Marcela Irribarren/ The Broadside

Central Oregon Community College hosted a Pride Story Time event to share about queer lives and families through children’s literature.

Located at COCC’s Barber library, students, staff and faculty each shared picture books to read, reflect and expand the culture in a positive way. Healthy snacks and drinks were also provided to attendees.

“Pink is for Boys” was one of the books shared at the event. This children’s picture book sends the message of encouraging boys and girls to enjoy doing what they love to do, whether it’s racing cars and playing a sport or playing with unicorns and dressing up, the book opens up the diversity of characters for everyone to relate.

“There’s a professional development aspect to our story times–we want to show our campus community how children’s literature can broaden our perspectives, deepen our experiences, and allow us to encounter other kinds of lives,” said Cat Finney, director of the LGBTQ+ Friends Club. “Readers can see themselves reflected in stories; they can also use stories as a ‘window’ to look into other kinds of lives.”

The event was on Thursday, May 19th and hosted at two separate times. The first was from noon to 1 p.m. and the second was from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m..

Pride Story Time was sponsored by COCC’s Barber Library, LGBTQ+ Friends Club, Early Childhood Education Department and Office of Diversity and Inclusion.