Library Director’s Blog: June 2022

From Tacoma Public Library's Director Kate Larsen:

Can you believe June is here and summer is just around the corner?

This June, TPL is more excited than ever for the Summer Reading Challenge that starts this Saturday, June 4! Library staff have created incredible programs for all ages that you won't want to miss. Programs are both in-person and virtual, so you can participate in the Summer Reading Challenge from Tacoma’s beaches, parks, and tidepools to your very own living room.

June is also when we kick off LGBTQA+ Pride with a variety of events for all ages. Check out our Pride webpage for staff booklists, events, eResources, and more to celebrate our LGBTQA+ community throughout June and July!

This year is the first that Juneteenth will be recognized as a federal holiday, although it has been celebrated by the African-American community since 1865 as marking the end of slavery. Join us for a storywalk based on the book Opal Lee and What It Means to be Free: The True Story of the Grandmother of Juneteenth by Alice Faye Duncan, opens a new window at multiple libraries. 

June brings about many reasons to celebrate. Tacoma Public Library is proud to fulfill our mission of empowering our community by bringing people together to discover, create, learn, and thrive this month and throughout the year.