Carleton Place Public Library

Our very own Andy Lafleur Bell received a Rainbow Champion Award for their contributions to the 2SLGBTQI+ community in Lanark County. This award is given to individuals, organizations and local businesses that have significantly advocated and supported the 2SLGBTQI+ community.

If you know Andy or have ever had any interaction with them at the library, you’ll know first and foremost, they are one of the kindest and most inclusive people you’ll ever meet.

Andy has a remarkable gift for creating spaces where people feel welcome, seen, and safe. Through their leadership of the Q***r Sphere Crafting Circle, they have provided local LGBTQIA+ youth and allies with more than just an afterschool program — they have created a place of connection, creativity, and belonging. For young people especially, having that kind of affirming space can be truly life-changing.

Andy also organized Family Pride Connect, giving families of 2SLGBTQIA+ people an opportunity to come together, support one another, and build understanding and community.

What makes Andy’s contribution especially meaningful is that their impact goes far beyond their programming. As a visibly Trans staff member in a very public-facing role, Andy brings kindness, empathy, humour, and a genuine openness to their daily interactions with library visitors. Simply by being themselves and meeting people with warmth and humanity, they have helped increase positive visibility for the local trans community and have made our library, and our wider community, feel more inclusive and welcoming.

Andy was awarded this honour in Perth along with three others on June 6th, 2026, after the Pride Parade in Last Duel Park by Q***r Connection Lanark.

Congratulations, Andy! We are so proud of you!

From June 8-21, we’ll have free Culture Connect Kits available at the library while supplies last from our friends at Lanark Immigration Partnership. Stop in anytime to pick up one of the fun Rock Painting Kits for kids, or the Spill the Tea Kits for adults and take a little time to connect with something new.

These are always a fun item at the library and they’ll go fast so be sure to pick one up while you’re at the library in June. Thank you to Lanark Immigration Partnership and the County of Renfrew for always offering such great support and activities for our community!

The skies opened up today just as the Pride Parade was ending in Perth, but there were plenty of smiles as our very own Andy Lafleur Bell was awarded a Rainbow Champion Award! Andy's tireless enthusiasm and dedication to driving change and championing equality in our community is evident in all they do. We are so proud of you, Andy! Congratulations to you and all the other winners today!