Durham Libraries Receive Awards for Drag Queen Storytime

Durham Region Public Libraries, in partnership with the Durham Children’s Aid Society (CAS), received two awards from the Ontario Library Association (OLA) on January 25, 2024. The awards were given for hosting and promoting Drag Queen Storytimes in 2023.

The OLA Les Fowlie Intellectual Freedom Award was awarded for defending the rights of library patrons to full access to information. The Ontario Library Boards' Association (OLBA) Joyce Cunningham Award was given for collaborative efforts that demonstrated high levels of innovation and produced outstanding results.

Durham CAS and Durham Region Public Libraries have partnered since 2019 and delivered eight Drag Queen Storytimes in 2023. More than one thousand children and families attended these events throughout the region.

According to Durham CAS, approximately 10% of Durham Region’s population identifies as 2SLGBTQIA+, with higher numbers in the child welfare system. These youth are more likely to experience rejection, neglect, or abuse when their family learns of their sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression.

Public libraries in Durham Region remain committed to being inclusive and welcoming spaces for all, promoting equitable access to diverse information and ideas. Plans for 2024 Drag Queen Storytimes are already underway.