LATE OPENING:

Due to the Memorial Marathon, the Ronald J. Norick Downtown Library will open at 12pm on Saturday, April 27th and at 2:30pm on Sunday, April 28th.

Pride Month

On June 28, 1969, New York City police raided the Stonewall Inn, a gay bar in Greenwich Village, treating patrons and employees with violence. The raid sparked riots and protests for the next six days and was a catalyst for the modern gay rights movement in the United States.

Throughout the month and beyond, the Metropolitan Library System is committed to highlighting LGBTQIA+ reading or listening recommendations and other resources, along with offering programs that amplify LGBTQIA+ voices and stories. For the latest LGBTQIA+ events at the Metropolitan Library System, please check our Calendar of Events. 

This event is in the "Teens" group.

PRIDE Prom

6:00pm - 8:00pm
Northwest Library
Registration
Library Branch: Northwest Library
Room: Meeting Room AB (Northwest)
Age Group: Teens
Program Type: Community & Civics
Registration Required
Seats Remaining: 50
Event Description:
Did you feel excluded from your high school prom because of who you wanted to bring as your date or what you wanted to wear? Or maybe you loved your prom and just want to do it again! In either case, this prom is for you! Join us as we express PRIDE ...

Disclaimer(s)

We cannot guarantee that food served at this program has not come into contact with tree nuts, soy, or other allergens. Accordingly, the Library will not be liable for such harm to any individual resulting from such allergens.

This event is in the "All Ages" group.

LGBTQ+ Art Showcase

All Day 6/20 - 6/30
Downtown Library
Library Branch: Downtown Library
Room: Onsite (Downtown)
Age Group: All Ages
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Displays & Exhibits
Event Description:
We're celebrating 2SLGBTQIA+ artists in the month of June! Enjoy our exhibition from local artists and creators on display in Philomathea Hall.  ...
This event is in the "Teens" group.
This event is in the "Adults" group.

PRIDE Creative Writing Chapbooks

06/20/2024 @ 8:00am - 06/30/2024 @ 6:00pm
Warr Acres Library
Library Branch: Warr Acres Library
Room: Onsite (Warr Acres)
Age Group: Teens, Adults
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Books & Reading, Continuing Education, Cultural Experiences, Take-Home Kit, Writing
Event Description:
Have you always wanted to explore creative writing but never had the chance? Pick up one of our special PRIDE creative writing chapbooks filled with creative writing exercises meant to strengthen your creative muscles! ...
This event is in the "Birth-PreK" group.
This event is in the "Kids" group.

Pride Storytime

10:00am - 11:00am
Downtown Library
Library Branch: Downtown Library
Room: Children's Program Room (Downtown)
Age Group: Birth-PreK, Kids
Program Type: Storytimes
Event Description:
Celebrate Pride with your kids this year with a Pride Themed Storytime! Kids and families ages 5-10 are invited to join us for a storytime filled with rainbows, joy, and acceptance. Storytime will be followed with a craft for the whole family! ...

Disclaimer(s)

This program is designed for children and accompanying adults. Please plan to be in attendance and be engaged with your child for this program. 

This event is in the "Teens" group.
This event is in the "Adults" group.

An Afternoon with TJ Klune

2:00pm - 4:00pm
Downtown Library
Registration
Library Branch: Downtown Library
Room: 46th Star Auditorium (Downtown)
Age Group: Teens, Adults
Program Type: Author Events
Registration Required
Seats Remaining: 132
Event Description:
Join us for An Afternoon with TJ Klune! TJ Klune is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling, Lambda Literary Award-winning author of The House in the Cerulean Sea, The Extraordinaries, and more. Being queer himself, Klune believes it's important...

Disclaimer(s)

Be Advised:  This program may be photographed and/or videotaped for publicity purposes.

By Attending, you consent:  To the use of your voice and likeness in future publicity uses that contain content from this event. If you do not wish to be on camera, please let us know.

For more information visit our Photography & Video Disclaimer

View More Events

Pride Books, Movies, and More

Pride for Children & Families


Supplies

  • Paper or Cardstock
  • 3 different colors of pipe cleaners
  • Scissors
  • Tape
  • Stapler

Steps & Instructions

  1. Using card stock or regular paper cut a 1" strip to fit your head (you may have to staple two strips together!
  2. Cut the first color of pipe cleaners into 6" pieces, second color into 4" pieces, and last color into 3" pieces.
  3. Starting with the first color (6" pieces) bend into anarch shape and tape down each end onto your paper strip.
  4. Repeat with second color (4" pieces), taping them just inside the first color. Repeat with your third and final color.
  5. Use stapler to secure the ends of your band together!
  6. Wear your new rainbow flag crown with PRIDE.


