Embark on a journey with us to better understand yourself and others. Take time this month to celebrate and learn about the histories, contributions, and current experiences of those around you.
The stories highlighted here act as windows into other cultures and mirrors of our own experiences. Source: By Rudine Sims Bishop, The Ohio State University. "Mirrors, Windows, and Sliding Glass Doors" originally appeared in Perspectives: Choosing and Using Books for the Classroom. Vo. 6, no. 3. Summer 1990.
Disability Pride Month (July)
Disability Pride Month (Audiobooks & CDs)
Disability Pride Month is celebrated in July to honor the history, achievements, experiences, and struggles of the disability community.
Disability Pride Month Films
Disability Pride Month is celebrated in July to honor the history, achievements, experiences, and struggles of the disability community.
Celebrate Disability Pride for Kids
Celebrate Disability Pride with these fiction and non-fiction reads about people with disabilities.
Celebrate Disability Pride for Teens
Celebrate Disability Pride with these fiction and non-fiction reads about people with disabilities.
Movies with Audio Descriptions
Browse movies with short verbal descriptions of scenes inserted between the dialogue.
Motorized Scooter & Rollator (Rolling Walker with Basket)
Available to borrow for in-library use. Located in the atrium.
Monday Meditation: Summer Series
Various dates & times
Let go of stress and tension while in a seated position with a guided meditation facilitated by Kellie Snyder.
Equity First: Path to Inclusion & Belonging (Online Course)
Mary-Frances discusses gender equality, racial and ethnic equity, sexual orientation equity, and equity for people with disabilities.
Sensory Kits
Lessen sensory overload while at the library with this kit. Designed for all ages, though some items may fit better on kids.
Disability Pride Month (CDs)
Disability Pride Month is celebrated in July to honor the history, achievements, experiences, and struggles of the disability community.
Disability Pride Month (Audiobooks)
Disability Pride Month is celebrated in July to honor the history, achievements, experiences, and struggles of the disability community.
Interpretation Services
Includes: Af-Soomaali (Somali), American Sign Language (ASL), नेपाली (Nepali), Português (Portuguese), Español (Spanish).
Disability Pride for Teens 2024
This list contains nonfiction books about disabilities and fiction books featuring characters with disabilities.
Films for Disability Pride Month (Streaming Movies)
Explore powerful films that honor disabled people’s representation, challenge perceptions, and uplift authentic voices.
Celebrate Disability Pride Month (For Kids & Families)
Celebrate Disability Pride Month with stories by some of our favorite disabled, chronically ill, Deaf, and neurodivergent writers.
Celebrate Disability Pride Month (Adult Fiction)
Celebrate people with disabilities. Read these books of fiction focusing on physical and mental challenges.
2025 Schedule of Celebrations
- February: Black History Month
- March: Women's History Month
- April: Arab American Heritage Month
- May: Asian Pacific Islander Heritage Month
- June: LGBTQ+ Pride Month
- July: Disability Pride Month
- September: Hispanic Latino Heritage Month
- November: Native American Heritage Month
Make Your Own Papel Picado
Sep 1st - Sep 30th | All day
Learn about the rich history of papel picado - a traditional Mexican craft made by cutting elaborate designs into sheets of tissue paper.
Ballet Folclórico Xochihua: Hispanic Heritage Month
Sep 7th | 2:00pm - 2:30pm
Enjoy a dance performance by Ballet Folclórico Xochihua celebrating Mexican folklore and traditions.
Transparent Language & Culture Blogs
Led by teams of native speakers & educators, blogs provide a platform in which current events & cultural topics can be discussed.
Pura Belpre Medal
Awarded to a Latino/Latina writer and illustrator for a work of children’s literature that best celebrates the Latino cultural experience.
Make Your Own Papel Picado
Sep 1st - Sep 30th | All day
Learn about the rich history of papel picado - a traditional Mexican craft made by cutting elaborate designs into sheets of tissue paper.
Ballet Folclórico Xochihua: Hispanic Heritage Month
Sep 7th | 2:00pm - 2:30pm
Enjoy a dance performance by Ballet Folclórico Xochihua celebrating Mexican folklore and traditions.
Transparent Language & Culture Blogs
Led by teams of native speakers & educators, blogs provide a platform in which current events & cultural topics can be discussed.
Pura Belpre Medal
Awarded to a Latino/Latina writer and illustrator for a work of children’s literature that best celebrates the Latino cultural experience.
About This Initiative
The Westerville Public Library’s intention with this initiative is to reflect our diverse community, encourage acceptance, promote respect, expand understanding, amplify a wide range of voices, and energize community conversations. Suggestions for future celebrations welcome.Â
Heritage in this context is intended to encompass the people, places, and things that have been passed down from generation to generation.
Diverse Voices
Browse titles with perspectives & experiences of people from different backgrounds. Curated by Columbus Metropolitan Library.
Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging (online course)
Explore this belonging approach, and discover how to activate it in your organization.
CultureGrams
Discover cultures of the world. Go beyond the basic facts and figures with local perspectives on more than 200 countries
Unconscious Bias (online course)
Founder/CEO of Rework Work Stacey Gordon reveals the most common forms of unconscious bias and teaches skills to effectively address them.
Diverse Voices
Browse titles with perspectives & experiences of people from different backgrounds. Curated by Columbus Metropolitan Library.
Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging (online course)
Explore this belonging approach, and discover how to activate it in your organization.
CultureGrams
Discover cultures of the world. Go beyond the basic facts and figures with local perspectives on more than 200 countries
Unconscious Bias (online course)
Founder/CEO of Rework Work Stacey Gordon reveals the most common forms of unconscious bias and teaches skills to effectively address them.
Kristen C.
When she’s not working with kids here at the library, you might find her on the bike trail or baking up a sweet treat.
Mindy B.
Mindy will always bring a smile to your face, even when she's concentrating on finding hard-to-get-your-hands-on books and journal articles.
Thomas S.
Fun and friendly, Thomas is often out-and-about, bringing entertainment and energy to community events around Westerville.
Aneeza P.
Aneeza is curious about people, cultures, communities, and social and organizational structures.
Kristen C.
When she’s not working with kids here at the library, you might find her on the bike trail or baking up a sweet treat.
Mindy B.
Mindy will always bring a smile to your face, even when she's concentrating on finding hard-to-get-your-hands-on books and journal articles.
Thomas S.
Fun and friendly, Thomas is often out-and-about, bringing entertainment and energy to community events around Westerville.
Aneeza P.
Aneeza is curious about people, cultures, communities, and social and organizational structures.
