The Library Vault

This year Middletown PrideFEST falls on Saturday, June 6, and Russell Library is ready to celebrate! Swing by 123 Broad Street to get a free airbrush tattoo, decorate a Pride party hat, enjoy mocktails and popcorn, or chill out when you need a moment away from the hubbub downtown.

Get Ready: Thursday, June 4, 2026

Pride is kind of a big deal in Middletown. Folks turn out festooned for the Fest, so Russell Library is hosting a Pride Prep Party where you can create custom wearables tailored exclusively by and for you. We’ll supply the means to make your own buttons, name tags, and bracelets. It’ll be a great way to express yourself, gear up for the big day, and “wear your heart on your sleeve,” as it were.

If you’re at a loss for DIY ideas, we librarians are mighty fond of the slogan below. Just sayin’. We’ll have some pre-made button inserts with that design on hand in case you agree and want to spread the word.

PrideFEST Saturday, June 6, 2026

For the main event, our building at 123 Broad Street will serve as a supporting location near the goings-on of Main Street. If you’re busy attending PrideFEST festivities down the hill, rest assured that Russell Library is here if you need a break from the weather, to use a clean indoor public restroom, a strong WiFi signal, peace and quiet, or a good book. You’re welcome to come and go any time between 9am-5pm.

During those hours, we’re hosting a Pride party at the library. This will be a chance for those of you who live in Middletown to pick up the #middletownproud library card pictured below. While you’re at it, drop in to decorate a Pride party hat in our Activity Room or get an airbrush tattoo in our lobby. In the afternoon we’ll host a Mocktail and Popcorn Hour to quench your thirst and satisfy your appetite post-parade. That ought to fuel you up for the concert and tea dance to follow!

A Russell Library contingent will be on Main Street before, during, and after the march. Each June we rallying around the ALA and Freedom To Read Foundation’s Free People Read Freely campaign in support of intellectual freedom and resistance against attempts to ban LGBTQIA2S+ lit. At our booth you can score a Free People Read Freely bumper sticker (or a smaller square sticker if you prefer), an inclusive Progress Pride Flag, an “I’m a Russell Library fan” hand fan, and some Russell Library Games “game changer” points.

That’s right RLG players! Pride is a “game changer” where you can earn points by engaging in community events. There will be five “game changer” QR codes between our table on Main Street and the library building. If you scan them all that’s 750 points, enough to shake up the scoreboard. In combination with standard points, you could rack up 1000+ in one day! But these “game changer” points can only be collected in-person between 9am-5pm on June 6, so don’t miss this limited-time opportunity.

Book Displays & Discussions

Pride continues beyond PrideFEST throughout the month of June. True to form, Russell Library is curating book displays and discussions that feature LGBTQIA2S+ authors and characters:

All Month Find your next great read at the Pride-related book displays in our lobby and youth department @ Russell Library 123 Broad Street

Thursday, June 11 6pm Books & Brews Discussion of The Lilac People by Milo Todd @ Forest City Brewing 180 Johnson Street