Drag Queen Storytime Returns to Clarington

For immediate release

Drag Queen Storytime Returns to Clarington

May 21, 2025—Clarington Library, Museums & Archives (CLMA) is thrilled to once again host the award-winning event Drag Queen Storytime in partnership with Durham Region Libraries, the Durham Children’s Aid Society, Youth Pride Durham, and the Municipality of Clarington. The storytime will take place on Saturday, June 7, 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. at the Bowmanville Library.

"We’re happy to welcome back this heartwarming event that not only breaks down barriers but also celebrates the vibrant spirit and resilience of our 2SLGBTQIA+ community during Pride Month. Here in Clarington, we aim to create a place where everyone can live authentically and shine with pride, no matter their sexual orientation or gender identity. We hope you'll join us in embracing and celebrating the differences that make our community so vibrant," says Clarington Mayor Adrian Foster.

Drag Queen Storytimes are family-friendly events where special guests highlight age-appropriate stories and songs that celebrate all aspects of diversity and champion inclusion and self-expression. Durham Libraries have been participating in the annual event since 2019 to a resounding success, with hundreds of people attending the storytimes across the Region.

"This is something we look forward to every year,” states Monika Machacek, Chief Executive Officer of Clarington Library, Museums, & Archives. “Offering diverse programming in a safe, welcoming, and inclusive environment is a core tenant of public libraries, as well as our Strategic Plan."

"It’s vital for public libraries to provide free and equitable access to diverse information and ideas, community engagement, and intellectual freedom," adds Tenzin Shomar, Library Board Chair. "Every person should be able to find something that speaks to them in the library; every person has the right to be included."

Everyone is invited to attend CLMA’s Drag Queen Storytime at the Bowmanville Library on Saturday, June 7, at 3:30 p.m. The event is drop in for all ages, with no registration required. For other Drag Queen Storytime events happening across the Durham Region, please visit the Durham Children’s Aid Society’s Youth Pride website at https://durhamcas.ca/diversity-equity-inclusion/youth-pride/.

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Contact:
Samantha Aitken
Manager, Marketing & Community Engagement
Clarington Library, Museums & Archives
saitken@cplma.ca