Text says "Pride Month Giveaway" over a rainbow background with a photo of a Pride-themed giveaway items including a "Shelf Love" tote bag, pin, socks, and mug

Each June we celebrate Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer/Questioning Pride! Many Pride events in the United States are held in June to commemorate the anniversary of the Stonewall Rebellion on June 28, 1969. Communities often celebrate with festivals, performances, rallies, parades, family events, film screenings, and other events to honor the history of the LGBTQIA+ social movement.

Supporting a diverse and inclusive community is at the heart of our mission to serve Monroe County. While we strive to celebrate our LGBTQIA+ community all year long, June offers an opportunity to highlight the contributions of LGBTQIA+ creators and to provide a safe and welcoming space.

Pride Giveaway

This month we’re celebrating Pride by giving away a bundle of pride-themed merchandise from our Friends of the Library Bookstore! Want to win? To enter, read a book by or about members of the LGBTQIA+ community, then share a selfie of you with your rainbow read on social media! Make sure your post is public and that you tag us @mcplindiana with the hashtag #MCPLPride so we can enter you into the contest! Scroll down to find some recommended reads!

Pride Month Events for Teens

On June 3, we’re partnering with Kaleidoscope Youth Community for Know Your Glow––a fun after-hours glow stick and blacklight dance extravaganza for teens ages 12–20. Drop by the Downtown Library from 7–10 PM to join in!

This month, our regular D&D Club is Pride-themed! The sessions of Dungeons and Dragons are designed to be short, fun, and evolving adventures that anyone can play and all skill levels are welcome! Ages 12–19. Drop in Wednesday, June 1 at 4 PM at the Downtown Library or Friday, June 3 at 3:30 PM at the Ellettsville Branch.

You can also celebrate your identity by painting your very own Pride flag onto a wooden pennant! Acrylic paints in a rainbow of colors will be provided. Ages 12–19. Drop in to the Ellettsville Teen Space on Tuesday, June 7 from 3–4 PM.

Celebrate LGBTQIA+ Reads

Chat about your favorite reads with LGBTQIA+ characters at Rainbow Reads for Teens on Thursday, June 23. We'll provide snacks, you bring the discussion! Ages 12–19. Drop in from 4–5 PM in the Ellettsville Teen Space.

Talk and learn about social and emotional issues such as acceptance, being yourself, and loving who you are at Rainbow Reads Storytime! We will explore these topics with you and your child in an LGBTQIA+ inclusive and fun environment by sharing stories that discuss gender identity, positive relationships, and by leading the group in songs, rhymes, and other fun activities surrounding Pride month. Ages 3–6. It’s 10:30-11:30 AM Saturday, June 18, in the Children’s Program Room at the Downtown Library. Drop in!

Join us for Books on Tap, the book club with a twist! Enjoy fantastic drinks, a comfortable atmosphere, and a great discussion on The Magic Fish, a folk tale-inspired graphic novel by Trung Le Nguyen. In this gorgeous debut graphic novel, fairy tales are the only way one boy can communicate with his Vietnamese immigrant parents. But how will he find the words to tell them that he’s gay? A powerful read about family, identity, and the enduring magic of stories. Ages 18 & up. It’s 6:30–8 PM Monday, June 27 at Morgenstern’s Bookstore & Cafe at 849 S. Automall Road, Bloomington. Please register.

Looking for book recommendations? Drop by the Library this month to browse our physical displays stocked with rainbow reads for all ages or scroll through our online booklists for even more staff picks! Like these award-winning titles for adults, recommended YA books, and #OwnVoice stories for children.

Adults: Rainbow Reads for Adults

Adults: Pride Pictures

Teens: YA LGBTQIA+

Kids: LGBTQIA+ Experiences