East Riding Libraries (ERL) is celebrating Pride this June with a vibrant line-up of events designed to bring creativity, inclusivity, and storytelling into the heart of local communities.
ERL have partnered with local author, Chris Turnbull, and artist, Rachel Anderson, to bring fun and inclusive events into local libraries, encouraging artistic expression and Pride in our identities. Pride-themed author talks and craft workshops will suit a variety of ages, giving people the chance to come together and celebrate Pride in a meaningful way.
Thanks to funding from Arts Council England, four author talks and four rainbow bag-making workshops will be delivered in Goole, North Bridlington, Beverley and Pocklington. Hayley Clark, arts in libraries officer at ERL, said: “Libraries are books, and more – they are spaces for creativity, inclusion, and community connection.
‘’Celebrating Pride with these vibrant events allows us to highlight diverse voices and foster conversations that inspire and empower, thanks to the support of Arts Council England.” Cllr Nick Coultish, cabinet member for culture, leisure and tourism at East Riding Council, said: “Our libraries team have put together a vibrant and welcoming programme of family-friendly events to celebrate Pride 2025.
‘’These events are designed to bring people of all ages together in the spirit of joy, learning, and community. These events also offer a chance for reflection, expression, and connection, supporting our LGBTQ+ community through recognition and shared experience.”
Taking Pride in All Things Books
Join historical fiction and children’s author Chris Turnbull for an inspiring and inclusive author talk – Taking Pride in All Things Books – that celebrates storytelling across time, age, and identity. In honour of Pride Month, Chris explores how books can uncover hidden LGBTQ+ histories, foster empathy in young readers, and help us all take pride in who we are – past, present, and future.
The Chris Turnbull author talk offers a warm and thoughtful experience, suitable for lifelong readers, budding young writers, and those who are simply curious about the power of inclusive stories. Some Chris Turnbull events are for ages 16+, please check the booking information.
The Chris Turnbull events will take place between Tuesday, June 10 and Saturday, June 28 at the following locations:
- Tuesday, June 10, 6.30pm to 7.30pm, Beverley Library. Aimed at audiences 16+. To book, click here
- Saturday, June 21, 11am to noon, North Bridlington Library. Aimed at family audiences with children aged 8 to 15. To book, visit in branch or click here
- Tuesday, June 24, 5.30pm to 6.30pm, Pocklington Pocela Centre. Aimed at audiences 16+. To book, click here
- Saturday, June 28, 2pm to 3pm, Goole Library. Aimed at family audiences with children aged 8 to 15. To book, visit in branch or click here
Make your own rainbow tote bag
In this hands-on workshop led by artist Rachel Anderson, participants will learn the basics of block printing and combine colour and pattern to print a custom tote bag inspired by Pride. A creative workshop, perfect for ages 5+ and all abilities.
The make your own rainbow tote bag workshops will take place between Saturday, June 14 and Thursday, June 26 at the following locations:
- Saturday, June 14, 10 to 11am, Goole Library. Aimed at all ages 5+. To book, visit in branch or click here
- Tuesday, June 17, 6.30pm to 7.30pm, Beverley Library. Aimed at all ages 5+. To book, click here
- Thursday, June 19, 3.30pm to 4.30pm, North Bridlington Library. Aimed at all ages 5+. To book, visit in branch or click here
- Thursday, June 26, 3.30pm to 4.30pm, Pocklington Pocela Centre. Aimed at all ages 5+. To book, click here
All events are free of charge; however, spaces are limited so booking is required to avoid disappointment. For more information and to see what’s on in East Riding Libraries, click here