Wednesday, June 5, 2026
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Alexis Gunderson
(301) 699-3500 x6158
alexis.gunderson@pgcmls.info
Largo, Maryland –
This June, the Prince George’s County Memorial Library System (PGCMLS) is proud to commemorate Pride Month with more than two dozen exciting and inclusive programs for customers of all ages.
At the end of the month, the South Bowie Branch Library will host PGCMLS’s 5th annual Rainbow Festival, an energizing all-ages, all-day event that brings the Prince George’s County community together with local LGBTQ+ organizations for a free and festive community celebration filled with special craft programs, drag performances, storytimes, face painting, balloon twister, and a “Bibliobop” dance party — all leading up to a fun pride parade through the branch.
“The Rainbow Festival brings so much joy to the Library every year,” says PGCMLS Librarian Teresa Miller, who leads the Library’s LGBTQ+ team and serves as lead organizer for the annual event. “This is a chance for everyone to celebrate love and authenticity with their community!”
In addition to the “Rainbow Storytime” program that’s always a crowd favorite, Miller is excited to bring new activities and local partners to this year’s Festival. These include a Latin dance class presented by Rumba Queer, a lip sync drag performance by Angelica Lize, and a special presentation about Maryland’s LGBTQ+ history from the Rainbow History Project.
Ahead of the Rainbow Festival on June 27, Prince George’s County community members are invited to celebrate Pride Month at the Library through programs like Pride bingo and trivia; “Craft and Create” offerings featuring rainbow dragons, pronoun ribbons, and Keith Haring’s pop art; and engaging community film and book discussions featuring titles like “Felix Ever After,” “Rent,” and “Woodworking.” This year’s Pride Month slate, along with the 2026 Rainbow Festival, emphasizes the welcoming spaces, services, and programs for LGBTQ+ community members, families, and allies that PGCMLS is proud to offer year-round.
For the full calendar of Pride Month events at PGCMLS branch libraries, along with curated reading lists and stories and heroes from LGBTQ+ history, please visit the Library’s LGBTQ+ Heritage Hub.
Free | Saturday, June 27 at 11 am | All Ages | South Bowie Branch Library | Link
Join your neighbors and local LGBTQ+ organizations and community members for the Library’s 5th annual Rainbow Festival, hosted this year at the South Bowie Branch Library!
This free all-ages, all-day event will include:
Festive dress and costumes are encouraged — there will be a parade for all to join in at the end of the afternoon!
Free | Thursday, June 18 at 6:30 pm | Adults | Pizzeria Paradiso | Link
Celebrate Pride Month with glitz and glam! PGCMLS is kicking off our summer “Book Crawl” series with a fabulous bingo night at Pizzeria Paradiso in Hyattsville. Featuring fun prizes and library swag; a lively, inclusive atmosphere to celebrate Pride; and a dazzling performance by host Charlemagne Chateau, “Pride Bingo” is free to join — but tables will be first come, first served, so get there early to grab a spot!
Free | Tuesday, June 30 at 6 pm | Teens and Adults | Upper Marlboro Branch Library | Link
Join your Upper Marlboro neighbors in a lively game of Pride-themed trivia! Run through Kahoot, this interactive quiz-style game will focus on questions that celebrate the fabulous diversity, history, and culture that Pride month is all about. From iconic LGBTQ+ figures to memorable moments in pop culture, the evening promises fun, learning, and plenty of pride!
Community members are invited to join the Library in commemorating Pride month with thoughtful book and film discussions at multiple PGCMLS branches and other locations around the county.
Black Voices Book Discussion: “Felix Ever After” by Kacen Callender
Free | June 2 at 6 pm | Adults |Glenarden Branch Library | Link
Borrow the book from PGCMLS: Book | eBook | eAudiobook
Film Discussion: “Rent” (PG-13)
Free | Tuesday, June 9 at 1 pm | Adults | South Bowie Branch Library | Link
Book Discussion: ”Dead in Long Beach, California” by Venita Blackburn
Saturday, June 13 at 2 pm | Teens and Adults | Bladensburg Branch Library | Link
Borrow the book from PGCMLS: Print | eAudiobook
True Crime Book Discussion: “The Third Rainbow Girl” by Emma Copley Eisenberg
Monday, June 15 at 12 pm | Adults | Upper Marlboro Branch Library | Link
Borrow the book from PGCMLS: Print
Solidarity Stories: “Woodworking”
Free | Tuesday, June 16 6:30 pm | Adults | miXt Food Hall | Link
Borrow the book from PGCMLS: Print | eAudiobook | eBook
Book Discussion: “Felix Ever After” by Kacen Callender
Free | Wednesday, June 17 at 6 pm | Teens and Adults | Accokeek Branch Library | Link
Borrow the book from PGCMLS: Book | eBook | eAudiobook
Book Discussion: “Emperor of Gladness” by Ocean Vuong
Free | Wednesday, June 17 at 6:30 pm | Adults | Virtual | Link
Borrow the book from PGCMLS: Book | eAudiobook | eBook | Large Print | Spanish Language
Film Discussion: “Fire” (PG-13)
Free | Tuesday, June 23 at 1 pm | Adults | South Bowie Branch Library | Link
Craft and Create: Pride Friendship Bracelets
Free | Monday, June 8 at 3 pm | Kids to Adults | Spauldings Branch Library | Link
Craft and Create: Keith Haring Pop Art
Free | Tuesday, June 9 at 6 pm | Kids to Adults | Fairmount Heights Branch Library | Link
Craft and Create: Pronoun Ribbons
Free | Wednesday, June 17 at 3 pm | Adults | Hyattsville Branch Library | Link
Kids Create: Rainbow Dragons
Free | Tuesday, June 30 at 1 pm | Ages 5-12 | Upper Marlboro Branch | Link
To discuss coverage opportunities, contact PGCMLS Communications Specialist Alexis Gunderson at alexis.gunderson@pgcmls.info.
About the Prince George’s County Memorial Library System
The Prince George’s County Memorial Library System (PGCMLS) is a beacon within its diverse and dynamic community. The Library serves Prince George’s County, Maryland’s 966,000+ residents through 19 public branches, a law library in the County Correctional Center, various pop-up services and events, and 24/7 access to free online resources. As a trusted and responsive community leader, PGCMLS democratizes knowledge and opportunity by providing safe, accessible spaces where customers of all backgrounds can freely engage with the resources needed to build knowledge, literacy, skills, and creativity at every phase of life. Learn more at pgcmls.info/about-us.