Pittsburgh Equality Center is excited to launch our new Little Queer Libraries program! Little Queer Libraries are free-standing little free libraries that provide access to a wide range of LGBTQIA+ literary resources, including books and pamphlets, which include vital information and resources to the LGBTQIA+ and ally communities.
Little Queer Libraries are located in safe, queer-affirming and accessible spaces throughout the Greater Pittsburgh region, and are open to everyone. This program provides a much-needed resource for our community, and helps create a more inclusive, welcoming and more literate environment for LGBTQIA+ members and allies.
Our first five Little Queer Libraries are out in the wild! More to come over the summer!
Where to Find Little Queer Libraries
Note: Please verify with the location that it is open so that you can access the Little Queer Libraries when you visit, as most are located indoors in our host spaces.
Benefits to the Community
The Little Queer Libraries provide a number of benefits to the community, including:
- Increased access to LGBTQ+ resources: The libraries will provide a wide range of resources that are not always easily accessible, such as books (all those sourced by Pittsburgh Equality Center are from Pen America’s Banned Books List; others are encouraged to add their own queer literature to the LQL’s), as well as health resources pamphlets. This will help to ensure that everyone has access to the information they need.
- Increased visibility for the LGBTQ+ community: The libraries will help to raise awareness of the LGBTQ+ community and its resources. This will help to create a more inclusive and welcoming environment for everyone.
- Increased sense of community: The libraries signal that there are spaces for queer people to come together and connect with other members of the LGBTQIA+ community. This will help to build a stronger and more supportive community.
Using the Little Queer Libraries
Take the book, and return it after you’re done so the next community member can enjoy it! It’s that simple!
How to Get Involved
If you are interested in getting involved in the Little Queer Libraries program, there are a number of ways to do so:
- Donate books: The libraries will always be in need of new books. You can donate books that you no longer need or that you think would be of interest to other members of the LGBTQIA+ community. (You can also donate here for us to add to our circulation.)
- Volunteer your time: The libraries will need volunteers to help with a variety of tasks, such as stocking the libraries, maintaining them, and providing customer service to patrons with questions.
- Spread the word: Let your friends, family, and colleagues know about the Little Queer Libraries program. The more people who know about it, the more successful it will be.
We hope that you will join us in making the Little Queer Libraries a success!
