Description
Book SynopsisThis book breaks new ground, offering school and public librarians serving children in grades K8 a roadmap for implementing and upholding queer-inclusive programs, policies, and services.School and public librarians are serving ever greater numbers of LGBTQIA+ children and families. Transgender children may begin to express a strong sense of gender identity as early as 23 years of age. Children are also identifying as gay much sooner than earlier generationsoften between the ages of 7 and 12. Additionally, more children than ever before are living with LGBTQIA+ caregivers.In seeking to make our programs and services inclusive and equitable for these growing populations, librarians may court controversy and face community backlash from patrons who feel queer-inclusive content is inappropriate for young children. This book codifies a set of best practices for librarians as they rise to this challenge, defining queer-inclusive programs, identifying potential barriers to implementat
Trade ReviewAt 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. * Jennifer LaGarde, Adjunct Professor, Rutgers University, Creator of librarygirl.net *
This is required reading for librarians everywhere! This is relevant, important information. The library is the central hub of the school, and this is a guidebook to help ensure that it truly is. Go beyond the performative displays of allyship and use this book to go beyond decorations and get to the heart of issue. The helpful inclusive glossary of terms and student testimonies truly help capture the need for this book. * Cicely Lewis, School Librarian at Meadowcreek High School and Founder of Read Woke *
Table of ContentsForeword Anastasia M. Collins, MLIS, MA Acknowledgment
Chapter 1: Why This Book Was Written Why Library Services for Children Why School and Public Libraries Understanding the Terminology We Use Intersectionality and How It Applies to LGBTQIA+ Children and Youth Mental Health and How It Applies to Library Services for LGBTQIA+ Children and Youth Who We Are and How We See the World (Our Positionality Statements) Lucy Jenna Vanessa Julia References
Chapter 2: Policies and Procedures Policies and Procedures on Professional Behavior and Language Use Nondiscrimination Policies Inclusive Language Procedures Print and Communication Materials Event Titles Email Signatures and Name Badges Verbal Interactions Policies and Procedures on Professional Development Professional Development Plans Temporary Library Staff and Library Volunteers School Administration and Library Trustees Classroom Teachers and Professional Development Public Library School Outreach Self-Reflection Policies and Procedures on Displays and Facilities Displays General/Behavior-Driven Displays Curriculum-Driven Displays Literacy-Driven Displays Restrooms Meeting Spaces School Libraries Patron Use of the Children's Area Policies and Procedures in Digital Spaces Digital Resources Internet Filters and Access School Libraries Privacy Patron Records Public Libraries School Libraries Circulation Records E-Books Educational Technology References
Chapter 3: Programming: Beyond Building the Collection Storytimes Representation Discussions for Young Children Queering Reading Drag Storytimes Reader's Advisory Recommend LGBTQIA+ Books to All Patrons Read Queer Books Book Clubs Instructional Partnerships and Collaborations Co-Teaching for School Librarians School and Public Library Partnerships Makerspaces Targeted Family Programming Final Thoughts on Subverting Core Library Programming References
Chapter 4: Overcoming Resistance and Personal Fear Allies How to Visibly Support LGBTQIA+ People and Communities Invisibility Intellectual Freedom Reconsidering "Neutrality" Censorship Self-Censorship Giving Up Your Comfort for LGBTQIA+ Kids Hypervisibility Protests and Pushback Collections and Read-Alouds Drag Storytimes Book Displays Author Visits Preparing for Challenges Book, Material, and Display Challenges Program Challenges The Call Is Coming From Inside the House: Lucy's Story Pushing Your Practice Forward: Additional Strategies for LGBTQIA+ Inclusion Other Considerations for Allyship: Coming Out and Identity Disclosure for LGBTQIA+ Librarians and Intersectionality LGBTQIA+ Librarians Coming Out and Identity Disclosure Challenging the LGBTQIA+ Monolith: Intersectionality and Normativities Strategies for Fostering LGBTQIA+ Inclusivity From an Intersectional Standpoint References
Chapter 5: Resources for Additional Support Activities and Curriculum Support Advocacy Collection Development Communities Demographic and Statistical Portraits Further Reading Glossaries and Language Guides Intersectionality Legal Organizations Mental Health Policy Guides Professional Development Programming Guides Social Media Packages and Resources Youth Voices
Index129
