All Year Long
We put a spotlight on Pride during the month of June, but we want everyone to feel welcome at our branches all year long. During your next visit, you may notice that we have added a statement of inclusion at all our service points. Please join us in our commitment to inclusion and respect for all while you are at the library.
