“The Rainbow Library Project donated over 7,500 books to schools all across the country… It was so worth the wait. The books are fantastic. Inclusivity and representation – the gift of this library really does that.”
“Rashael Apuya, teen services librarian, and Crystal Hicks, collections librarian, said they wanted to create a space that fosters inclusion and safety for the LGBTQ+ young adult community. They said one way they try to create space is through the young adult queer-book collection.”
“For freshman Ro Mize, having the Rainbow Library makes them feel more accepted and represented within PHS. ‘I like being able to see myself in a character in a book. A lot of the time during school, I feel a little bit isolated and there’s not a lot of things that I can relate to, but I feel like I can when reading these types of books.”
“Books are a foundational tool for building reflection, empathy and curiosity,” Rady says. “When reading LGBTQ texts, teachers can have classroom conversations that promote deeper understanding and affirm kids’ self-worth.”
“Patrick Dunn, executive director of the New Haven Pride Center, said he has been excited to be [a Rainbow Library] partner. ‘I think it’s a brilliant, brilliant idea,’ he said. ‘It can literally save a kid’s life.'”
“GLSEN Connecticut, which supports making K-12 schools safe and inclusive for LGBTQ students, is leading a “Rainbow Library” initiative, which would give books for various reading levels with LGBTQ characters and themes to 114 school libraries in the state.”
Help us send LGBTQ+ affirming K-12 books to schools and libraries across the country!