New York Public Library (NYPL) hosted the annual Bronx Anti-Prom event this year at Grand Concourse Library on Friday, June 9.

 

Each year, NYPL organizes an Anti-Prom event in each City borough at different locations as an alternative to the traditional local high school proms for students celebrating the end of high school, to celebrate Pride and who may feel more comfortable in a different setting.

NYPL had encouraged members throughout Pride Month to explore its world-renowned collections. The Library has one of the largest collections of LGBTQ+ history and activism, including hundreds of thousands of letters, manuscripts, photographs, posters, and other items. 

 

While NYPL organizers asked that not all students’ faces be shown or names of students published, we received authorization for some students to be photographed as they partied the night away to a live DJ from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

The event also coincided with the start of NYPL’s Summer at the Library, where members can get creative and express themselves all summer long with free events for all ages, programs for kids and teens, reading recommendations, exhibitions, and much more.

 

On the evening in question, some students were seen coloring while others read books.

A host of volunteers were on hand giving out snacks and ensuring the students had a great evening. Bobby Sherwood, NYPL publicist, public relations, communications and marketing executive was also in attendance.

 

Whitney Davidson Rhodes, associated manager for young adult program services at NYPL’s Wakefield branch, was also present for the event.

Some of the free services available at your local NYPL include access to museums, musical instruments, seeds language lessons, a tablet or high-speed internet. Through the NYPL app, a number of handy services are also available.

 

Learn more in español (Spanish), 中文 (Chinese), বাংলা (Bengali), Русский (Russian), français (French), العربية (Arabic), 한국어 (Korean), Kreyòl Ayisyen (Haitian Creole), اردو (Urdu), and English about what the library offers kids and teens this summer.

 

*Síle Moloney contributed to this story.