Provided by: Providence Community Library
WHAT: Providence Community Library (PCL) has partnered with Drag Queen Story Hour, a national nonprofit, to bring a fun and fabulous story time to Rochambeau Library’s Children’s Area. The event will be just as the title sounds – a drag queen reading age-appropriate books to families with children, followed by a craft or other fun creative activity.
WHO:
Our guest reader, Naomi Chomsky, is a health care worker and activist who lives in Providence. Ms. Naomi recently presented a Drag Queen Story Hour during Pride Month at Fall River Public Library.
Naomi will read to an audience of Providence families, with children of all ages, who are interested in themes of gender diversity, self-expression and tolerance. We anticipate a large number of participants, so Naomi probably will read to 2-3 groups consecutively to allow everyone the opportunity to hear some stories.
Local community leaders have been invited to this event. Library staff, including Library Director Cheryl Space and members of the PCL Board of Directors will support the event.
WHEN: 10:30 am – noon, Saturday, July 20, 2019
WHERE: Rochambeau Library, 708 Hope Street, Providence
WHY: PCL provides programs and resources for the entire community. Drag Queen Story Hour helps children develop empathy, learn about gender diversity and difference and tap into their own creativity. Drag Queen Story Hour may help to curb bullying of LGBTQ or other kids who may be perceived as different, or feel themselves to be different, in all kinds of ways. See our Frequently Asked Questions below or on our FAQ page for more.
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Drag Queen Story Hour – Frequently Asked Questions
What is Drag Queen Story Hour?
Drag Queen Story Hour (DQSH) is just what it sounds like—drag queens reading stories to children in libraries, schools, and other community spaces. DQSH take place in cities in the U.S. and around the world.
Events are typically 45 minutes long and designed for children ages 3-8, though this may vary by location or event. A drag queen generally reads 3-4 children’s books, sings children’s songs, and leads children in a craft activity such as making crowns, wands, or paper bag puppets, or sometimes other activities like face painting or dress-up time.
Through a fun and fabulous literary experience, DQSH celebrates learning and play, encouraging kids to celebrate gender diversity and all kinds of difference, while building confidence in expressing themselves.
Why is Providence Community Library (PCL) Presenting Drag Queen Story Hour?
PCL provides programs and resources for the entire community. By offering a DQSH, we connect local families who have expressed interest in DQSH and want to explore themes of gender identity and self-expression in a creative, age-appropriate way.
As a community resource, PCL provides a wide choice of programs for individual library users and families and they select programs that are right for them. You can explore our calendar here. All parents or caregivers who accompany their children to DQSH have determined that the event is the right choice for their families.
What Can Children Learn at a DQSH?
DQSH helps children develop empathy, learn about gender diversity and difference, and tap into their own creativity. DQSH can also be life-changing and ultimately life-saving for anyone who feels different because of their identity or interests. LGBTQ kids and teens, kids with LGBTQ parents or family members often feel that they do not see themselves reflected in broader culture. LGBTQ people are present in every community and PCL is providing an opportunity for children and their families to learn about aspects of our shared history and culture, in age-appropriate ways.
Why Should Children Learn about Issues Like Gender Identity?
Most children naturally explore gender identity and norms through imaginative play. DQSH teaches children to follow their passions and embrace gender diversity and expression in themselves and others. This helps to curb bullying of LGBTQ kids and kids who may be perceived as different in all kinds of ways.
Why do kids love drag queens so much?
Children and drag queens have a lot in common. They love to dress up and use their imaginations to create awesome looks and express different sides of themselves. It’s no wonder they get along so well!
