LGBTQIA+ Inclusive Children's Librarianship

Lucy Santos Green, EdD, is professor of information science at the University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC. Jenna Spiering, PhD, is assistant professor of information science at the University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC. Vanessa Lynn Kitzie, PhD, is assistant professor of information science at the University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC. Julia Erlanger, MSLIS, is a youth services librarian for Sacramento Public Library in Sacramento, CA.

• ForewordAnastasia M. Collins, MLIS, MAAcknowledgmentChapter 1: Why This Book Was WrittenWhy Library Services for ChildrenWhy School and Public LibrariesUnderstanding the Terminology We UseIntersectionality and How It Applies to LGBTQIA+ Children and YouthMental Health and How It Applies to Library Services for LGBTQIA+ Children and YouthWho We Are and How We See the World (Our Positionality Statements)LucyJennaVanessaJuliaReferencesChapter 2: Policies and ProceduresPolicies and Procedures on Professional Behavior and Language UseNondiscrimination PoliciesInclusive Language ProceduresPrint and Communication MaterialsEvent TitlesEmail Signatures and Name BadgesVerbal InteractionsPolicies and Procedures on Professional DevelopmentProfessional Development PlansTemporary Library Staff and Library VolunteersSchool Administration and Library TrusteesClassroom Teachers and Professional DevelopmentPublic Library School OutreachSelf-ReflectionPolicies and Procedures on Displays and FacilitiesDisplaysGeneral/Behavior-Driven DisplaysCurriculum-Driven DisplaysLiteracy-Driven DisplaysRestroomsMeeting SpacesSchool LibrariesPatron Use of the Children's AreaPolicies and Procedures in Digital SpacesDigital ResourcesInternet Filters and AccessSchool LibrariesPrivacyPatron RecordsPublic LibrariesSchool LibrariesCirculation RecordsE-BooksEducational TechnologyReferencesChapter 3: Programming: Beyond Building the CollectionStorytimesRepresentationDiscussions for Young ChildrenQueering ReadingDrag StorytimesReader's AdvisoryRecommend LGBTQIA+ Books to All PatronsRead Queer BooksBook ClubsInstructional Partnerships and CollaborationsCo-Teaching for School LibrariansSchool and Public Library PartnershipsMakerspacesTargeted Family ProgrammingFinal Thoughts on Subverting Core Library ProgrammingReferencesChapter 4: Overcoming Resistance and Personal FearAlliesHow to Visibly Support LGBTQIA+ People and CommunitiesInvisibilityIntellectual FreedomReconsidering "Neutrality"CensorshipSelf-CensorshipGiving Up Your Comfort for LGBTQIA+ KidsHypervisibilityProtests and PushbackCollections and Read-AloudsDrag StorytimesBook DisplaysAuthor VisitsPreparing for ChallengesBook, Material, and Display ChallengesProgram ChallengesThe Call Is Coming From Inside the House: Lucy's StoryPushing Your Practice Forward: Additional Strategies for LGBTQIA+ InclusionOther Considerations for Allyship: Coming Out and Identity Disclosure for LGBTQIA+ Librarians and IntersectionalityLGBTQIA+ LibrariansComing Out and Identity DisclosureChallenging the LGBTQIA+ Monolith: Intersectionality and NormativitiesStrategies for Fostering LGBTQIA+ Inclusivity From an Intersectional StandpointReferencesChapter 5: Resources for Additional SupportActivities and Curriculum SupportAdvocacyCollection DevelopmentCommunitiesDemographic and Statistical PortraitsFurther ReadingGlossaries and Language GuidesIntersectionalityLegal OrganizationsMental HealthPolicy GuidesProfessional DevelopmentProgramming GuidesSocial Media Packages and ResourcesYouth VoicesIndex129

At a time when book challenges are at an all time high, and some states are even seeking to legislate the erasure of narratives that affirm queer identities specifically, LGBTQIA+ Inclusive Children's Librarianship by Santos Green et al, is a potentially life saving resource. As the authors point out in the very first chapter, while visibility and acceptance of queer identities has increased greatly in the last few decades, this progress has been met with highly organized, "targeted pushback against attempts to include LGBTQIA+ youth and their stories in public spaces such as libraries and schools." The erasure of queer stories and experiences from library shelves, displays and programming is particularly distressing when overlapped with the reality that "[a] large percentage of LGBTQIA+ youth report symptoms of anxiety and depression, including self-harming behaviors and suicidal ideation (thoughts of suicide)." In this context, it's clear that librarians have a responsibility to create collections, spaces and programming that are both inclusive and affirming. Still, in today's world, doing that work can feel difficult and even dangerous. With this in mind, Santos Green et al, not only acknowledge the personal and professional risk librarians sometimes face when advocating for their queer youth, they also provide resources and tips for overcoming resistance, personal discomfort and potentially confrontational challenges from community members. Indeed, rich with practical strategies for updating policies, procedures and programming LGBTQIA+ Inclusive Children's Librarianship serves as a blueprint to meet this important moment. I can't wait for librarians to have access to this empowering and essential book.