This June, East Riding Libraries will proudly celebrate PRIDE with a vibrant lineup of events designed to bring creativity, inclusivity, and storytelling into the heart of local communities.
East Riding Libraries 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, Taking PRIDE in All Things Books with author Chris Turnbull and four Make your own Rainbow Tote Bag workshops will be delivered in Goole, North Bridlington, Beverley and Pocklington.
Chris Turnbull author talks:
Join historical fiction and children’s author Chris Turnbull for an inspiring and inclusive author talk 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, 10 June and Saturday, 28 June 2025 at the following locations:
- Tuesday, 10 June, 6:30 – 7:30pm, Beverley Library. Aimed at audiences 16+. To book, visit: Taking PRIDE in All Things Books: With Author Chris Turnbull – 16+ | Beverley Library | 10 Jun 2025, 6.30pm
- Saturday 21 June, 11am -12 noon, North Bridlington Library. Aimed at family audiences with children aged 8 – 15. To book, visit in branch or at: Taking PRIDE in All Things Books: With Author Chris Turnbull – Young Adult Edition | North Bridlington Library | 21 Jun 2025, 11am
- Tuesday, 24 June, 5:30 – 6:30pm, Pocklington Pocela Centre. Aimed at audiences 16+. To book, visit: Taking PRIDE in All Things Books: With Author Chris Turnbull – 16+ | Pocklington Pocela Centre | 24 Jun 2025, 5.30pm
- Saturday, 28 June, 2 – 3pm, Goole Library. Aimed at family audiences with children aged 8 – 15. To book, visit in branch or at: Taking PRIDE in All Things Books: With Author Chris Turnbull – Young Adult Edition | Goole Library | 28 Jun 2025, 2pm
Make Your Own Rainbow Tote Bag with Artist Rachel Anderson:
In this hands-on workshop, 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, 14 June 2025 and Thursday, 26 June 2025 at the following locations:
- Saturday, 14 June, 10 – 11am, Goole Library. Aimed at all ages 5+. To book, visit in branch or at: PRIDE: Make your Own Rainbow Tote Bag | Goole Library | 14 Jun 2025, 10am
- Tuesday, 17 June, 6:30 – 7:30pm, Beverley Library. Aimed at all ages 5+. To book, visit: PRIDE: Make your Own Rainbow Tote Bag | Beverley Library | 17 Jun 2025, 6.30pm
- Thursday, 19 June, 3:30 – 4:30pm, North Bridlington Library. Aimed at all ages 5+. To book, visit in branch or at: PRIDE: Make your Own Rainbow Tote Bag | North Bridlington Library | 19 Jun 2025, 3.30pm
- Thursday, 26 June, 3:30 – 4:30pm, Pocklington Pocela Centre. Aimed at all ages 5+. To book, visit: PRIDE: Make your Own Rainbow Tote Bag | Pocklington Pocela Centre | 26 Jun 2025, 3.30pm
All events are free of charge however spaces are limited so booking is required to avoid disappointment.
Hayley Clark, arts in libraries officer at East Riding Libraries, 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.”
Councillor Nick Coultish, cabinet member for culture, leisure and tourism at East Riding of Yorkshire 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. We look forward to seeing everyone who comes along!’’
