By Hal Patnott, Rainbow Services Librarian (adult & teen titles curated by Dontaná McPherson-Joseph, Collection Management Librarian) Held each year on March 31, Transgender Day of Visibility (TDoV) celebrates the lives and accomplishments of transgender and nonbinary people. Trans advocate Rachel Crandall founded TDoV in 2010 because stories in the media about transgender and nonbinary people … Read more
By Hal Patnott, Children’s Librarian Did you know? Illinois is one of only six states with an inclusive curriculum bill that ensures students in public schools learn about LGBTQ+ and their contributions as part of their history curriculum. In their most recent published survey results (pdf), GLSEN found that inclusive curriculums have a positive impact … Read more
First celebrated in 1988, National Coming Out Day celebrates “coming out”—living life openly as a member of the LGBTQ community—and raises awareness of the community and civil rights movement. Below, find coming-out stories for all ages and online resources to mark the 33rd anniversary of this national day. Coming out titles for all ages Online resources … Read more
Your public library is here to connect you with books, learning experiences, events, and online resources that celebrate the LGBTQ+ community in June and all year long. On this page, you can: Browse: Curated title suggestions for all ages. Attend: Upcoming events. View: A special display in the Main Library Idea Box through June 15 and test … Read more
March 31 is Transgender Day of Visibility (TDoV). Founded in 2009 by Rachel Crandall, Transgender Day of Visibility celebrates the resilience and accomplishments of transgender and nonbinary people. The title suggestions below are an invitation to learn about trans identities and experience the lives of trans people and their families. Plus, you’ll find books about … Read more
By Children’s Librarian Hal Patnott March 31 is Transgender Day of Visibility (TDoV). Founded in 2009 by Rachel Crandall, Transgender Day of Visibility celebrates the resilience and accomplishments of transgender and nonbinary people. Back in November, we shared books and resources about gender identity. This time, in honor of TDoV, let’s explore some books written … Read more
By Children’s Librarian Hal Patnott It’s Transgender Awareness Week, an annual event dedicated to educating our communities about the lives of transgender people. Transgender Awareness Week is celebrated every year during the week leading up to Transgender Day of Remembrance (November 20), a day set aside to recognize each life lost during the year to … Read more
By Children’s Librarian Hal Patnott Developing accurate and affirming language to name the parts of our bodies and understanding the ways in which bodies change as we age is an important skill for young people to learn. Not only is it a matter of physical health, but it also provides young people with better tools … Read more
Earlier this year, Library Assistant Hal Patnott (pictured above) saw an opportunity to spark conversations about gender identity with families in the Main Library Children’s Services department. As a transgender man who’s often mislabeled as “she,” Patnott said, “it gets exhausting after a while.” So he put up a sign at the service desk: “Ask … Read more
