DIVERSITY

The Harlem library plans to kick off its summer reading program with a drag queen story hour next month.

The performers, tongue firmly planted in cheek, have included Harmonica Sunbeam and Lil Miss Hot Mess, who led the children through a crown-making workshop after they read together. On June 10, Cholula Lemon — a comedian who says she “seeks to spread light, laughter, and love throughout the world” — will celebrate the Brooklyn Pride festival with a storytime at the library in Park Slope.

Some of the humor goes over the little ones’ heads, but the parents appreciate it, said Adam Leddy, a spokesman for the Brooklyn Public Library system.

“For a lot of the audience, it’s just a fun colorful performance by a nice person who’s leading them through singing and dancing,” he said.

The idea migrated to Orlando after Corey Lyons, president of Impulse Group Orlando, read about the San Francisco story hour.

He was pleasantly surprised by the warm reception he got at the library in Orlando when he proposed the idea. Orange County Mayor Teresa Jacobs asked the library to host, Sullivan said.

Impulse, an AIDS and HIV education and prevention organization, wanted to combat the hatred that led to the massacre at Pulse, where 68 people were injured in addition to those killed.

“What we want to do is inspire love and let people know it's OK to be different,” Lyons said. “If we had started preaching this message sooner, maybe we could have prevented some of these hateful acts.”

Miss Sammy will be joined by a contestant from RuPaul’s Drag Race reality TV show whose name hasn’t been disclosed.

Each character will read a book with the themes of acceptance, diversity and anti-bullying.

So far, more than 140 people have registered, for the event, which is June 12 at 5:30 p.m. at the library, 101 E. Central Blvd.