SAN DIEGO — San Diego County Library is hosting its third annual Pride & Identity Celebration at the El Cajon Library, 201 E Douglas Ave, Saturday, July 6 from 1-4 p.m. This year’s event will include a performance by the San Diego Women’s Chorus and the Black Storytellers of San Diego, a Human Library, refreshments, and viewing of the Through Our Lens: Personal Stories of Mental Illness photography exhibit. Books with GLBT and other identity-related themes will be available for purchase by Mysterious Galaxy.
The Human Library concept was developed in Denmark as a friendly way to build bridges among diverse populations. Living Books (people who represent a certain group or stereotype) will be available for customers to check-out for 15 minute conversations during the event. Customers can learn what it’s like to be transgender, HIV+, vegan, homeschooled, or even homeless (represented by Brianna Karp, author of The Girl’s Guide to Homelessness).
“Intellectual freedom is one of the foundational values of public libraries,” said Library Director José Aponte. “Throughout history, this institution has fought tirelessly for free, unencumbered access to ideas and information, regardless of a customer’s background or beliefs. The Pride & Identity Celebration embodies this mission, and aims to bring the diverse community of San Diego County together at the library for meaningful dialogue and shared experiences.”
This project is supported by a grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services, under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act, administered in California by the State Librarian. For more information on the Pride & Identity Celebration, visit www.sdcl.org or contact the El Cajon Library at (619) 588-3718.