Download Instructions


Supplies

  • Markers or Colored Pencils
  • Shrinky Dink Paper
  • Pin Backs
  • Pencil
  • Hot Glue Gun & Hot Glue Sticks

Steps & Instructions

  1. Take shrinky dink paper and draw your design
  2. Cut out designs
  3. Place on a baking sheet in a pre-heated 325 degree oven for 1-3 minutes
  4. Carefully remove from oven.
  5. Glue on pin backs using a hot glue gun (be careful)
  6. Let the glue sit and chill for a few minutes
  7. Wear with PRIDE.



Supplies

  • Glue
  • Scissors
  • Pens
  • Piece of Cardboard
  • Accents: Colorful papers, wrappers, stickers, sequins, yarn, and other fun things

Steps & Instructions

  1. Draw a rainbow on your piece of cardboard
  2. Cut your paper into small pieces
  3. Start gluing
  4. Cut out your rainbow
  5. Display with PRIDE.


 

View All DIY Storytimes

 

 

Read

Available through hoopla Digital

 

Watch

The Most Magnificent Thing:  Based on the book by Ashley Spires and narrated by Whoopi Goldberg. A young girl receives a tool kit as a gift and decides to make something magnificent for her faithful dog companion but the creative process proves more challenging than expected.

 

Sing

I Like You from Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood, inspired by Mister Rogers Neighborhood
I like you, I like you, I like you
Just the way you are!


Now try singing it about yourself:
I like me, I like me, I like me,
Just the way I am!

 

Who You Are is Important to Me!
To the tune of London Bridge
I am me. And she is she.
He is he and they are they.
I am me and xe is xe.
Who you are is important to me!


Rainbows I See!
To Frere Jacques/Brother John
Red and orange (red and orange)
Yellow and green (yellow and green)
Blue, indigo, and violet (blue, indigo and violet)
Rainbow colors, I see! (rainbow colors, I see!)

 

 

Activity

Make a Mermaid Crown like the one in Julian is a Mermaid

Download Instructions

 

Create Your Own Paper Doll

Download Instructions

 

More Books

Books on Hoopla

 

Books on Overdrive/Libby (note: These titles may have a waiting list.)

 

Keep Learning

hoopla allows you to borrow movies, music, audiobooks, eBooks, comics and TV shows to enjoy on your computer, tablet, or phone – and even your TV! With no waiting, titles can be streamed immediately, or downloaded to phones or tablets for offline enjoyment later. We have hundreds of thousands of titles to choose from, with more being added daily. hoopla is like having your public library at your fingertips. Anytime. Anywhere.

 

 

Download this DIY Storytime



 

View All DIY Storytimes

 

 

Read

Available through hoopla Digital

 

Watch

Nature Cat: Tally Ho! A Rainbow! After a rainstorm (Nature Cat is sure glad it's over!) Daisy wants to capture a picture of a rainbow for her Granny Bunny who just loves rainbows! But finding a rainbow is easier said than done, as the four friends trek all over in search of it!  

 

 

Sing

Rainbow Colors to the tune of “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star” 

First comes red and orange too 

Shiny yellow, green, and blue 

Purple ends the pretty rays 

Only seen on rainy days 

First comes red and orange too 

Shiny yellow, green, and blue 

 

Watch Video of Song Online

 

Bubble, Bubble, Pop! 

One little red fish 

Swimming in the water, 

Swimming in the water, 

Swimming in the water. 

One little red fish 

Swimming in the water, 

Bubble, bubble, bubble, bubble...POP! 

Verses: Increase the number and change the colour.

 

Watch Video of Song Online

 

And don’t forget Rainbow Connection from The Muppet Movie soundtrack! 

 

Activity

Make Color Changing Milk

Supplies

  • a baking pan or shallow bowl
  • milk
  • liquid food coloring
  • cotton swabs
  • liquid dish soap

 

Steps

  1. Pour about an inch of milk into the shallow bowl.  
  2. Add drops of food coloring to the milk, not stirring into the milk.
  3. Put a dish soap on the cotton swab. 
  4. Dip the cotton swab into a color part of the milk and watch the food coloring move away! 
  5. If you like, you can dip a piece of paper onto the top of the milk to make your own marbled paper.  

 

More Books

Books on Hoopla

 

Books on Overdrive/Libby (note: These titles may have a waiting list.)

 

Keep Learning

TumbleBooks 

The Tumblebook Library has over a thousand always available eBooks for elementary school students. It includes animated talking picture books, chapter books, videos, non-fiction titles, and graphic novels as well as learning activities for literacy and reading comprehension such as puzzles, games, quizzes, and lesson plans.  

 

 



LGBTQIA+ Library Resources

Pride looks a little different this year with most parades either being postponed or moved online, but we are still doing our part to celebrate at the Library. If you don’t know the history, on June 28, 1969 there was a clash between LGBTQ2S+ people and cops at a gay bar called the Stonewall Inn. While there is much debate as to whether this event should be called a riot, rebellion or uprising, who threw the first brick at the cops, or whether it was in fact a brick, a stone, or even a handbag; what isn’t up for debate is the lasting impact that this event had for the LGBTQ2S+ community and America. In celebration of this event, Pride now takes place every June and is a time for people that identify as LGBTQ2S+ and their allies to celebrate self-affirmation, dignity, equality, and their increased visibility in the world.

