It’s that time of year again! The annual Out On The Shelves campaign runs this year for the entire month of June.
Out on the Shelves is an online resource that connects rainbow young people with the stories that represent them. During their Campaign Month libraries have the opportunity to promote Out on the Shelves and the rainbow items in our collections, take part in the annual Display Competition, and uplift and celebrate rainbow people and stories across Aotearoa.
This year we have a number of exciting activities and events running across out libraries for Out on the Shelves – read on to find out more!
Out on the Shelves 2024: Read the Rainbow
This year we’re challenging you to Read the Rainbow! We’ve put together an online challenge where you earn digital badges for reading and logging books with rainbow characters and themes – can you earn the badges to complete your own rainbow? You can also earn digital badges for reading books that feature a range of different rainbow identities!
It’s easy to sign up and take part – head on over to our Beanstack site to take on the challenge!
Ask a Trans Teen (And Their Parent)
Have you ever wanted to ask a question to someone who is young and trans? Or to a parent of trans kids?
As part of their fundraising walk for Gender Minorities Aotearoa, Mindy and Kylie will be joining us at the library for an informal discussion and Q&A session about what it’s like to be trans, or parenting trans kids, in Aotearoa. They’ll be speaking about – and happy to answer questions around – their experiences with school, birth certificates, social and medical transition, and other topics you might want to learn more about, but never had the opportunity to ask.
This event is recommended for ages 10+. Rangatahi under the age of 14 must be accompanied by a caregiver.
Author Talk with Kyle Mewburn
Join celebrated author Kyle Mewburn (Old Hūhū, The House on the Hill, Faking it: My Life in Transition) for a fantastic, funny, and frank talk about her life and books, with plenty of opportunity to ask questions. All are welcome to join us for this rare opportunity to hear from one of Aotearoa’s pre-eminent children’s book writers.
This event is recommended for readers of all ages. Tamariki under the age of 14 must be accompanied by their caregiver.
Rainbow Dress-up Storytime 
We’re celebrating Out on the Shelves with a very special storytime! Join us for books and songs about being kind, inclusive, and expressing yourself however you choose.
Dress up in your favourite outfit and bring the whole whānau. Tamariki under the age of 14 must be accompanied by their caregiver.