Westerly Sun Column | Learn About LGBTQ History at the Library

Earlier this month, the town of Westerly proclaimed June 2025 “Pride Month,” declaring their commitment to celebrating diversity, and recognizing the importance of equality and freedom for all residents. Council President Christopher Duhamel noted that this proclamation was made in concert with our neighboring Town of Stonington, who are also committed to inclusivity. Considering that Westerly Library and Wilcox Park serves both Westerly and Stonington, and that we are likewise dedicated to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all, we are thrilled that both towns will be reading their proclamations at our Pride in the Park celebration on June 7!

This will be the library’s fourth annual Pride in the Park event. What began in 2022 as a tiny gathering in Wilcox Park with members of our Teen Pride Club has morphed into a huge intergenerational celebration for members and allies of the LGBTQ community, from Westerly/Stonington and far beyond. As with any great celebration, there will be music, entertainment, art projects, brightly colored attire, and — of course — a free scoop of delicious gelato from Pompelmo Gelateria (while supplies last)! It’s all taking place from 12 to 2 p.m. this coming Saturday in Wilcox Park. In the event that we’re not blessed with the same gorgeous weather as last year, the celebration will move inside the library!

In addition to providing a space and opportunity to get together and celebrate LGBTQ culture, Pride in the Park is also an opportunity to connect with some of the amazing local organizations that provide resources and support to the community. This year we welcome PFLAG Providence, OutCT, Stonington Pride, United Congregational Church of Westerly, and the Wellbeing Collaborative, among many others. A full list of participating organizations can be found on the event page of our website, at www.westerlylibrary.org.

While most Pride events (including Pride in the Park) are marked by merriment and joy, they also serve as a reminder of the LGBTQ community’s history and their continuing struggle for equality, harkening back to the Stonewall Uprising in 1969. One of the best ways to honor this history is to learn more about it, and we have a huge selection of books for both children and adults to help you out. Anthologies like “The Stonewall Reader” (2019), edited by the New York Public Library, are a fantastic choice as they provide in-depth accounts of the events that took place in and around the riots, which come straight from individuals who were involved. “The Book of Pride” by Mason Funk is another great book about the LGBTQ civil rights movement, and the folks who contributed to the cause. We have many more recommendations, or you can stop in the library and pick a few from one of our book displays on your way to Pride in the Park on Saturday!

by Cassie Skobrak, Adult Services Librarian