NEW ORLEANS, La. (NOLA NOW) - This June, the New Orleans Public Library is celebrating Pride Month. In honor of the occasion, adult programming librarian Shelby Goddard and youth services librarian Haley Hampton chose two LGBTQ-focused books for the June NOLA Now Book Club. For kids, Hampton selected “Harriet Gets Carried Away” by Jesse Sima. In this adorable picture book, readers watch as costume-loving Harriet gets a bit too excited while wearing her favorite dress-up outfits. On the day of her birthday party, dressed up like a penguin, she gets carried away on an adventure all the way back to the arctic. But luckily, she’s back before her two dads notice she was ever gone.
Families with kids of all ages are invited to get carried away to the exciting world of reading this summer with the New Orleans Public Library’s Summer Fun & Reading Challenge. Between now and July 31, the Library challenges participants to read 800 minutes and complete at least four Library-related activities.
Along the way, every Library in the city will host tons of fun, free events for all ages and interests.
This year, everyone who completes the challenge will win an adorable, limited-edition tote bag, designed by local artist Tamisha Anthony.
Registration is open now, and everyone gets a prize just for signing up – books for kids, and either a reading light or multi-use charger for adults. Visit summerfun.nolalibrary.org to sign up. Goddard is back this month with the NOLA Now Book Club pick of the month “The Other Mother,” by Rachel M. Harper. This Stonewall Award-winning novel is a multi-generational story about a young man searching for information about the father who died when he was two. Along the way, he discovers that the parent missing from his childhood was not his father, but another mother – the woman who was his mother’s partner when he was born and who took care of him as a baby.
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Throughout the month, the Library will host a variety of Pride-themed events for all ages, including two Goddard is especially excited for: At 2 p.m. on June 15, Frank Perez will visit Main Library for an author talk about what makes New Orleans queer history distinctive -- from Indigenous queerness in Bulbancha to Gay Carnival. Perez’ talk will focus on his research from his latest book, “Rainbow Fleur de Lis: Essays on Queer New Orleans History.” On June 6 at 5 p.m., Latter Library will host a “Local Pride” author event, featuring readings from five New Orleans-based writers: Nikki Ummel, Daniel W.K. Lee, T.Q. Sims, Kirsten Reneau, and Rickey Laurentiis.
For more information about free Pride events, reading recommendations, history, and activities at the Library this month, visit nolalibrary.org.
Paid in partnership with New Orleans Public Library.
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