Bookstores host June Pride Readathon to benefit Camp Outright
June 1, 2024 | By Katya d’AngeloA display at Bridgeside Books suggests readathon selections. Courtesy photo
This month, Bridgeside Books joins 14 independent bookstores across Vermont to hold the second annual Pride Readathon to raise money for Camp Outright.
Outright Vermont is the state’s only queer youth service organization and statewide advocacy center and Camp Outright is its residential summer program. Funds raised during the Pride Readathon ensure that no camper is turned away due to financial need.
Each bookstore encourages booksellers, customers, and members of the public to join in the readathon. Participants pledge to read a certain number of LGBTQ+ books during the month of June, seeking donations toward their goal. Others may opt to make a flat donation to the cause. The goal is to elevate queer authors and queer stories during Pride month and year round, because representation matters and everyone deserves to see themselves in the stories they love.
Bridgeside Books has curated a list of favorite LGBTQIA+ titles in fiction and nonfiction that feature queer stories, characters and authors. Find the list online here.
Outright Vermont Executive Director Dana Kaplan said the organization appreciates having Vermont independent bookstores host the fundraiser. “It provides a great opportunity to spotlight books that hold significance in queer culture and the journey of self-discovery,” Kaplan said. “We have to see ourselves to believe ourselves! We’re grateful and excited to be part of this, looking forward to delving into our summer reads along with everyone else.”
The 2024 Pride Readathon independent bookstore participants are Bartleby’s Books, Bear Pond Books Montpelier, Bennington Bookshop, The Bookstore, Bridgeside Books, Everyone’s Books, Galaxy Bookshop, Norwich Bookstore, Phoenix Books (all locations), The Vermont Book Shop, Village Square Booksellers, and Yankee Bookshop.
“We had so much fun last year with the Pride Readathon,” said Claire Benedict of Bear Pond Books in Montpelier which hosted last year’s Readathon. “We’re really looking forward to year two of promoting LGBTQ+ voices and supporting Outright Vermont.”
To join or donate, visit the Bridgeside Books Pride Readathon fundraising page.
Katya d’Angelo owns Bridgeside Books.