Washoe County Library has partnered with Our Center to celebrate LGBTQIA+ Pride at the 2023 debut of RainbowFest! The goal of RainbowFest is to provide families, friends, and allies of all ages the opportunity to celebrate diversity and practice self-acceptance. The event combines family-oriented activities with Drag Story Hour.
Washoe County Library has been a proud host of Drag Story Hour since 2019. “Drag Story Hour is back and bigger than ever with more events like RainbowFest and partners like Our Center,” said Library Director, Jeff Scott. “We are happy to celebrate Pride for our community for the fourth consecutive year!”
As a 501(c )3 nonprofit, Our Center works to maintain a safe, empowering, and supportive LGBTQIA+ community center in Northern Nevada that addresses advocacy, education, and services. Washoe County Library and Our Center worked together to create RainbowFest and bring the event to multiple library locations this summer:
- Thursday, June 15 – Downtown Reno Library
10 a.m. – noon: Crafts, stories
10:30 – 11 a.m.: Drag Story Hour
- Saturday, June 17 – North Valleys Library
10 a.m. – 2 p.m.: Crafts, music, food, and stories
10:30 – 11 a.m. and 1 – 1:30 p.m.: Drag Story Hour - Saturday, July 15 – Sparks Library
10 a.m. – 2 p.m.: Crafts, music, food, and stories
10:30 – 11 a.m. and 1 – 1:30 p.m.: Drag Story Hour
Library friend and local actor Miss Ginger Devine will return for Drag Story Hour and be joined by two additional drag artists this year. Each performer will read stories selected and approved by Washoe County Library Youth Services Librarians.
Limited seating is available for each Drag Story Hour session on a first-come, first-served basis. Each adult attending must be accompanied by one or more child(ren). At least one caregiver must stay with child(ren) throughout story time.
Events like RainbowFest provide an opportunity for families to embrace diversity and develop cultural competence. According to the American Library Association’s Library Bill of Rights, “when we recognize, value, and embrace diversity, we are recognizing, valuing, and embracing the uniqueness of each individual.”
Funding for the program was provided by local donations. Washoe County Library is a proud supporter of the LGBTQIA+ community and continues to be an inclusive and welcoming space for everyone. For more information about this event please contact Library Director Jeff Scott at jscott@washoecounty.gov.