And Then They Came for the Bookmarks
Fresno County Supervisors vote to ban the library from recognizing Pride.
Sparked by one parent’s outrage over the library giving away bookmarks with LGTBQ+ book recommendations, the Fresno County Board of Supervisors voted (3-2) last week to prohibit the local library system from participating in Pride Month celebrations for the next five years.
The Board’s conservative majority led by Supervisor Bredefeld claimed this was an unacceptable use of Measure B public funds, despite the fact that identifying as LGBTQ+ still makes you a tax payer.
Since the California Freedom to Read Act prevents Fresno from removing books from shelves and thwarted their previous attempt to establish a parent review committee , their efforts have shifted to censoring anything associated with the LGBTQ+ community in the library instead. In this case, bookmarks and hosting tables at the local Rainbow Pride event. Despite their fears of “indoctrination”, the Board has approved two other departments to attend Pride.
Books featuring LGBTQ+ characters and storylines have long been a target of book banners. PEN America recently reported that 39% of books banned in the 2024-2025 school year featured LGBTQ+ characters or people. It’s all part of a larger pattern where elected officials deny library funding for supporting everyone in their communities.
Earlier this month, congressional Republicans denied a request for funds to maintain and restore a historic library in Southern Arizona. Why? The library had previously held two events that featured drag performers.
Last summer, we reported on efforts to dismantle the Fontana Regional Library system in North Carolina over a Pride display. Nearly a year later, Jackson County library still plans to separate from the system regardless of the financial impact and feasibility of the move.
With Pride month coming up, showing support for the LGBTQ+ community is more important than ever. Here are three picture books to add to your family’s TBR list to learn about Pride and spark important conversations about respect, inclusion, and love.
Rainbow Cookies written by Lesléa Newman and illustrated by Z.B. Asterplume
Rainbow Cookies is the story of a community coming together to stand up for what’s right. When her favorite bakery faces backlash over selling rainbow cookies during Pride Month, a young girl named Cookie sets out to rally support from her friends. This is a new release but Newman’s previous works have faced bans.
Grandad’s Pride written and illustrated by Harry Woodgate
Milly finds a pride flag while visiting her Grandad’s house. After learning the flag’s meaning, she and her family work together to start the town’s first local Pride celebration. The message of this book is that, together, we can “build a world where everyone is proud to be themselves.” It has faced several bans and challenges.
What Are Your Words? written by Katherine Locke and illustrated by Anne Passchier
Ari is excited to introduce Uncle Lior to friends at the neighborhood’s big summer bash, discovering their pronouns along the way. This story uses gender inclusive pronouns as a way to show respect for others. It’s a great introduction to pronouns and a conversation starter for families. It has also faced bans and challenges.