Answer: Here is the official answer from the ALA, one to use as an historical rebuttal to "no one needed these books when I was a kid," legalities regarding school libraries, and how the materials help the community.
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| American Library Association logo |
Resource: Access to Library Resources and Services
Regardless of Sex, Gender Identity, Gender Expression, or Sexual Orientation:
An Interpretation of the Library Bill of Rights (2019). American Library
Association.
What the resource says
(in 100 words or fewer): Libraries
develop their policies and collections with guidance by the Library Bill of
Rights, which is based on the first amendment of the United States
constitution. This article is a summary of how the Library Bill of Rights
pertains to books about sex and gender identity and expression. Libraries are
not allowed to censor books over these subjects simply because some patrons
disagree as long as the books follow the library’s collection guidelines. Also,
patrons cannot demand that books they find “better” be included in a library if
those books do not meet the library’s standards and/or promote hateful conduct.
Memorable quote from the resource: “The Association affirms that books and other materials coming from presses that specialize in gay, lesbian, bisexual, and/or transgender subject matter; gay, lesbian, bisexual, and/or transgender authors or other creators; and materials regardless of format or services dealing with gay, lesbian, bisexual, and/or transgender life are protected by the Library Bill of Rights.”
Resource: Suciu, C. (2016, July 31). The Fight forPositive and Accurate LGBT Information in Libraries. ProQuest Blog.
What the
resource says (100 words or fewer): Barbara Gittings was a lesbian who fought to
have accurate materials in libraries. In the 1950s and 60s, she became active
in LGBT groups and protests, ran lesbian magazine The Ladder and added
more pro-lesbian content, and in 1971 began working to get positive and
accurate LGBTQ+ books in libraries so that “gay people would no longer be
assaulted or bewildered or demoralized.” Gittings and her colleagues in the Task Force for
Gay Liberation were part of the fight to get the American Psychiatric
Association to take homosexuality
out of the DSM as a mental illness.
Memorable quote from the resource: "’As a teenager, I had to struggle alone to learn about myself and what it meant to be gay. Now for years I've had the satisfaction of working with other gay people all across the country to get the bigots off our backs, to oil the closet door hinges, to change prejudiced hearts and minds, and to show that gay love is good for us and for the rest of the world too. It's hard work – but it's vital, and it's gratifying, and it's often fun!’ – Barbara Gittings”
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| Lambda Legal logo |
What the resource says (100 words or fewer): This comprehensive guide from Lambda Legal is geared towards public school libraries but applies to public libraries as well. LGBTQ+ students are more likely to be depressed and to be bullied. Libraries can help both issues by providing LGBTQ+ materials, which have been shown to reduce bullying and harassment among all students. Also explained in the guide is how restricting access to, blocking websites, or removing materials only because they are LGBTQ+-themed is unconstitutional. Included at the end are websites and organizations where people can find more information.
Memorable quote from the resource: “Schools may not permit a discriminatory or abusive environment for LGBTQ students. Courts across the nation have applied federal, state and local laws to protect LGBTQ students from harassment and discriminatory treatment.”
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| Librarian with safety pin |
Resource: Boog,
J. (2017, May 26). The Library Saved My Life: LGBTQ Books 2017. Publisher’s
Weekly.
What the resource says (100 words or fewer): A librarian in Missouri,
Kim Garcia, sent a message of support to the LGBTQ+ community after the Pulse
Nightclub shootings by wearing a safety
pin to identify herself as a safe person to talk to. She also posted
information about the community and created book displays in her libraries to
positive feedback. This is just one example of libraries supporting the LGBTQ+
community, support that often saves lives, like that of Professor Jamie Campbell
Naido of Arizona. In small towns, librarians are often the only safe adults for
young LGBTQ+ patrons to approach, especially since 2016 hate crimes have increased.
Memorable quote from the resource: “’Libraries
have always been open places for everybody,’ Coyl says, stressing that
librarians must repeat a clear and simple message for LGBTQ patrons: ‘You can
come to the library and be safe.’”
Click on the links to continue.
Part 1: Library Bill of Rights
Part 2: Library Collection Policies
Part 3: Should Libraries be Neutral?
Part 4: Intellectual Freedom vs. Hate Speech
Part 5: Patrons and Their Opinions
Part 6: LGBTQ+ Right to Read
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