The Palo Alto City Library is hosting two free events this month to celebrate Disability Pride Month while also giving families a heads-up: regular storytimes will pause in August before returning with a new Music & Movement program in September.

Librarian Juliana will lead a Family Storytime themed around Disability Pride on Saturday, July 18, from 10:30 to 11 a.m. at Mitchell Park Library. Children and caregivers can expect singing, rhyming, and stories focused on disability culture and visibility.

Earlier that week, the library's Brown Bag Book Club will dedicate its Tuesday, July 14 session to Disability Pride Month. The group, which meets monthly on the second Tuesday, will discuss "Diary of a Young Naturalist" by Dara McAnulty, a memoir by a young autistic naturalist from Northern Ireland. The session is virtual; participants must register in advance to receive a Zoom link.

Both events tie to the 36th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act, signed into law on July 26, 1990. The library is also displaying Disability Pride flags at its branch locations throughout July and highlighting films on Kanopy, including the documentary "An Open Door: Temple Grandin."

Storytime break and what's new in September

Regular storytimes will continue through the end of July, then pause for all of August, according to the library's website. The library encouraged families to keep practicing early literacy skills during the break, noting that its YouTube channel features videos of librarians singing storytime songs and rhymes.

Families can also check out Read Together Storytime Kits, backpacks with themed picture books available for three-week loans.

Storytimes return Tuesday, September 1, with a new addition: Music & Movement programs on Wednesdays at Mitchell Park.

Accessibility resources

Beyond the July events, the library offers year-round accessibility services including Memory Care Kits, Words on Wheels home delivery for residents with health or mobility challenges, large print and braille materials, and American Sign Language lessons through Mango Languages.

Upcoming community events

  • Tuesday, July 14: Brown Bag Book Club: Disability Pride Month (virtual, registration required)
  • Saturday, July 18: Family Storytime: Celebrate Disability Pride Month, 10:30-11 a.m., Mitchell Park Library
  • July 26: 36th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act
  • Tuesday, September 1: Storytimes resume; new Music & Movement programs begin Wednesdays at Mitchell Park