Arvada Library helps youth celebrate pride

BY LILLIAN FUGLEI LFUGLEI@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

A little rain didn’t stop rainbows from bursting out at the Arvada Library.

e rainbows were for the library’s Teen Pride Party. e July 16 evening event put a pride-themed twist on the library’s usual Teen After Hours program, which gives teens a space to hang out after the library closes.

“It’s important for people to know that the library is a place where all voices have a space,” said Paola Vilaxa, manager of the library and diversity, equity and inclusion. “And that’s why we provide that platform for everyone who needs it. So, in that sense, pride at the Arvada Library is no di erent than any other programs that we do for Hispanic Heritage Month or the Dia De Los Muertos, or Christmas. You know, everybody has a chance to celebrate who they are.”

For pride, this celebration looked like many colorful crafts, free pride ags and stickers, snacks and even nail painting. Teens were able to hang out and celebrate in a safe space.

“I went to the [Arvada Library] pride last year and it was really fun. I met really nice people, so I wanted to do it again,” said Hayden, one teen who was attending.

She added that it was nice because she was “ nally around people who look queer and I know are like me.”

For Amy Truter, teen librarian, the library is “really committed to wanting to be welcoming and inclusive of everybody and making sure all of our teens know that this is a safe place for them to come and hang out and express themselves in whatever way feels good to them.”

Vilaxa believed the event was