What's on for Out on the Shelves 2025
June is the Out on the Shelves campaign month, and to celebrate we're running a fantastic range of events for tamariki and rangatahi across our libraries.
Out on the Shelves is an online resource created by InsideOUT to connect rainbow young people with books and stories with positive rainbow representation. Each June they hold an awareness campaign where schools and libraries around Aotearoa have the opportunity to promote Out on the Shelves, enter (and hopefully win!) their Display Competition, and uplift and celebrate rainbow people and stories across the motu.
We've planned a whole host of exciting events and activities in our libraries and online to celebrate Out on the Shelves. Read on to plan your June itinerary!
Out on the Shelves online reading challenge: Read the Rainbow
To celebrate Out on the Shelves we're challenging you to Read the Rainbow!
There are two ways to take part:
- Read rainbow books and log your reading to build a full rainbow
- Widen your reading and read books featuring a range of different rainbow identities
We have two challenges set up, one for tamariki aged 0–13 and another for young people and adults aged 13+, so everyone can take part. If you complete the challenge you earn a special pin!
Head over to Beanstack to sign up now!
For Tamariki
Rainbow Dress-Up Drag Storytime
Te Awa-a-Taia | Ruth Gotlieb (Kilbirnie) Library
Saturday 28 June, 2–3pm
Join us for a fun-filled storytime with local drag performer King Markiss!
Come dressed up in your favourite costume or most colourful ensemble and enjoy some stories about being kind, inclusive, and expressing yourself however you choose.
This storytime is for tamariki aged 5+ with their whānau.
For Rangatahi
Makeup Masterclass
Ngā Puna Waiora | Newtown Library
Friday 6 June, 4–5pm
Interested in the world of makeup but not sure where to start?
Perhaps you want to learn how to apply makeup in a gender affirming way?
Maybe you’re keen to experiment with a performance look or perfect your everyday beat?
This hands on, interactive workshop run by a local drag performer will provide you with some experience, tips, and tricks to creating the perfect makeup look. Makeup will be provided for the event, but feel free to bring your own makeup and tools.
This event is for young people aged 12+.
Rainbow Book Club
Ngā Puna Waiora | Newtown Library
Thursday 12 June, 4–5pm
Calling all bookworms!
Come along to Newtown Library for an afternoon tea kōrero about your favourite LGBTQIA+ books. Get some new recommendations from like-minded people, explore the library’s collection, and make new friends!
This event is for young people aged 12+.
Queer Creatives Panel Discussion
Ngā Puna Waiora | Newtown Library
Friday 13 June, 4–5pm
Join published writers and creatives Pip Adam, Emily Writes, Sylvan Spring, Joy Holley, Shaneel Lal, and Ruby Solly for a panel discussion where they will share their experiences being young queer creatives. They will discuss how they got their start as writers and/or creatives, how they built confidence, and share tips and tricks of the trade.
Maybe you’re wondering about the steps to take after high school to continue to develop your craft or are thinking about how to move into the adult world – these writers have got your back, because they’ve been there and done that!
This event is for ages 12+.
Craft with Pride
Te Awa-a-Taia | Ruth Gotlieb (Kilbirnie) Library
Saturday 14 June, 11am–12noon
Bring your own craft or work with our supplies to make your own collage, bookmark, zine, or badge creation with our badge maker. Enjoy conversation and creativity in this relaxed crafting session.
This event is for young people aged 12+.
Rainbow Youth Night
Te Māhanga | Karori Library
Saturday 21 June, 5–8pm
Join us at the library to celebrate Out on the Shelves with an only-slightly-more-than-usual rainbow-themed Youth Night! We'll be open after hours for rainbow and takatāpui youth (and friends! but no adults!) to socialise, have fun, and chat to a librarian about your favourite queer literature. As usual, there will be pizza, gaming, crafts, and a quiet space to chill out in.
Our Youth Nights are totally free (pizza included!) but you do need to be 14+ (and still at high school) in order to come, so please come prepared to show your student ID. Once you’re in, our spaces are yours!