Out on the Shelves 2025: embracing diversity, building community
Published on 04 June 2025
Community is at the heart of everything we do at Upper Hutt Libraries – our collections, our spaces, and the events we offer.
As a public library, we’re here to reflect the diversity of the people who walk through our doors.
It’s important to us that everyone in our community has access to stories, resources, and events that resonate with who they are.
Whether you are a customer who is picking up the newspapers at Central Library, browsing the latest releases at our beautiful Pinehaven branch, or soaking up the mobile library magic aboard Pūrehurehu – we want you to feel welcome, safe, and encouraged to spend time here.
Page by page, story by story, event by event, we can build community, empathy, and understanding right here, together.
Our library is for everyone
This June, we are taking part in Out on the Shelves again. It’s a fantastic initiative led by InsideOUT Kōaro, a national charity dedicated to providing resources, education, advocacy, and support for rainbow (LGBTQIA+) communities.
Literature comes in many shapes, forms, and genres. It provides food for thought, entertains, sparks curiosity, or lets us step into someone else’s shoes and experiences, even for brief moments. Sometimes it helps us feel seen ourselves.
Being a part of the nationwide Out on the Shelves initiative is an opportunity to showcase our LGBTQIA+ collection, to support our Upper Hutt rainbow community, and to affirm our commitment to being an inclusive, accessible space for all.
Connect, learn, be yourself: what’s on for Out on the Shelves 2025
We are hosting a bunch of fun events to support the initiative. Come along for an opportunity to connect, enjoy games together, and show up for a welcoming, inclusive community.
Safe Space Semaphore
all June | Central Library | for ages 5-12
Can you find all the Pride flags? A scavenger hunt to build community, empathy, and understanding.
Ticket to Pride
Saturday, 7 June 2025, 2.00-4.00PM | Central Library | for ages 13+
The winner takes it all! Queers and allies, supporters and advocates, bring your competitive spirit to our board game afternoon featuring games such as Ticket to Ride, Codenames, and Spot It.
Rainbow Pride Trivia
Saturday, 14 June 2025, 2.00-4.00PM | Central Library | for ages 13+
An afternoon of fun, laughs, and friendly competition is guaranteed at our rainbow community quiz. Show off your expertise on LGBTQ+ history, culture, and trivia, and meet new people in a supportive and inclusive setting. Register a team of up to 6 people.
Out on the Shelves Storytime
Wednesday, 18 June 2025, 3.30-4.15PM | Central Library | all ages
Come along for storytime with our library team. We’ll read stories to celebrate diversity, kindness, inclusion, and the power of showing that everyone is welcome in our community. Themed craft included!
Clay Creations
Thursday, 26 June 2025, 4-5PM | Central Library | for ages 13+
See what you can make with air dry clay! A trinket tray? Keyring? a new pet? The possibilities are endless! During this event there will be time to create and paint your new creation before taking it home! All materials provided, just bring your imagination. Ready, set, create!