Woodstock Library Presents 1st Drag Story Time, Sparkle Party

WOODSTOCK, NY — In celebration of Pride month, the Woodstock Public Library District is doing something it’s never done before.

The library is presenting “Drag Story Time and Sparkle Party” from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday.

It is scheduled to be on the library’s front lawn but could be moved inside if the weather doesn’t cooperate.

Hollie Ferrara, the library’s children’s programmer, told Patch that, a few months ago, a few community members were talking about drag story hours taking place in libraries around the country.

“Someone asked why hadn’t we done one,” she said. “That got the ball rolling.”

Ferrara did a search for some drag queens in the area, and the event started getting bigger.

On Saturday, the two guest storytellers will be Amber Guesa and Katarina Mirage.

Guesa performs all across the Hudson Valley, having begun her drag career while attending the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park. She’s been featured in Westchester magazine and is now a patient advocate for the Ally Care Center at Westchester Medical Center.

Mirage is an established performer and drag artist from the Hudson Valley, specializing in celebrity impersonation and cosplay. She uses her background in theater to tell stories, educate and spread love, kindness and acceptance with every performance.

Among the books the pair will be reading are “Not Quite Narwhal” by Jessie Sima — a heartwarming picture book that tells the story of a young unicorn born under the sea to a family of narwhals — and “The Family Book” by Todd Parr.

“The Family Book” celebrates the love we feel for our families and the different variations they come in, whether it’s a big family or a small family, whether there are two moms or two dads. Parr’s message is about the importance of embracing our differences.

Ferrara said they might also read from a new book version of “The Little Mermaid.”

There also may be a song so the kids can get up and dance, she said. Snacks will be provided by Harana Market.

Ferrara said that, for the most part, the event has gotten a lot of encouragement and support, but there have been critics.

“Libraries do things for everybody,” she said. “Not every event is for everyone.”

At 11 a.m. Saturday, the library will present its regular story time with Chiaki, followed by a craft project.

Drag Story Time and Sparkle Party is not replacing that story time event, Ferrara said.

“If [the Drag Story Time] doesn’t interest you,” she said, “go do something else.

“We are trying to expand our reach,” Ferrara said.

The Woodstock Public Library District is located at 5 Library Lane in Woodstock.