Resources
Resources to Include | Resources to Protect Access
Resources to Include
Representation matters! There’s plenty of evidence that kids benefit from stories that reflect and validate their lived experience. In some cases, access to such stories can literally be life-saving for LGBTQ youth. Consult these tools and resources to learn about ways to include to LGBTQIA+ stories as part of a range of diverse titles that help every child feel valued and welcome.
Free Online Resources
ALA Rainbow Roundtable Toolkit : “designed to help library staff better understand gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, questioning, intersex, asexual, aromantic, and other queer (LGBTQIA+) library users, how to best serve their needs, and how to manage challenges that often arise.”
American Libraries Magazine Inclusive Storytimes Article – includes resources for creating more inclusive storytimes
ALSC Storytime Suggestion Blog Post – outlines a few ways you can incorporate LGBTQIA+ themes into your storytimes.
Human Rights Campaign/Welcoming Schools – resources (including training and professional development) to create better school environments for LGBTQ+ youth
Mombian – website with information for LGBTQ+ families. Includes a book database that features diverse titles.
Resources for Same-Sex Parents – Libguide with examples of successful LGBTQ+ storytime programming
Selected Bibliography of Publications
Collection Development and Inclusive Storytime
Cahill, M., Ingram, E., & Joo, S. (2021). Storytime programs as mirrors, windows, and sliding glass doors? Addressing children’s needs through diverse book selection. The Library Quarterly (Chicago), 91(3), 269–284. https://doi.org/10.1086/714317
Dorr, C. Deskins, L., & Naidoo, J. C. (2018). LGBTQAI+ books for children and teens : providing a window for all. ALA Editions.
Grafelman, K. & Barriage, S. (2022). No finish line: Creating inclusiveness in children’s programs. Children & Libraries, 20(3), 3–11. https://doi.org/10.5860/cal.20.3.3
Green, L.S. Spiering, J., Kitzie, V. L., & Erlanger, J. (2022). LGBTQIA+ inclusive children’s librarianship : policies, programs, and practices. Libraries Unlimited, an imprint of ABC-CLIO, LLC.
Williams, V.K. & Deyoe, N. (2015). Controversy and Diversity: LGBTQ Titles in Academic Library Youth Collections. Library Resources & Technical Services, 59(2), 62–. https://doi.org/10.5860/lrts.59n2.62
Drag Queen Storytimes
Condren, C. (2018). Far from a drag: How one library embraced drag queen story hour. Children & Libraries, 16(1), 21–22. https://doi.org/10.5860/cal.16.1.21
Davey, D. (2020). The fabulousness and the fury: Preparing for a drag queen storytime. Partnership, 15(2), 1–10. https://doi.org/10.21083/partnership.v15i2.6219
Naidoo, J.C. (2018). A rainbow of creativity: Exploring drag queen storytimes and gender creative programming in public libraries. Children & Libraries, 16(4), 12–22. https://doi.org/10.5860/cal.16.4.12
Service Support for LGBTQIA+ Teens
Houde, L. (2018). Serving LGBTQ teens : a practical guide for librarians. Rowman & Littlefield.
Resources to Protect Access
Use these tools to help protect access to LGBTQIA+ stories in your collection.
“The Get Ready, Stay Ready: Community Action Toolkit is an effort by a group of parents and librarians who believe that the power is in community, in togetherness, in a collective outcry and a collective pushback against those who want to erase our stories , our history, our existence. Here you will find curated resources including scripts for public speaking and writing, fantastic video presentations, training materials equipping you to learn more about (and fight back) censorship’s impact on education and society, tools for civic engagement, and a network of organizations across the country that are determined to preserve your child’s right to a high-quality education through intellectual freedom.”
Intellectual Freedom Resources
The South Carolina Center for Community Literacy provides resources to deal with book challenges.
