LGBTQ+

LGBT History Month is an annual month-long observance of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender history, and the history of the gay rights and civil rights movements. It is celebrated in October to coincide with National Coming Out Day on October 11 and to commemorate the first and second marches on Washington in 1979 and 1987 for LGBT rights.

The Library has an AMAZING collection of books featuring stories and information written by and about people from varied backgrounds, races, ethnicities, life experiences, and viewpoints. We love to share selections that demonstrate the range of our collection all year and we encourage you to explore these books with us! This month, we are highlighting activities and books in our collection by and about people in the LGBTQIA+ community.

Looking for a light-hearted holiday romance novel (with a few “festive” twists and turns)? Well, grab a big cup of hot cocoa and get cozy! The Library has a few Hallmark movie-inspired book recommendations that are sure to make you merry.

Countless lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer individuals have left their mark on history and culture. From British mathematician Alan Turing, who took a leading role in breaking Nazi ciphers during World War II, to Sally Ride, the first American woman in space. LGBTQ+ History Month was born from a coalition of educators o highlight their achievements as well as the progress of the broader gay rights movement.

June is Rainbow Book Month – a nationwide celebration of the authors and writings that reflect the lives and experiences of the LGBTQIA+ community. An initiative of the American Library Association, it’s an opportunity for book lovers to discover diverse stories and for libraries to foster community, understanding and access.

Are you or someone you love transgender or gender non-conforming? While there are many great examples of positive trans representation in media, there’s nothing quite like getting into a good book and getting into the mind of someone with real, lived experience. What is it like to be transgender outside of the spotlight of Hollywood? How do every day trans folks and the people who love them navigate life, love, careers and coming of age?

October is LGBTQ+ History Month, which celebrates the achievements and contributions of exemplary lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and other queer-identified role models throughout history. Like other celebration months, it is also an opportunity to highlight historic and current issues facing the community, celebrate milestones, and educate or welcome others who would become allies.

First celebrated in 2012, International Non-Binary People’s Day is an opportunity to recognize and celebrate those who do not identify exclusively as male or female (masculine or feminine). Check out the blog for a breakdown of terms and pronouns as well as tips and resources for parents, friends, coworkers, and allies. You'll also find booklists for youth, teens, and adults with authors and characters who identify as non-binary, gender non-conforming, or transgender.