National Reading Day Event Celebrates Inclusivity in Virginia Library
A public library located in a northern Virginia suburb of Washington, D.C. recently hosted a National Reading Day event aimed at children aged 3 to 8. This event featured books that focused on transgender and nonbinary youth, an important theme for many families.
The flyer for the event at the Fairfax County Public Library included details about guest reader Katherine Reed, the Mayor of Fairfax. This initiative, part of the HRC Foundation’s Welcoming Schools Initiative, highlights storytelling that promotes inclusivity and support for transgender and non-binary youth.
The flyer also noted various books centered around Pride and gender identity, offering activities like crafts and story time with titles such as “Marley’s Pride” and “Chloe and the Fireflies.” These stories aim to foster empathy and a sense of belonging for young readers. The event was co-sponsored by both the Fairfax County Public Library and FCPS Pride.
One highlighted book, Marley’s Pride, is noted for featuring non-binary characters and includes a glossary to help adults discuss LGBTQ+ topics with children. Another book, Chloe and the Fireflies, provides a gentle exploration of change and family dynamics through the eyes of a child in foster care.
The flyer displayed the logos for the Fairfax County Public Library, the Human Rights Campaign, and FCPS Pride, which is dedicated to advocating for a respectful environment in Fairfax County Public Schools, regardless of a person’s sexual orientation or gender identity.
Fairfax Mayor Reed expressed her gratitude for being invited as a guest reader at the Smithsonian Day of Reading, emphasizing the importance of events like this where families can expose their children to diverse experiences through literature. She said that the diversity in their community includes individuals of all ages, particularly those in the LGBTQIA community, and it’s essential for children to see representations of themselves in books.
Sarah Prohaska, the library’s marketing and communications director, highlighted that events like this reflect the library’s commitment to offering diverse collections and programs accessible to everyone.
