A Day to Remember at the Library

Portland Public Library is a proud participant of Pride Week, and we are thrilled to be presenting an entire day of events dedicated to those affected by HIV/AIDS. On June 17 at the Main Library, PPL will host twelve panels of the AIDS Quilt presented by the NAMES Project of Northern New England. Conceived in 1985, by Cleve Jones, the Quilt was meant to commemorate those who had lost their lives to HIV/AIDS. Sadly, for many, the Quilt was the only opportunity for survivors to remember their loved ones.

For more on the Quilt, be sure to check out the book, The Quilt: Stories from the Names Project by Cindy Ruskin. The panels will be on display in the library for one day only, so be sure to stop by the Atrium and take a look.

Our afternoon author talk for that day is Deborah Freedman, author of Names Project AIDS Memorial Quilt: Stories from Maine. Debb has traveled throughout our state for ten years sharing the Quilt and sharing the stories of the Quilt. Deborah Freedman will be speaking at noon in the Rines Auditorium. We are so happy to have her and her stories!

Throughout the day, staff from Apothecary by Design will be in the Library and available to discuss how they support current medical management of HIV/AIDS.

In the evening, PPL will host The Heart of the Story: Maine’s Response to HIV/AIDS. This panel discussion will focus on various aspects of the history of HIV/AIDS in Maine, as well as what is going on now for those living with the disease. Panelists include:

• Crystal Gamet, who will speak about the Quilt
• Ralph Cusack, who will speak about activism around HIV/AIDS
• Charlie Grindle, who will give the prospective of a first responder
• Dr. Lani Graham, who will discuss the public health aspects
• Myles Rightmire, who will discuss the medical and health response
• Kelly Arbor, who will give a personal perspective

This will definitely be an informative panel, which will be followed by a discussion between the audience and the panelists. PPL is truly excited to be hosting the second annual Pride week history event! For information on other Pride events happening throughout the month of June, check here.

Our June 17 events were made possible by the following great sponsors:

The Maine Equity Fund of the Maine Community Foundatio

Coffee by Design

Apothecary by Design

Pride Portland!

The Frannie Peabody Center

SAGE Maine

The Jean Byers Sampson Center for Diversity in Maine at USM

The NAMES Project of Northern New England

M.E.S.H. (Maine Educationalists on Sexual Harmony)