Professional Reading- LGBT youth

I feel that we discussed most all major issues concern tweens in today’s society. I had trouble thinking of an area which need more focus/ However, as I was looking through articles I came across this article from the School Library Journal; Rainbow Project and Pride Picnic Reaches Out to LGBTQ Youth.
We discussed many different demographic groups and how to reach different readers; boys vs girls, reluctant readers vs. avid readers, but the demographic that is often overlooked is the lesbian and gay demographic. Youth are starting to understanding what their sexuality is at an early age, and in today’s society its becoming increasing more accepting to be openly gay. I think it would be interesting to see what other libraries and communities are doing nation wide, to encourage the gay and lesbian population to frequent the library.
“Research tells us that public libraries are often the first place that young people turn to when looking for the information they need, and as a community gathering space, libraries can provide a welcoming supportive and safe environment (Dalgetty, 2009).” It would be beneficial to update and/or create a collection which meets the information needs of the LGBTQ youth. Here tweens can find information about what they are feeling or going through, before they consult with an adult. Also, as Dalgetty stated, libraries are a safe place, with no judgment. Tweens have the freedom of finding information without the watchful eye of parents or friends.
Yanez explains that some LGBT youth are not represented in their libraries which deter them from being active library users. At many libraries there are few print materials for these tweens to check out, especially fiction material. Also, at some libraries there are restrictions on internet use, some gay and lesbian sites are often blocked from users. To feel comfortable in a place a person need to feel represented and symbolized. It’s also the librarian’s job to understand their community and population, which means representing all demographics of the community.



Dalgetty, Christine Dalgetty. "Rainbow Project and Pride Picnic Reaches Out to LGBTQ Youth." School Library Journal (2009). Online.

Yáñez, Israel. "Library Services to GLBT Youth." (2009). Web.