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National Library Week
You Belong @ Your Library - April 8-14, 2012

Sacramento Public Library will celebrate National Library Week with programs built around the theme You Belong @ your library. This message of belonging will be underscored by the library’s programming efforts, specifically designed to encourage the gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, questioning, intersex and ally (GLBTQIA) community to rediscover (or discover for the first time) all the services, materials and resources available at the library.
Funded through a $3,000 grant sponsored by Scholastic Library Publishing, a division of Scholastic Inc., these programs seek to recognize and celebrate this underserved Sacramento community. “We wish to reinforce the message that our Sacramento Public Library locations are places of belonging for all members of the community,” stated Rivkah K. Sass, library director.

Rainbow Family Egg Hunt and GLBT Story Time
Sunday, April 8 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.: Ella K. McClatchy Library, 2112 22nd Street, Sacramento
All families are invited to the library’s Rainbow Egg Hunt. The fun starts at 11 a.m. with crafting decorated bags for egg collecting, followed by a special story time that celebrates families with two mommies, two daddies, or any combination of people, since love is what makes a family. Egg hunting will begin at 12 noon -- rain or shine. The library branch will be open for browsing and checking out books and materials, but the public computers will not be available.

GLBTQIA Community Partner Showcase and Brown Bag Lunch
Tuesday, April 10 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.: Central Library, 828 I Street, Sacramento
Meet a variety of regional GLBTQIA groups at an informal social gathering. Participants are invited to bring a brown bag lunch (drinks will be provided) and chat with community leaders, pick up information from the represented organizations and socialize with local GLBTQIA community members.

Come Out for Aerobics
Tuesday, April 10 at 6:30 p.m.: Central Library, 828 I Street, Sacramento
Join a special edition of Punk Rock Aerobics, by exercising with roller derby team member Lipstick Librarian of the Sac City Rollers. The adult program is open to ages 18 years and older, no matter the orientation. Please bring a water bottle and wear comfortable clothes to exercise.

“It Gets Better" Video Filming Drop-In Session
Wednesday, April 11 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.: Central Library, 828 I Street, Sacramento
Noted columnist Dan Savage and his partner Terry Miller created the It Gets Better project as a response to the increasing number of GLBT teen suicides as a result of bullying. Attendees will be asked to share their personal stories which will be videotaped and later posted on YouTube to let teenagers know that support is out there; they are not alone and it will get better. The national project has produced numerous videos that have been uploaded to the It Gets Better website.

GLBT Movie Night, Cheerleader Costume Contest, and Kinect Gaming
Friday, April 13 from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.: Tsakopoulos Library Galleria, Central Library, 828 I Street, Sacramento
Grab your pompoms for an adults-only showing of a GLBT cult-classic film, featuring RuPaul in butch drag. Enter the cheerleader costume contest for which the winner will be determined by popular vote. Prepare yourself for some serious voguing and dance offs through “Just Dance” on the Xbox Kinect.

Same Sex Speed Dating for Book Lovers
Saturday, April 14 at 2 p.m.: Central Library, 828 I Street, Sacramento
Single adult booklovers are encouraged to meet others of the same sex who share a passion for the printed page. Bring a favorite or hated book to spark a conversation and see if sparks fly. This is a great way to socialize with other like-minded singles without the pressure of a date; it's only a five-minute conversation. Get out of the bars and into the library to meet someone fabulous.

Great Reads Celebrating the GLBTQIA Experience
Check out these lists of recommended titles for teens, families, and readers of all ages.

GLBTQ Fiction and Nonfiction for Adults

Resources for GLBTQ Teens and Parents

Girl Meets Girl: Lesbian Teen Fiction

Boy Meets Boy: Gay Teen Fiction

Not the Only One: Queer Fiction for Teens

Picture Books Celebrating All Kinds of Families