I Read You Loud and Queer

Libraries serve as cornerstones to healthy and engaged communities, which in turn feeds to a healthy and engaged society, but housed within the walls of these institutions of information are invisible barriers that further perpetuate the schisms that divide and suppress society, specifically when it comes to the LGBTQI+ community. Nowhere is this more evident than in the children’s department of US public libraries. Picture books make up a large portion of the book market, yet queer books and characters are near non-existent. The few that do make it to the shelves are almost always challenged or banned and are near impossible to find as irrelevant and misleading subject headings are used for cataloguing. Enraged citizens have taken it upon themselves to write, illustrate and publish their own queer books for children, however due to lack of professional know-how, sub-par books are released which mimic the second-class status of the queer community. Information professionals can champion for inclusive and positive subject headings, host events such as Drag Queen Story Hour and help parents and care givers read queerness into the text. A look at current programs and libraries that are engaged along with best practices are offered to empower and encourage information professionals, specifically those that work with children and youth. A staff that feels confident in providing spaces, collections and events that encompass the LGBTQ community will increase their social capital and strengthen their relationship with the community as a whole.