Celebrating Disability Pride Month at Evanston Public Library
Every July, Disability Pride Month honors the history, achievements, and ongoing fight for equity by people with disabilities. At Evanston Public Library (EPL), this month is marked with vibrant, inclusive programming and carefully curated staff book and media lists that center disabled voices and experiences.
Elevating Disability Representation Through Reading
EPL’s librarians have curated thoughtful lists that highlight stories by and about people with disabilities—ranging from memoirs and fiction to graphic novels and cultural criticism. These collections aim to educate, empower, and celebrate:
- Disability in Science Fiction & Fantasy – Compiled by Lorena N., this list explores speculative fiction featuring disabled protagonists, offering imaginative narratives where disability is part of strength and complexity—not limitation.
- Disability Pride: “Nothing About Us Without Us” – Created by Sally V., this list centers nonfiction by disabled authors, diving into activism, history, identity, and everyday lived experience. It reflects the powerful rallying cry of the disability rights movement.
- Embracing our Diverse (and good!) Bodies - Created by Jess W., this list for kids is about human bodies and examples of how to appreciate and accept them in all their different shapes, sizes, identities and abilities! This list feature books which address consent, anti-fat bias/sizeism and disordered eating and information about human anatomy.
These lists are more than suggestions—they’re tools for expanding empathy, broadening representation, and dismantling ableist narratives that have long dominated media and literature.
Films That Reflect Disability with Authenticity
Books aren't the only medium EPL highlights during Disability Pride Month. The library also shares curated film lists that give visibility to disabled stories and creators:
- Disability Pride Month Movie List! – Curated by Heather L., this collection of films goes beyond surface-level portrayals, instead showcasing work by disabled filmmakers or stories with nuanced, realistic depictions of disability.
These films are available through EPL’s digital platforms like Kanopy, Hoopla, and the physical DVD collection—making them accessible to all patrons.
A Year-Round Commitment to Inclusion
Disability Pride Month at EPL is part of a broader, ongoing effort to center equity and inclusion in every aspect of library service. The library regularly:
- Features diverse staff book lists on its homepage and social media.
- Promotes content via newsletters and blog posts.
- The Readability Book Club is a group for adults with disabilities that is run in partnership with Center for Independent Futures.
- Hearts of Readers - Misericordia day residents bring their reading skills to Evanston Public Library for this half-an-hour all-abilities storytime!
- Maintains an evolving digital archive of staff-curated reading lists and watchlists accessible all year.
- Offers materials in multiple formats such as audio formats, books in braille and large print books.
This intentional work aligns with EPL’s strategic priorities: promoting social equity, amplifying marginalized voices, and ensuring that every member of the Evanston community sees themselves reflected in the library’s collections and programs.
Explore, Learn, Celebrate
Whether you're looking to learn more about the disability rights movement, discover powerful disabled voices in literature, or explore films that reflect real experiences, EPL offers rich resources that invite everyone into the celebration of Disability Pride.
Explore our website to view the full lists and learn more about how you can engage with Disability Pride Month through reading, watching, and meaningful community connection.
The Evanston Public Library participates in the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program facilitated by the City of Evanston. Anyone is welcome to request a sunflower from our circulation desk to help identify individuals with hidden disabilities that may require additional supports.
The City of Evanston is committed to promoting a Citywide culture of accessibility and inclusivity. To request an accommodation for a program, service, or activity, please call 847-866-2919 to make an ADA service request or fill out a request form online, opens a new window.