One of the topics that is always discussed around this time is representation. Representation is so important for minority populations because it gives us a way to see ourselves in the media that we consume. This not only makes us feel seen and accepted, when we so often feel othered, but it also can help increase acceptance and information exchange. The Library actively strives to create diverse and inclusive collections for this reason. So, if you are interested in reading the rainbow, you can check out these great sites for lists of different types of books that represent the LGBTQ2S+ community. Also keep an eye out on our website and social media for more resources throughout the month.

The Library is also a great way to connect with resources when you are needing help. So whether you are a member of the LGBTQ2S+ community, a family member, an ally, or are just interested in learning more about resources and issues facing the community, you can check out these sites for more information.

LGBT in OKC: A Brief History of the Oklahoma City LGBT+ Community

Ward 2 City Councilman James Cooper, the first openly LGBT member of Oklahoma City's city council, talks about the history and struggles of the LGBT+ community in OKC.

 

 

LGBT History: The Arrest of Paul Thompson

In this month's podcast we hear the story of the arrest of Oklahoma City gay rights activist Paul Thompson and his fight in court.

 

 

LGBTQ History and Pride in OKC

Freedom Oklahoma's Allie Shin and City Councilperson James Cooper talk about the history of the LGBTQ+ community in Oklahoma City and the city's Pride celebration.

 

Library Magazines

The Advocate

The Advocate has been the definitive news source for America’s LGBT community since 1967. Every issue, The Advocate keeps you involved and informed on everything that’s important to you in LGBT news, politics, culture and entertainment. You’ll enjoy our intriguing interviews with important gay and lesbian newsmakers, plus you'll enrich your life with our regular coverage of gay travel, finance, fitness, and style. Now available with the cool convenience of digital delivery. Now expanded with exclusive video and slide show in every issue.

 

OUT

Out is America's premiere general interest and style magazine for gay men. Sexy, smart, and sophisticated, it inspires readers with captivating feature stories, striking fashion layouts, and lively entertainment reviews. Out. Discover what's in. Filled with interviews, fashion, travel, celebrities and more for gay life today.

 

Library Database

Archives of Sexuality and Gender

The Archives of Sexuality and Gender is the largest collection available in support of the study of gender and sexuality, enables scholars to make new connections in LGBTQ history and activism, cultural studies, psychology, health, political science, policy studies, and other related areas of research.

Visit Database

LGBTQIA+ Resources

  • Trans Lifeline - Trans Lifeline’s Hotline is a peer support service run by trans people, for trans and questioning callers. Operators are located all over the U.S. and Canada and are all trans-identified. 
  • The Trevor Project - the leading national organization providing crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to LGBTQ2S+ young people ages 13–24. 
  • Crisis Text Line - Text CONNECT to 741741 
SISU Youth Services
Overnight emergency shelter, hot meals, clothing, and case management to youth experiencing homelessness. Ages 16-24
405-459-7478 Website 3131 North Pennsylvania Ave.
Oklahoma City, OK 73112

 

The Homeless Alliance
Emergency shelter that provides help with immediate needs such as food, clothing, and access to other resources
405-415-8410 Website 1724 NW 4th St.
Oklahoma City, OK 73106
OKC Day Shelter:
1729 NW 3rd St.
Oklahoma City, OK 73106

 

City Rescue Mission
Provides shelter, medical care, dental care, vision assistance, GED courses, job placement services and more for youth
Ages 15-24
405-232-2709 Website 800 W. California Ave.
Oklahoma City, OK 73106
Diversity Family Health
405-388-2258 Website 2242 NW 39th St.
Oklahoma City, OK 73112

 

OU Medicine & Health Equality Coordinator
405-271-6488 Website

 

Revan Health
405-896-7975 Website 5601 NW 72nd St. Suite 142
Warr Acres, OK 73132

 

Trust Women Oklahoma City Clinic
405-429-7940 Website 1240 SW 44th St.
Oklahoma City, OK 73109
Bright Eyes Family Services
LGBTQIA+ affirming provider of mental health care.
405-810-5554 Website 4334 NW Expressway Suite 211
Oklahoma City, OK 73116

 

Cedar Ridge
Community mental health agency providing services to children and adults. Telehealth options are available.
405-271-6488 Website 6501 NE 50th St.
Oklahoma City, OK 73141

 

Diversity Center of Oklahoma, Inc.
Gender divers & LGBTQIA+ community resource center.
405-605-5982 Website 1211 N. Shartel Suite 606
Oklahoma City, OK 73141

 

NorthCare
Community mental health agency providing services to children, adults, and families.
405-858-2700 Website 2617 General Pershing Blvd.
Oklahoma City, OK 73107