Celebrating Pride Month and embracing diversity at Westland District Library
Westland District Library is celebrating and reaffirming our commitment to promoting a welcoming and inclusive environment for everyone. Our library is more than just a place to borrow books; it’s a vibrant community hub where everyone is welcome, seen, heard, and valued.
This year, we have joined the Safe Space Alliance, and we continue to shine a spotlight on the richness and diversity of LGBTQ+ literature available through the ‘Out on the Shelves’ campaign.
Our Pride Month displays show the diversity of our collection. From fiction to non-fiction, across all ages, our collections hold stories that reflect the lives and experiences of the Rainbow community for anyone to enjoy. With these displays, we aim to provide not just entertainment, but also information, to develop a deeper understanding, empathy and acceptance within our wider community. Seeing oneself reflected in books and media is crucial for mental health and self-esteem. For LGBTQ+ individuals, finding stories that reflect their experiences can be empowering and validating.
Public Libraries have always been sanctuaries of knowledge and inclusion. At Westland District Library, we believe that a truly great library serves everyone, offering resources and support to all, regardless of background, identity, or orientation. Inclusive libraries educate the broader community about the range of human experience, promoting understanding and empathy, which nurture a cohesive society.
As we celebrate Pride Month, we invite you to join us, explore our displays, share your favourite reads, suggest new titles for our collection, and stay tuned for upcoming inclusive events and workshops throughout the year. Thank you for being a part of our community and supporting our mission to make the library a safe space for celebrating diversity. Happy Pride Month!
Text and image: Westland District Library
