posted June 20, 2018
Since 2015, the American Library Association has recognized June as GLBT Book Month. Berks County Public Libraries (BCPL) began partnering with the newly founded LGBT Center of Greater Reading in 2017. The partnership culminated in a robust list of events in June of this year.
On June 7, 2018, LGBT Center Co-Founder Bethany Bower, and LGBT Center President, Jocelyn Young, offered training to library staff from Berks and five surrounding counties to share information, terminology, and best practices for making libraries welcoming spaces for the LGBTQ+ community. About thirty library staff attended the training including directors, reference desk staff, young adult librarians, children’s librarians, and correctional librarians. This portion of the training was provided thanks to funding from the LGBT Equality Alliance, Inc. of Chester County.
The second portion of the training was conducted by Sara Palmer, Librarian, and Mary Marques, Library Coordinator, of the Free Library of Philadelphia. After conducting amazingly successful programming in Philadelphia titled The Free Library of PRIDE, they shared success stories, tips, and resources on how to create inclusive programming in support of the LGBTQ+ community.
BCPL staff knew more was needed to strengthen the partnership with the LGBT Center and the LGBTQ+ community. After learning the Center was hoping to begin a resource library for families, the answer was clear: assist with the creation of the Center’s library. With funds from the Reading Public Library and Berks County Public Libraries, 39 books were donated toward the Center. Though Berks Libraries hold many materials in print and digital format related to LGBT topics, it was important to ensure information was available to families directly at the LGBT Center. The book dedication was presented on June 6, 2018, at the inaugural author visit for the Center. They welcomed author Martha K. Davis, writer of Scissors, Paper Stone, winner of the 2016 Quill Queer Literary Award.
During the book dedication, a specially curated list entitled LGBT Booklist, was also shared. Former Outreach Services Coordinator, Corinne Brumbach, and District Youth Services Consultant, Marissa Guidara, created the booklist for all ages. All included titles can be found at Berks County Public Libraries, many titles are also available for download as eBooks and eAudiobooks.
BCPL will be in attendance at the Reading Pride Celebration on Sunday, July 15, 2018 in Centre Park. The theme for the BCPL table will be the story of the pineapple, a welcoming symbol of friendship. Gold foil temporary tattoos will be distributed. A special Drag Queen Storytime is also being prepared for the festivities.
We look forward to continuing this strong collaboration with the LGBT Center of Greater Reading. Whoever you are, wherever you are, whatever your beliefs, you are always welcome at any of the Berks County Public Libraries. Libraries are for everyone!