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Note: This story originally ran in 2021 and is one of many written by DPPL staff recommending excellent LGBTQIAP+ reading recommendations.  Find more HERE, HERE, and HERE.

Here at Des Plaines Public Library, we are happy to celebrate June as Pride Month!

Pride Month commemorates the anniversary of the Stonewall riots. 

In the early morning of June 28, 1969, Manhattan police tried to raid the Stonewall Inn and many of the patrons of the gay bar, including Trans activists Marsha P. Johnson and Sylvia Rivera, decided that enough was enough. Violence broke out between police and the growing crowd, leading to what we now view today to be one of the most important moments in the gay liberation movement.

Pride Month is a time for people who identify as LGBTQIAP+ to celebrate and proudly express their sexual and gender identities via parades, parties, picnics, art, and more, in ways as varied and unique as all the members of the community.

Continue Reading "Pride and Progress" →

In February there are some well known holidays such as Valentine's Day, President's Day and Groundhog's Day.

But have you ever heard of World Day of Social Justice? 

I hadn't. 

I thought it sounded worth investigating. 

Continue Reading "Say What Day?  World Day of Social Justice" →

Every February, we honor the contributions of African Americans who have helped impact our country in some kind of way.

This month, the staff at DPPL compiled a list of some of our favorite books, movies, and resources by black creators. 

Check them out from the library this month. 

Or all year round!

Continue Reading "25 Reading Recs Celebrating Black History Month" →

Like many Midwesterners, I hate winter.

Nothing transforms me into a winter troll quite like commuting home on a dark night in the gray slush, shivering even in my -20 degree-rated parka. 

But one positive thing about winter?

Fewer plans and more time for reading!

I hope these cozy holiday romance reads warm your soul and make you forget you haven’t seen the sun in days.

Continue Reading "Dreading Midwest winter? Read these 5 holiday romances to brighten your spirits" →

After almost 17 months of Covid-19, romance novels have become my favorite form of escapism.

They’re quick, lighthearted, and steamy reads with a guaranteed happy ending.

You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, you’ll long for the days of carefree, in-person dates with strangers—no vaccination card required. 

Continue Reading "7 Romance Read-A-Likes For Your Favorite Netflix Show" →