Books, Boas, and Big Imaginations at Drag Story Hour

In West Hollywood, story time doesn’t just turn pages — it turns heads, sparks joy, and celebrates the full spectrum of self-expression. Enter Drag Story Hour, a fabulously inclusive program where books, boas, and big imaginations come together for a truly one-of-a-kind experience.

Presented by the City of West Hollywood in partnership with the West Hollywood Library (as part of LA County Library), Drag Story Hour invites children and families into a colorful, welcoming space where stories leap off the page and into the heart. Designed for kids of all ages, the program blends literacy with creativity, offering a joyful introduction to themes like diversity, acceptance, and being unapologetically yourself.

The concept first strutted onto the scene in 2015, created by author Michelle Tea and RADAR Productions in San Francisco. Just two years later, West Hollywood — never missing a chance to lead with love and a little sparkle — funded its very first Drag Story Hour at West Hollywood Library. Since then, the program has become a beloved community staple, with equal parts story time and showtime.

Produced locally by Drag Arts Lab, the West Hollywood series features a rotating cast of talented drag performers who know how to captivate an audience, whether they’re delivering a dramatic page turn or a perfectly timed punchline. At the center of it all is Pickle the Drag Queen, the City of West Hollywood’s first-ever Drag Laureate, whose charm, wit, and larger-than-life presence help to anchor the program with heart and humor.

Beyond the glitter and giggles, Drag Story Hour serves a deeper purpose. It creates a space where children can see a wide range of identities and expressions reflected to them in a positive, affirming way. It’s about building empathy, encouraging curiosity, and reminding young readers that there’s no one “right” way to be yourself.

Parents, caregivers, and community members often find that the experience is just as meaningful for them as it is for the kids. There’s something powerful about watching a room full of families laugh, listen, and learn together, proving that stories really do have the power to bring people closer.

In a city known for championing inclusivity, Drag Story Hour fits right in. It’s a little bit literary, a little bit legendary, and entirely West Hollywood. And if you ask the kids? It’s story time… but a lot more fabulous.