Library to recognize LGBTQ+ Pride Month with events

Posted

BROOKINGS – June is LGBTQ+ Pride Month, commemorating the 1969 Stonewall riots, encouraging acceptance, and celebrating the historical impact of the LGBTQ+ community. In recognition of Pride Month, the Brookings Public Library will host three Pride-centered events.

At 6 p.m. June 2, the library will welcome Travis L. Letellier and Mandie Weinandt, board members of Equality South Dakota, to present their talk, “The ABCs of LGBTQ+.” Their presentation focuses on how to develop a better understanding of LGBTQ+ identities and experiences. By introducing fundamental concepts, definitions and language, participants will leave with a deeper knowledge of the LGBTQ+ community.

The library will also host a screening of the documentary “Out in Rural America” at 5:30 p.m. June 7. “Out in Rural America” is a 60-minute film that explores the struggles and joys of being lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and genderqueer in rural America, with many of the interviewees being residents of South Dakota. Following five stories from the LGBTQ+ community over six years, the film explores the issues of self-doubt, discrimination, acceptance, and small-town and Midwestern LGBTQ+ life from a cultural, social, familial and religious perspective. After the film, the library will invite the documentary’s producer and interviewees to take part in a virtual question-and-answer session with the audience.

Finally, from 6:30-7:30 p.m. June 22, drop by the library’s new Maker Lab by the newspaper and magazine area to make your own pronoun and pride flag buttons or stickers. This is a make-and-take event, which means participants can stop in any time during the designated hour. All ages are welcome.

Be sure to check out the library’s Pride Month book display in the building. Patrons can also find a reading list of LGBTQ+ books for all ages on the library’s website under the “Resource Guide” tab.

For additional information about the programs and services of the Brookings Public Library, visit www.brookingslibrary.org and follow the library on Facebook @bkglib. 

The mission of Brookings Public Library is to provide materials and information contributing to the education, recreation, and quality of life for the Brookings community.