Campaign Month | Marama Whakatairanga
Out on the Shelves takes place throughout June each year
About the Out on the Shelves Campaign
The Out on the Shelves (OOTS) awareness campaign is held annually each June. Now in its seventh year, our campaign month provides an important opportunity for school and community libraries throughout Aotearoa NZ to uplift and celebrate rainbow people and our stories.
We have continually grown our campaign over the past 7 years, with over 250 amazing school and community libraries celebrating with us in 2023.
School and community libraries are the cornerstone of the Out on the Shelves campaign. They are one of the few public spaces where rainbow young people can safely access representation, information, resources and community. This is especially in more isolated or rural areas.
By visibly participating in the Out on the Shelves campaign, libraries can actively demonstrate that they are a safe, inclusive place and that rainbow people are valued and reflected in their collections.
Our team provides participating school and community libraries with resources, posters, merchandise and competitions, as well as support and promotion of pride-related library events, workshops and programmes.
Registering for OOTS 2025
Registrations will open for school and community libraries to take part in the 2025 Out on the Shelves campaign in the new year.
Registering ensures that your library receives all relevant promotional materials, merchandise, information and support ahead of the campaign. Join the growing network of libraries standing in solidarity with rainbow communities!
OOTS Pride Display Competition
As part of the OOTS campaign month each June, we encourage all libraries across the motu to create a pride-themed display promoting their rainbow reading collections.
By creating a display and promoting the rainbow items in your collection, you are indicating to rainbow communities that they are valued, safe and included in your space.
Learn more about entering our annual Out on the Shelves Display Competition.
Organising events for OOTS
During our campaign week, we encourage libraries to host events related to rainbow representation in books. Hosting events shows your library community that you are supportive of rainbow identities and give rainbow young people a safe, age-appropriate place to celebrate books. You will also connect your younger community with rainbow stories and each other.
Visit our Events and Activities page for ideas, guidance and more information.
OOTS Bookmarks
As part of the Out on the Shelves campaign each June, we release a range of colourful bookmarks with identity-specific book lists to help promote the Out on the Shelves rainbow reading resource and visually connect rainbow young people with stories that represent them.
We currently have 12 unique bookmarks with identity-specific book lists to help you find more great rainbow books. These are available to order via the link below.
Printable Posters
We strongly encourage school and community libraries to print out and put up these posters to help spread the word about the Out on the Shelves campaign and online rainbow reading resource.
Please consider advertising our 2024 Rainbow Storytelling Competition by putting up our poster in your classroom or library!
