In addition to the groups trying to force libraries to spread a message of how queer people are "detrimental and ultimately destructive to so many of the foundations of civilization," 1 there are [hate] groups pushing another "hide the pride" movement. https://bookriot.com/hide-the-pride-2023/ There are many of us who will assist with Pride displays if you are struggling, so reach out, and if you don't want to do so on the *public forum* of MELIBS, feel free to message me on the book of faces. I'm easily findable in the Maine Youth Librarian group. One fun thing we're doing here is a "Read the Covers of the Rainbow'' which encourages people to read books with covers in all the rainbow colors. Skowhegan did a cute rainbow activity scavenger on their facebook. Waterville did a Pride booktalk AND showed off the new crosswalk in town, MSL has a nice Pride booklist, NELA posted a favorite LGBTQIA+ reads list, PPL (and others) have changed their icons to support pride, and so much more. "Pride is important because someone tonight still believes they are better off dead than gay." Just as some extra background information on why this is important, the HRC has declared a State of Emergency for LGBTQIA+ Americans as more than 75 anti-LGBTQIA+ bills have been passed into law this year. 2. Sources: 1. h *ttps://www.cnn.com/videos/us/2012/03/03/piers-kirk-cameron-gay-marriage-unnatural.cnn <http://www.cnn.com/videos/us/2012/03/03/piers-kirk-cameron-gay-marriage-unnatural.cnn>https://www.theatlantic.com/culture/archive/2012/03/kirk-cameron-finally-weighs-in-on-how-gays-will-destroy-civilization/330993/ <https://www.theatlantic.com/culture/archive/2012/03/kirk-cameron-finally-weighs-in-on-how-gays-will-destroy-civilization/330993/>* 2. *https://www.hrc.org/campaigns/national-state-of-emergency-for-lgbtq-americans <https://www.hrc.org/campaigns/national-state-of-emergency-for-lgbtq-americans>* -- Danie Fortin she/her Young Adult Librarian York Public Library 15 Long Sands Road York, ME 03909 207-363-2818
