Pride Month at Alameda County Library

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illustration of a rainbow and stars with text, "Pride Month 2025"

Why Do We Celebrate Pride in June?

Pride events are held in June to commemorate the anniversary of the Stonewall Rebellion in 1969, opens a new window. At that time, LGBTQ+ people often faced criminalization and harassment for their sexual orientation and were subject to frequent raids and even violence at the hands of law enforcement. Prominent leaders like Marsha P. Johnson, Sylvia Rivera, Stormé DeLarverie, and Miss Major Griffin-Gracy worked to turn this rebellion into a lifelong revolution for the rights of LGBTQ+ individuals.  

Nearly a decade ago, June became another banner month for the queer community. On June 26, 2015, the U.S. Supreme Court held in a 5–4 decision (Obergefell v. Hodges) that the Fourteenth Amendment requires all states to grant and recognize same-sex marriages. Unfortunately, in 2025, the voices and liberties of the queer community are still being suppressed. Many states are proposing and even passing legislation that restricts the rights and speech of LGBTQ+ students, teachers, and their families. Some states are even proposing bills that criminalize offering certain books, to the point of threating to jail librarians and teachers. 

The American Library Association has been tracking censorship attempts, but these laws are becoming more common. At Alameda County Library, we honor the contributions of the LGBTQ+ community and oppose the censorship attempts of books. Whether you're a member of the queer community or an ally, there is no better time than the present to support LGBTQ+ rights while also finding joy in Pride Month.

Join the celebration! Below are a few ways you can take part in Pride.

 

Pride Month at Alameda County Library:

Stop by AC Library throughout June for Pride events and activities:  

 

Pride Giveaways:  

  • In partnership with the Garden Center, pick up a free Lavender Seed Kit, available while supplies last.
  • Participate in Summer Adventure 2025: Imagine & Build! Complete fun activities that you can build around Pride! Visit our calendar for events throughout the summer.

 

Celebrate Pride in the Bay Area:

 

Resources from the American Library Association (ALA): 

 

Reading Together

Take a look at AC Library's Pride booklists: 

LGBTQ & Disabled and/or Neurodiverse

Offers authentic books from queer authors who are queer and disabled or neurodivergent (or both!). Includes #actuallyautistic books.




View Full List

LGBTQ+ History

LGBTQ+ History reading list




View Full List

 

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