Philadelphia, PA 19103-1189
(215) 567-7710
FAX (215) 567-7850
Contact: Communications and Development
The Free Library Celebrates Pride Month This June
PHILADELPHIA, May 25, 2023—The Free Library of Philadelphia is proud to celebrate Pride Month with free programming throughout the month of June celebrating LGBTQ+ lives, stories, and histories. The programming includes events for all ages such as story times, crafts, book talks, and more.
Below are highlights of the Free Library’s Pride Month offerings. For the complete list of events and how to join, visit freelibrary.org/pride.
LGBTQ+ Wellness Fair
Tuesday, May 30 | 2:00 – 5:00 p.m.
Nicetown-Tioga Library | 3720 North Broad Street
Bradbury-Sullivan LGBT Community Center and the Nicetown-Tioga Library are hosting the Philly LGBTQ+ Wellness Fair, where all folks are encouraged and invited to attend. The event will include a variety of activities and resources including: Aura Photography Reading, a mindfulness hour, HIV testing and healthcare enrollment. There will also be wardrobe gift card giveaways, as well as free fresh produce and snacks.
Gender 101
Wednesday, May 31 | 5:00 p.m.
Northeast Regional Library | 2228 Cottman Avenue
For those looking to learn more about what pronouns are, or what being transgender means, this event will help gain a basic understanding of gender identity and expression in the modern world, including terminology and the importance of safe spaces for gender diverse youth.
Queer Quizzo with Simone Allender
Wednesday, June 7 | 6:00 p.m.
Parkway Central Library | 1901 Vine Street
A night of fun, food, and facts in celebration of Pride Month. Simone Allender, well known in the Gayborhood and beyond for her many years as a quiz-master, will test quiz teams on their knowledge of LGBTQ+ history, figures, and so much more. Beer and light snacks will be provided, and those hungry for victory will have the opportunity to win prizes like free books from Giovanni's Room and tickets to an upcoming Author Event. This event is sponsored by Yards Brewing Company and intended for participants age 21 and over only. Please indicate your team name (up to four people, but solo participants are welcome) upon registration.
Youth Queer Lit Fest
Saturday, June 24 | 1:00 p.m.
Philadelphia City Institute | 1905 Locust Street
Young people age 10-19 are invited to join the Library for a celebration of queer middle grade and teen books. Lunch will be provided and there will be lots of book giveaways. Hear “lightning” book talks on new and favorite books for middle and high schoolers featuring LGBTQ+ characters. Parents and caregivers are also welcome. Please register by emailing Erin Hoopes by Wednesday, June 21. This program is generously sponsored by the Philadelphia City Institute Board of Managers.
PRIDE: Poets in the Park
Monday, June 26 | 6:30 p.m.
Shakespeare Park, across from Parkway Central Library | 1901 Vine Street
The Library is celebrating the final week of Free Library of Philly PRIDE with its first PRIDE: Poets in the Park featuring local poets Boston Gordon, Campbell Simmons and Sean Hanrahan reading selections from their works and discussing their craft. Time permitting there will also be an open mic for readings from the audience as well as an opportunity to share questions for our three readers.
In addition to these events, there will be drag queen story times at multiple locations throughout the month, including Fishtown Community Library, Independence Library, Andorra Library, and the Parkway Central Library.
This year, the Free Library is also offering Pride tee shirts in two original designs for sale, with proceeds going to support the Library. Shirts come in black or white and have multiple unisex styles available: tee, tank top, and sweatshirt.
The Free Library is dedicated to inclusivity and diversity, and neighborhood libraries serve as welcoming and safe spaces for all Philadelphians. The Free Library’s digital resources include LGBTQ+ reading lists for adults, teens, and children, with e-books that can be downloaded with a Free Library card; and podcasts of LGBTQ+ authors who have read at the Free Library. For more Free Library LGBTQ+ resources, visit freelibrary.org/pride.
05/25/2023
Department of External Affairs, Free Library of Philadelphia, 1901 Vine Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103-1189
(215) 567-7710, FAX (215) 567-7850